Jean Claude Picot (French, 1933–2020) was a man whose joy for life poured out onto every canvas he touched. Inspired by the bold colors and emotional richness of Fauvist masters like Matisse and Derain, Picot created vibrant, dreamlike scenes of markets, harbors, and sun-soaked gardens, often echoing the beauty of southern France, where he spent much of his time. His paintings feel like memories—full of warmth, movement, and the kind of serenity that lingers in the soul.
My wife and I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Picot in person in 2010 at an auction. Hardly anyone there spoke French, but my wife did, and when Picot realized this, his face lit up. What was meant to be a brief exchange turned into an invitation for drinks, which somehow flowed into dinner and hours of conversation. That evening, he welcomed us into his world—not just his stories and laughter, but also his personal collection of paintings. He spoke about each one as if it were a beloved friend, full of life and memory.
But there was one painting—just one—that he lingered on. His eyes softened as he described it, the inspiration behind it, the feeling he tried to capture. My wife and I were equally drawn to it. The next day, when it came up at auction, we couldn’t let it slip away. We outbid the others and took it home, knowing it carried more than color and canvas—it carried a moment, a connection, a story we were now a part of.
When Picot found out that we had bought his favorite painting, he sent a message asking to meet us again at the bar. When we arrived, he greeted us with a warm smile—and in his hands, he held a small sketch, a personal gift, signed and made just for us. We were stunned, touched beyond words. It was a gesture so full of generosity and heart. We shared a champagne toast to his health that evening, laughing, talking, and basking in the joy of that unforgettable moment.
Fifteen years have passed since then. That painting has filled our home with joy and meaning, a constant reminder of the night we met a master and left with more than just art—we left with a story that will always live in our hearts. Now, it’s time for this piece to find a new home. We hope that whoever welcomes it next will feel the same warmth, inspiration, and quiet magic that we have felt every day.
(Photographed in April 2025)