Discover his world in 3 minutes
To fully share his world, here is a video portrait of David. In just a few minutes, we discover not only his pastels and their meticulous detail, but also the man behind the work: his gestures, his doubts, his smiles, and his unique way of experiencing painting.
The art of time and the intimate
David Decobert is not only a recognized pastel artist; he is also a man who is both discreet and deeply passionate. Since last August, he has been fully embracing his semi-retirement, devoting each day to painting after years of balancing professional life with his passion. This transition into retirement marks a creative liberation for him: no more constraints just gesture, light, color, and suspended moments in time.
To look at his works is to confront the power of time passing. Each composition, each chosen object whether a candle, a glass placed just so, his puppet, or even a simple piece of tape becomes a frozen moment in time.
His works do not seek to please or to deliver a single message; they are a mirror of himself, and it is the viewer who tells their own story while looking at them. Depending on who is looking, the same painting can evoke completely different emotions or memories, making each viewing a unique and intimate experience like a silent, universal language.
Minimalisme, minutie et sincérité
Minimalism, Meticulousness, and Sincerity
David is what I would call emotionally raw: humble, sometimes unsure of himself, yet gifted with immense talent. His minimalist universe is reflected in his life as well: simple, pared down, almost austere, yet rich with meaning. In his studio, there is only what he needs: pastels, paper, and a few objects he enjoys observing. Like him, his paintings are reduced to the essential but every detail matters and tells a story.
True to himself, David does not necessarily seek to explain his works. He prefers to quote Monet:
“One should not talk too much about painting; it might make people believe it needs words.”
and to let each viewer’s gaze do the work.
International Reach
After dedicating his life to refining his art, David now sees his work travel beyond borders. His pastels have been exhibited in galleries abroad, such as in Germany, and more recently in Taiwan at an exhibition organized by PAPAT, showing that his visual poetry resonates with audiences far beyond France.
This success has not changed his humility: he does not seek fame, but simply to express what he sees and feels. Each painting remains true to his universe, while leaving full freedom of interpretation to those who view it.
Everyday Objects and Memory
David chooses simple objects: a paper boat, a glass of milk, a pushpin, or Pinocchio. What gives them their strength is the light he draws from them, the grain of the paper he makes vibrate under the pastel, and the way each detail reveals a meticulous, attentive gesture.
In his works, the viewer can contemplate not only the object, but the way it was observed and touched by the artist: a piece of paper that burns, a curling corner, a tear… so many small clues that reveal David’s sensitivity and the time spent creating each pastel.
Golf and the Precision of Gesture
Beyond painting, he also enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends, especially on golf courses.
He quotes Gary Player, champion of the sport:
“The more I practice, the luckier I get.”
This philosophy guides his art: patience, repetition, and discipline are at the heart of every gesture. Each pastel is the result of hours of observation and meticulous adjustments. As in golf, the gesture must be right and precise yet free, guided by feeling and intuition.
A Ritual as a Path to Serenity
The perfectionism that drives him and his need for control take the form of a creative ritual. David needs to know where he is going, and when he begins a piece, he already knows how it will look when signed.
To achieve this, he prepares each work in what he calls “vignettes” small thumbnails that allow him to choose colors in advance, define the balance of the composition, and place the different elements… so he can feel fully reassured when painting what will become the final artwork.
And the Ladybug in All This…
It would be impossible to write this article without mentioning his famous ladybug. Charming yet mischievous, shy yet daring, she slips in everywhere with disarming grace. A faithful companion at every moment, she takes on the boldest challenges and the most improbable poses, always balancing mischief and determination. Thought to be fragile, she proves fearless; believed to be discreet, she steals the spotlight. Small in size, immense in presence, she alone embodies the spirit of adventure.
To learn more, you can explore David’s work in our virtual gallery or on the artist’s website.
