Bernard Vivier, a 95-year-old resident of Châteaugiron in Brittany, France, has discovered an unexpected passion for painting following the death of his beloved wife Suzanne two years ago. The former automobile mechanic, who also plays the accordion and occasionally the harmonica, has created more than 120 artworks since he began painting in early 2023, despite never having taken any formal art classes.

Vivier moved to Châteaugiron in 2005 to follow his daughter Valérie, who was transferred there for work. "My daughter was born in Rennes. She was transferred, so we followed her," he explains. "I started painting after my wife passed away two years ago. I never took any courses. I've always loved drawing. It clears my head. I feel like I'm actually there when I paint."

His apartment is now covered with his paintings, and he has gained a modest following among his neighbors and visitors to La Glaume, who sometimes ask to visit his apartment to see his work. His artistic creations have found their way into waiting rooms and offices of various professionals in his community, including nurses' offices, medical practices, home care services, pharmacies, and laboratories, as he generously gives away his paintings to those around him.

In just two years, Vivier has completed over 120 paintings from his home, depicting the landscapes and landmarks of Brittany, the English Channel, castles, coastlines, lighthouses, the sea, boats, and islands. His exceptional artistic mastery is evident despite his lack of formal training. "I'm in love with Brittany. I immediately fell in love with the nature and greenery here," he says. "I do colorful acrylic painting. I use blue, yellow, black, white, and red. I draw inspiration from models in catalogs. I adore the sea, old cities, Dinard, Cancale, and Rennes. The artist I particularly admire is Leonardo da Vinci."

Vivier's artistic journey began as a tribute to his late wife. "The first painting I made in early 2023 was of Rue de la Madeleine, and it was for my wife Suzanne, who had difficulty walking. Going up that street was complicated for her. I dedicated this painting to her. Then I painted Mont Saint-Michel because she was born nearby," he recalls with emotion.

The devoted artist typically spends about a day painting a castle, demonstrating what appears to be a natural gift for the craft. "You have to know how to do shadows, not forget the greenery and flowers. Painting is a real passion," he emphasizes. The more he creates, the more he gives away, sharing his art with anyone who shows appreciation for his work.

Vivier has created several paintings of his local community, including the castle, Rue de la Madeleine, Châteaugiron, and its small train from 1929. Now, the only thing missing is finding an exhibition venue to showcase the talent of this 95-year-old painter who has never had the opportunity to display his work publicly.

His daughter Valérie expresses immense pride in her father's artistic transformation. "My dad started painting when my mom died at the end of 2022. I'm proud of him, of his ability to move forward after such trauma. This activity allows him to meet people, to talk about what he does and what he loves. His great pleasure is offering his paintings to people he loves but also to all the people he meets with kindness. It's his way of thanking all the people who surround him."

Valérie continues to praise her father's remarkable character: "My dad is an exceptional gentleman who, aside from his paintings, has a beautiful general knowledge. He lived in Normandy during World War II. He's an open book – his stories are full of anecdotes and very precise memories. I'm very proud of him." Through his art, Bernard Vivier has not only found a way to honor his wife's memory but also discovered a new purpose that brings joy to both himself and his community.