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Inside the Studio: Pierre Bouchard
- Art Dealer Street
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
In a world that often demands conformity, Pierre Bouchard paints outside the lines—literally and metaphorically. Known for his bold, pop-influenced visual language and his past persona as the streetwise “Newjoecool,” Bouchard’s work bridges folk nostalgia, graffiti energy, and contemporary culture. Raised in Quebec’s scenic Charlevoix region and influenced by both European masters and his own graffiti roots, Bouchard embraces contradiction and play. Whether he's capturing snowy mountain scenes or reimagining hockey players as art icons, his approach is consistently authentic, reflective, and refreshingly fun. In this Inside the Studio feature, we talk with Bouchard about duality, the power of visual storytelling, and what lies ahead in his evolving creative journey.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Pierre Bouchard :
1. Your paintings often depict intimate moments and historical scenes. What draws you to these subjects, and how do you approach their representation?
I love folk and naïve art. I once lived in Charlevoix, a very picturesque region of Quebec—rivers, sheep-filled fields, and mountains. That region inspired so many painters, like Jean-Paul Lemieux and Clarence Gagnon. Even in 19th-century France, artists like Millet and Ingres found beauty in daily rural life. I’m inspired by that same spirit—finding my own path in celebrating quiet, meaningful moments.
2. How do you approach the process of creating a new piece, from concept to execution?
Ideas flow constantly. I usually sketch a few compositions on the corner of my table before committing. The seasons influence me deeply. Winter calls for snow scenes and skiing, while summer brings vacations and farm life into the mix. It’s very intuitive.
3. Your work often evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. How do you achieve that effect through your technique?
That’s a beautiful observation—thank you! Maybe it’s because my style is a bit cartoonish, maybe it’s the dreamlike quality I aim for. Nature has those moments that feel almost too beautiful to be real. When I paint time with my family at the cottage or a summer escape, I want to evoke joy, nostalgia, and gentle melancholy.
4. Can you share a memorable exhibition experience that shaped your journey as an artist?
Absolutely. I was part of a collective in Charlevoix where we paid tribute to the landscape painter Marc-Aurèle Fortin. We painted the same scenes he once did. The community loved it. We even had guest speakers share insights into his legacy. It felt like we were walking in his footsteps, but with our own modern twist.
5. Your work is often influenced by nature, birds, fish, and hockey. What is it about these themes that resonates with you?
Those subjects were my way of reaching wider audiences. I painted birds and fish with a pop art twist, and even hockey players—some of whom signed the paintings. There was a time when collectors included fishermen, sports fans, and birdwatchers. It was all about connection.
6. You’ve mentioned using mediums like aerosol and graphite. How do you choose your tools?
Each medium reflects a chapter in my journey. Graphite came from my comic book days. Aerosol was from my time in the graffiti scene. I’ve since transitioned to oil paint, which brings a softer, more layered quality to my current work.
7. You’ve worked under your name and the pseudonym “Newjoecool.” How did those identities shape your art?
Newjoecool was my street art persona. I created a bear character that became part of murals and even a clothing line. I met lots of young artists through those experiences. But eventually, I had to choose one path, and Newjoecool was retired. Still, that energy influenced my current style.
8. How does your graffiti background continue to influence your traditional work?
The graffiti spirit definitely lingers. I still use stencils to spray little hearts into chimney smoke or add text to still lifes—something Magritte might’ve done. My colors used to be loud and fast, but they’ve mellowed over time, especially with oil painting.
9. With Newjoecool, you explored art as a product. How do you view commercialization in the art world?
I embraced that path too. While I was creating spray art on found objects like doors and street signs, I also released t-shirts and merchandise. It helped people engage with my work, especially those who weren’t ready to buy from galleries. I think creating objects complements the art, not diminishes it. If Monet were alive, I think he’d love seeing his work on coffee cups at MoMA.
10. You’ve worked on community art projects in Haiti and northern Quebec. How have these experiences shaped your creative voice?
Those projects were transformative. Through art mediation, I’ve learned how to build visual projects that spark change. It’s about finding the right artistic language for the people you’re working with—and staying open to what their culture can teach you. It’s powerful and humbling.
11. You’ve said Pierre Bouchard and Newjoecool balance each other like yin and yang. How does that duality still live in your practice?
I used to think they were perfectly complementary. Now, I see it more as a journey. Newjoecool brought energy and chaos, while Pierre Bouchard is softer and more grounded. These days, I lean toward the countryside’s calm, but I still love the city’s buzz. That duality lives on in the layers of my paintings.
12. In your view, how do refined imagery and spontaneous gesture affect how viewers experience your work?
I think people are drawn to how I remix classic themes with quick, contemporary energy. We live in a world of fast impressions—and my art reflects that rhythm. It's visual poetry that meets people where they are.
13. What’s next? Any new themes or projects you’re excited about? I’m exploring the sculptural side of my landscapes now. I want to turn painted elements into 3D pieces. I’m also working on a series inspired by Fisher-Price toys, looking at identity and harmony. It’s important to surprise people while staying true to your voice.
Pierre Bouchard invites us into a world that’s equal parts playful and profound—a world where folk tradition dances with pop culture, and where every landscape carries a whisper of street art. As he continues to evolve, pushing boundaries between painting, sculpture, and storytelling, Bouchard reminds us that art is not just about visuals—it’s about vision. Whether as himself or under his past alias, his work speaks to those in search of joy, nostalgia, and a touch of rebellion. At once grounded in heritage and reaching toward tomorrow, Pierre Bouchard paints the past, present, and future all at once.
You can learn more about Pierre Bouchard and his work via these links: Website: https://www.pierrebouchardpeintre.com/ Instagram: @pbouchard_peintre Saatchi Art: Pierre Bouchard
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