2026-09-27 - NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - La dépêche du Midi 

"Laurence Saunois, Lot Ambassador of Modern Impressionism, Conquers the United States with an Impressive Series of Ten Monumental Canvases Inspired by Monet"

Published on September 26, 2026

Have you ever wondered how an artist from a small town can create an international sensation in the world of contemporary art? That is precisely the case with Laurence Saunois, a Lot ambassador of modern Impressionism who is currently causing a stir in the United States with an impressive series of ten monumental canvases inspired by Monet. This journey raises fascinating questions: what challenges does she face in exporting an art form so deeply rooted in French tradition? And how do her works engage in a dialogue with the legacy of the Impressionist master?

These ten exceptional canvases, titled Nympheus Luminansis, embody a vibrant tribute to gardens and water lilies—unmissable emblems of Claude Monet's world. Based in Figeac, in the Lot department, Laurence recently exhibited these creations in France before sending them off on a two-year tour across several American museums. This is a rare feat for works on such a monumental scale and so closely linked to a French pictorial tradition that has taken a modern turn. In the face of this transatlantic recognition, the artist questions our relationship with light, nature, and artistic memory, offering a fresh reading of Impressionism.

How Laurence Saunois Reinvents Modern Impressionism

I remember my first visit to her studio in Figeac. What struck me was the sheer size of the canvases, but also the delicacy of her touch. Laurence does not simply copy Monet; she revisits his themes through a contemporary lens and with stunning technical mastery. Her modern Impressionism does not represent a break with the past, but rather a renewal—she bridges historical heritage with contemporary touches that captivate art enthusiasts.

Revisited Impressionism: An Inspiring Synthesis

To better understand the impact of her work, here is a breakdown summarizing the key features of her Nympheus Luminansis series and their connection to Monet:

• Theme

  • Monet: The water lilies and gardens of Giverny

  • Saunois: The same motifs with a modern touch

• Size of the Works

  • Monet: Varied, primarily medium-sized

  • Saunois: Monumental, large formats (square or double-canvas formats)

• Technique

  • Monet: Classic Impressionism, visible brushstrokes

  • Saunois: Mixed media featuring contemporary lighting effects

• Objective

  • Monet: Capture the instantaneous quality and emotion of nature

  • Saunois: Reinterpret nature within a contemporary context

What Is at Stake for a French Artist in the US Market?

With around ten monumental canvases on display on American soil through 2027, Laurence Saunois is reaching a major milestone in her career. Yet, it goes beyond a simple series of exhibitions. She is also acting as a cultural ambassador, revealing a modern face of an art form often viewed as purely historical or classical. This project also prompts reflection on the place of French contemporary art on an international stage dominated by diverse influences.

This conquest of America is a bold move accompanied by real challenges:

• Adapting the work to the expectations of a highly diverse audience.

• Preserving her artistic identity while appealing to a global market.

• Managing the complex logistics of touring large-scale artwork internationally.

Key Figures from French and American Exhibitions

Laurence's success can also be measured in numbers. According to recent exhibition reports, her series attracted over 10,000 visitors during its display in Figeac alone. In the United States, partner museums estimate a combined attendance of 50,000 visitors by the end of 2027, highlighting a clear interest in this contemporary, Impressionist-inspired art.

This phenomenon reflects a broader trend: according to a 2025 cultural study, attendance at French contemporary art exhibitions in the United States increased by 35% over three years, illustrating a renewed curiosity for reimagined artistic heritage.

The Artistic Journey of a Lot Ambassador to the World Stage

Beyond the technique and statistics, what fascinates me most about Laurence Saunois is her role as a local ambassador bringing modern Impressionism to the world. Her trajectory shows how passion and perseverance can lift regional artwork onto an international platform. I recall a conversation where she shared: "My ambition is for my canvases to cross borders and speak to everyone, without cultural barriers." It is a vision that is both humble and ambitious, placing the artist within a global dynamic.

The American exhibition space becomes a stage where contemporary art meets artistic memory, reminding us that Impressionism is far from static and continues to shape current creation. Laurence embodies this continuity, bridging worlds through a seamless synthesis of tradition and innovation.

What is the role of painting for the creator that you are?

"For me, painting is far more than a passion or a profession: it is a vital need, a privileged way to communicate with the world. It allows me to express complex emotions and feelings that words cannot capture. It is a universal language that transcends cultures and generations.

As a creator, my role is to offer a pause, a window of escape in an often frantic world. Painting invites us to slow down, observe, and marvel at the poetry of everyday life. It is a bridge between art and humanity."

An Exhibition Not to Be Missed: How to Follow This Cultural Journey

For those wishing to immerse themselves in Laurence Saunois's universe and this unique series, several opportunities are available:

• Visit the American museums where the canvases will be on display through 2027.

• Read exhibition summaries and reviews on French cultural platforms highlighting her connection to Monet and modern Impressionism.

• Participate in workshops or conferences where Laurence reveals her creative process and artistic approach.

This blend of local roots in the Lot and international reach offers a rare glimpse into how Impressionist-inspired painting finds new life in the contemporary world, especially across the Atlantic.

To explore this artistic journey further, you can consult specialized articles on the traces of Claude Monet or follow cultural news updates where Laurence Saunois's work is regularly featured. This exhibition serves as a bridge between yesterday and today—an unmissable event for art lovers.

La dépêche du Midi devotes an article to Nympheus Luminansis. Copyright La dépêche du Midi