Renée Carpentier-Wintz was born in Paris in 1913 and specialised in painting impressionist style landscapes and harbour scenes of Brittany. After studying under Lucien Simon at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris, she would go on to become a member of French Artists in 1934, exhibiting at the Salon d'Automne and the Salon de la Marine. Of particular note was her receipt of the Corot Prize in 1952. While educated in the academic painting style, Renée would pursue a passion for painting outdoors ‘en plein air’ in the manner of the Impressionists. This technique demanded a free and spontaneous style of painting in order to catch the rapid changes in outdoor light. Wintz’ skill allowed her to extract the colours and shapes as well as the fragrances of nature, putting ambiance and experience directly onto the canvas. Drawn to the beauty of the Breton landscape and its unique quality of light, Wintz delighted in the picturesque coastal landscape of the region; there she would capture idyllic seascapes and charming river estuaries bathed in sunshine. Brightly coloured fishing boats and dinghies sway in the gentle breeze, waves rippling around their hulls, whilst the local Breton fishermen and bigoudènes in traditional dress mend fishing nets and go about their everyday business. Wintz’ landscapes and seaside scenes of humble Breton village folk transport the viewer into this unspoilt and cherished environment. Renée was the wife of Raymond Wintz, who was known as a ‘painter of light’ and enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest artists working in France at this time. He gained a firm appreciation by critics and collectors as a leading painter of landscapes, sea and harbour scenes. Today, the paintings of both Raymond and Renée are found in private and public collections throughout France and Europe.