Three talented artists have been officially recognized with the prestigious title of "approved painter of the Armed Forces, specialty painter of the Gendarmerie" according to a decree from the Minister of the Armed Forces dated August 27, 2025, and published Thursday in the Official Journal. The newly appointed artists are Pauline Becherand, known by her artistic name "Redpaln" who works as an illustrator, Chrystel Floriot, a visual artist and sculptor, and Sébastien Lefebvre, who goes by "Slaad" and works as a graphic designer.

This distinguished title has been awarded to each artist for an initial period of three years. The recognition comes as part of France's ongoing commitment to documenting military life through artistic expression. Additionally, seven other artists who already held this prestigious title have had their designations renewed for another three-year period, ensuring continuity in the program.

The structure of the Armed Forces painter program follows a clear progression path for participating artists. Initially approved for renewable three-year terms, artists can achieve permanent status after completing nine years of service in the program. Throughout their tenure, these military painters must fulfill specific obligations, including exhibiting at least one artwork at each Armed Forces painters' salon, which serves as a showcase for their military-themed creations.

The program offers unique opportunities for artistic immersion and authentic military documentation. Participating artists are granted special access to stay within military regiments, aboard Navy vessels, at air force bases, or with the Republican Guard to paint, sculpt, or photograph military personnel in their actual working environments. This unprecedented access allows artists to capture the authentic daily life, ceremonies, and operations of French military forces with remarkable accuracy and detail.

The selection process for these coveted positions maintains high standards through a competitive examination system. Artists must demonstrate not only exceptional artistic skill but also the ability to work within military environments and capture the essence of military service. The program represents a unique intersection between France's rich artistic heritage and its military traditions, ensuring that the experiences and dedication of service members are preserved through various artistic mediums for future generations.