Gen Paul

Gen Paul was a French painter known for his use of rapid brushstrokes and dynamic angles, in depicting street scenes, figures, and horse races. Born Eugene Paul on July 2, 1895 in Paris, France, he was largely a self-taught artist. During World War I, Paul served in the French army, losing one of his legs. The injury him to return to painting, after having shown a talent for drawing as a child. In 1917, he sold works to an antiques dealer, and befriended Juan Gris, who supplied him with painting materials. At the same time, Paul began studying engraving with Eugène Delâtre. Beginning in 1920, he began exhibiting at the Salon d’Automne and Salon des Indépendants. The artist’s expressionistic works displayed a range of influences, including those of his friends Maurice de Vlaminck and Maurice Utrillo. Increasing health problems caused by alcoholism, forced the artist to seek treatment during the 1930s. As he recovered, he entered a new phase in his work, in which rhythmic lines played a strong role. The artist died on April 30, 1975 in Paris, France.