Rivard: Diving Into the Depths: The Artistic Journey of Blu Rivard and His Undersea Lifescapes By Writer and Contributor Stephen Godfrey
Blu Rivard: Diving Into the Depths: The Artistic Journey of Blu and His Undersea Lifescapes
“What’s in a name?,” you ask. Well, if it’s Blu Rivard, quite a lot. So far as anyone knows, there’s only one—and, he’s here in our midst.
If you’ve visited the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, you may remember the mural depicting the migration of whales past the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It’s called “Life’s Journey.” You may have taken a moment to read the legend next to it. Or, perhaps you noticed the artist’s signature at the lower left corner of the image that reads, “BRivard.”
That’s Blu.
Blu was one of the first marine artists to paint in the “two worlds” genre, which presents a composite above and below the waterline view. According to Blu, “What I paint are actually ‘Undersea Lifescapes,’ a term my executive director coined early on to describe my images. They comprise the largest of my five ‘Shades of Blu’ collections.”
The Los Serenos de Point Vicente Board of Directors commissioned Blu in 2018 to create this original oil painting, which was subsequently upscaled under Blu’s supervision to the mural you see in the museum.
The photo on the left shows what the wall previously looked like. On the right, Blu is putting the finishing touch to the original oil painting—his signature. The 26” x 42.5” (66 x 107.9 cm) original is currently in Blu’s private collection, though he says he might be open to discussing its acquisition by a serious collector.
Blu was on-hand for our 2019 “Whale of a Day” celebration to unveil the mural. Notice any familiar faces?
Blu returned to join us for our 2022 “Whale of a Day” event.
Prior to this commission, Blu did a painting of the Point Vicente Light House and our coastline. It’s called “Lighting The Way” and is part of his Seascapes & Landscapes Collection. The 16” x 20” (40 x 50 cm) original oil is also in Blu’s personal collection, but could be offered to an interested collector. Incidentally, that’s Blu with Los Serenos de Point Vicente board president, Marcia Booth.
Blu’s work differs from other undersea artists in important ways. Foremost are the painstaking detail and the biological accuracy of his paintings. Blu tells us that reef species found in tropical regions are quite different. What might be common in parts of the South Pacific won’t necessarily be found in the Caribbean or the Red Sea. “The magic is knowing what belongs with what,” said Blu with a twinkle in his eye. “My career really took off in 1989 when I completed my first circular Undersea Lifescape, ‘Send in the Clowns.’ It was my first image to be published.” Blu reports that his first “two worlds” painting, “Faces In Cayman,” was also his first diptych (two-panel) painting. It too was published in 1989.
Concern for the sanctity of nature seems to be the emotional underpinning of Blu’s art. He says he seeks to infuse each image with a reverential spirituality. Not surprisingly, Blu is involved in several marine and environmental advocacy associations. He serves on the Honorary Board of Governors for the Project AWARE Foundation (through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors/PADI) with undersea notables Dr. Sylvia Earle, Jean-Michele Cousteau, and others passionate about this cause. He is also a member of the Ocean Artists Society, co-founded by colleague and fellow Michigan native, Wyland.
Blu’s attention to biological accuracy is also on display in his second-largest collection, Exotic Wildlife Studies. He’s fond of birds and it shows in his depictions of them. At left is “Family Tree,” center is “Lorikeet Feast”, and on the right is “Toucanese.” Blu mentioned that several families he’s met in our area have bird companions like these.
Much of Blu’s inspiration seems to have come from being amidst the flora and fauna of exotic locales. He’s spent time at many of the world’s most compelling dive sites. The South Pacific became more accessible when Blu decided to base himself in Guam for nearly a decade. This was followed by a period in Australia’s Gold Coast near the Great Barrier Reef. Eventually, Blu returned to the mainland and has been living in our area now for more than a decade.
Blu believes his collectors value the emotional component he infuses in each image…that indefinable something not found in what he cheekily describes as “assembly-line wall adornments.” Reproductions of his original oils run from limited editions to open editions to fine art posters to mini-prints and note cards. Blu commented, “Art should be accessible. So, I sought to offer reproductions that align with most budgets. Ask the gift shop at the Interpretive Center about what they may have on hand when you visit.”
Blu’s website provides a wealth of information about which images are available and in which reproduction form. Serious collectors, seeking investment-grade art—in addition to aesthetic appeal—will probably focus on the original oils that are available at any given time. Blu also tells us that he’s usually able to accept a few commissions and students each year.
All but Blu’s most recent images are displayed on his website www.rivardfineart.com. Some reproductions are currently listed on Etsy, as well. According to Blu, his art has been exhibited and collected in over fifty countries during his nearly five-decade career.
Before painting became his life’s work, Blu was a professional musician. The photo of Blu and his backup band was taken before a performance at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1976. After becoming a California resident, he could be found performing in various venues in the South Bay and Orange County. Songs by Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, and Bob Seeger were said to be in his repertoire.
So, that’s what’s in a name like Blu Rivard.
Bio: Stephen Godfrey spent his professional life as a sales and marketing director in the audio/video/multimedia products industry. In addition to being a writer and author, Godfrey is a certified SCUBA diver and a singer/guitarist. He resides in southern California.
