Maurice Schwab French, b. 1946

Maurice Schwab, who also worked under the pseudonym Grawil, is a French painter associated particularly with the landscapes of Provence and the south of France. Born in Marseille in 1946, he studied at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Marseille and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

Before devoting himself fully to painting, Schwab worked as a graphic designer. His paintings are principally concerned with landscape and the natural world, with subjects including olive groves, lavender fields, rivers, lakes, coastal houses and the rural landscapes of Provence.

Working predominantly in oil, Schwab uses expressive brushwork and areas of impasto to give his paintings texture and depth. His landscapes are characterised by a strong sense of light and colour, often capturing the warmth and atmosphere of the Provençal countryside.

Schwab's paintings have continued to appear on the French and international art market, including works signed both Maurice Schwab and Grawil. His subjects reflect a close affinity with the landscapes and everyday scenes of southern France.