As part of the ArtCheval Festival, horseback riding and wine, two emblems of the Saumur region, come together at Domaine de Rocheville for an exhibition. Immerse yourself in the pictorial world of Renaud Hadef, a figurative painter specializing in the world of horses, with the exhibition ‘Full Gallop’.
An art festival themed around horses
Saumur, capital of horses and equestrian sports
Equestrianism is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the city of Saumur. The city, located in Maine-et-Loire, is well-known for being home to the Cadre Noir, an equestrian school founded in the early 19th century. Heir to a prestigious military past, the Cadre Noir is renowned for its high-level training programs and hosts world-class shows and equestrian competitions.
Horse enthusiasts from all over the world come to Saumur, in the Loire Valley, to experience this exceptional equestrian tradition. In short, Saumur is the city that shines a light on French equestrianism and truly deserves its title as the “city of horses!”
In Saumur, horses are celebrated in many ways. One of the must-attend events for horse lovers is the ArtCheval festival, held in the fall.
ArtCheval Festival: equestrian art in all its forms
Created by the Saumur Equestrian Committee, the ArtCheval Festival is an annual event that brings together art and the world of horses in a unique exhibition journey. For its 31st edition, the festival takes place from October 20, 2023, to January 21, 2024, in Saumur and its surrounding areas.
The main exhibition is held at the Bouvet-Ladubay Contemporary Art Center. Titled “Hippoteratos,” it features three talented artists: Sidonie Bilger, Florence Vasseur, and Sylvain Wavrant. The works on display invite each visitor to renew their perception of the relationship between humans and animals and to reflect on the position they hold in our society.
The OffCheval Festival, a continuation of ArtCheval, spans around thirty venues around Saumur. It invites visitors to explore beyond the city of horses, discovering other points of interest in nearby towns and rural villages. Shops, theaters, wineries, and many other venues are filled with paintings, sculptures, and photographs on the theme of horses.
One year after hosting Alsatian artist Laure Saigne and her colorful horse paintings, Domaine de Rocheville is pleased to welcome Renaud Hadef, “The Painter of Horses,” to exhibit his large-format works in its contemporary hall.
Renaud Hadef: ‘the man whose brushes caress horses’.
Who is Renaud Hadef ?
Renaud Hadef was born in 1963 in Compiègne (France). When he was three years old, his father, a former master blacksmith from the École Nationale des Haras, was transferred to the Haras du Pin in Normandy, where he worked as the chief farrier. At that time, this Haras was the largest in France. Renaud Hadef grew up surrounded by horses and has been practicing horseback riding since childhood.
In addition to his passion for the equestrian world, he has an innate talent for drawing and painting. After winning several competitions, the artist organized his very first exhibition at the age of 21.
A globe-trotter, Renaud Hadef has traveled the world, always accompanied by his brushes. In 1987, the artist settled in Canada, where he learned the challenging trade of cowboy on a ranch in Ontario.
He then worked at the Hippodrome de la Zarzuela in Madrid as a training rider in a thoroughbred stable.
Later, the painter pursued various professions, always maintaining a connection with horses: equestrian tour guide in Polynesia, farrier in Guadeloupe and Portugal.
This life of travels and freedom continued with a major project he completed in 2016: “La Grande Chevauchée.” In three months, he covered 2000 kilometers with his horse, from the Algarve in southern Portugal to Normandy.
This great solo journey aimed to observe and discover nature, while demonstrating that it is always possible to immerse oneself in nature without seeking to dominate it.
A multi-talented artist
Passionate about horses and drawing, the self-taught painter is also a sailing enthusiast. A seasoned navigator, he has crossed the Atlantic twice and lived for several years with his family aboard a sailboat.
Renaud Hadef is also a writer. He has written about ten adventure novels inspired by international current events, news stories, and experiences from his travels around the world.
The artist has put his aesthetic and practical sense to the service of others. He designs sets and murals of all sizes for businesses or associations. He also founded a company specializing in the creation of gardens, water features, and unique green spaces.
Recently, Renaud Hadef has been living and working in Maine-et-Loire. In addition to his various activities, he has taken over the management of the restaurant and catering service Le Coco’ning on the banks of the Authion in Saint-Martin-de-la-Place (Maine et Loire).
The painter’s inspirations
Passionate about horses and having been around them since childhood, painting them seemed natural to Renaud Hadef. The portrait painter explains: “Horses are inseparable from my life, and I have countless ideas and inspirations to keep showcasing them through my painting.”
His deep knowledge of mankind’s best friend allows him to create realistic, precise, and detailed works. However, Renaud Hadef’s main concern is to capture the emotions and soul of each animal represented, with authenticity and depth.
The painter has traveled the world and worked with horses in many countries. His canvases reflect his travels, depicting horses he encountered in Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Canada, and beyond.
Renaud Hadef’s techniques
A figurative animal painter, Renaud Hadef uses oil painting on canvas. The artist specializes in portraits and particularly enjoys working with large formats. He also creates commissioned pieces.
Horses are challenging models; capturing them realistically is not easy. For instance, a horse’s coat is not uniform and changes in appearance depending on the season and its movements.
On the canvas, the painter works tone-on-tone to achieve the right shades and depth.
Thanks to his physical and hippological knowledge of the animal, Renaud Hadef accurately paints their complex forms, while playing with shadows and lighting.
His numerous travels have allowed him to exhibit his works around the globe. Today, the painter is recognized in the equestrian world for the realism and quality of his animal paintings.
“Full Gallop” exhibition
Renaud Hadef thinks big, and a collection of about twenty horses fills the tasting room at Domaine de Rocheville. Large-format paintings (the bigger, the better, he admits) depict the horse with emotion, capturing its intimate nature.
Irish Cobs, Quarter Horses, or Boulonnais, alone or with their rider, at rest or in competition, the horse is depicted in countless ways. His paintings are titled “Dignity,” “Reflection,” “Birth,” “At the Post”…
And when it comes to stories… If you get the chance, don’t hesitate to ask Renaud Hadef about his paintings. He might tell you the moving story of his friend Bernard Sachsé, a paraplegic rider whose life inspired a film, and whom he portrayed on horseback, in front of a piano, in his painting “The Pianist’s Challenge.”
For beyond being a talented painter, he is an indefatigable storyteller who brings his horses to life both through words and the magic of his brush.
Rocheville: a winery where art is on display
Domaine de Rocheville, located in Parnay (49), produces fine sparkling wines, white, rosé, and red wines under the Crémant de Loire, Saumur Blanc, Saumur Rosé, and Saumur Champigny appellations.
With 17 hectares of organic-certified vines from Cabernet Franc and Chenin grapes, the winery has been committed to environmental protection and biodiversity development since its establishment in 2004.
Art and wine united near Saumur
In the modern building of Domaine de Rocheville, the large panoramic room transforms into an art gallery year-round.
The white limestone walls and the ample natural light from the glass room provide the perfect setting for exhibitions of painters and contemporary artists.
Whether it’s figurative art or abstract, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or photography, there is something for every style. Don’t hesitate to subscribe to the newsletter to ensure you don’t miss any events!
Practical information on the art sale exhibition
How to get to the exhibition
Domaine de Rocheville is located in Parnay, Maine-et-Loire (49), just 10 minutes by car from Saumur, one hour from Angers, and 50 minutes from Tours.
Access is via Route des Vins and then Chemin de Béniquet.
The building is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Dates and hours of the “Full gallop” exhibition
When can you visit the exhibition?
From October 20 to November 25, 2023
The exhibition is accessible for free during the Domaine’s opening hours, Monday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Vernissage
The opening of the exhibition will take place on October 19, 2023, from 6 PM to 8 PM. You will be able to discover the paintings in advance, in the presence of the artist.
Meeting with Renaud Hadef: two dates for a performance
An artistic happening will take place on Friday, November 3, and Friday, November 10, from 3:30 PM to 6 PM at the Domaine de Rocheville.
Renaud Hadef will paint a horse portrait before your eyes using wine!
Come admire the artist’s performance and engage with him.
Free entry.
Entrée libre
Can artworks be purchased?
Have a favorite among the paintings? All horse paintings are available for sale. Prices can be found on-site.
For more information, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to enjoy your visit to the exhibition by tasting some of our fine wines or discovering the new vintages!