Telling the story of Belle-Île in a single image

A request: to imagine a visual capable of telling the story of the island in all its richness, through a multitude of viewpoints between ports, beaches and cliffs, nature, architecture, colours and lights.

Conceived to adorn the wall of a doctor's office, the artwork was created step by step, blending memories, conversations, and visual research. From the initial sketch to the final mural, this project explores how an illustration can become a space for escape and memory, at the crossroads of artistic creation and contemporary tools.

A request, an intention

The project was born from a wonderful commission: to design an original illustration capable of telling the story of Belle-Île-en-Mer in a single image, intended to adorn a wall within a healthcare facility. An invitation to daydream and escape , while bringing a soothing and colorful presence to the space.

Between memory and research

Before production began, careful consideration was given to the best way to evoke Belle-Île: its composition, its ports, its architecture, its light, and its nature. A familiar island, known for its contrasts, its bold colors, its fauna and flora, and everything that defines it.

As part of the creative process , artificial intelligence was briefly used to complement photographic documentation and visual inspiration. The aim was not to delegate the creative process, but to explore how this technology could interpret an artistic vision, much like a digital sketchbook or mood board.

No generated image was retained as is: the final result is the fruit of many hours of composition, experimentation and adjustments.

A gradual construction

The visual design developed gradually through a dialogue with Sylvain (the client). These exchanges allowed us to refine the composition, situate the locations, and enrich the image as the discussions progressed.

The island's iconic features are all present : from Pointe des Poulains to Fort Sarah Bernhardt , draft horses , the oystercatcher , typical villages and Breton houses , the Jean menhir , Sauzon and its Tide coefficients , Le Palais , Vauban with its Citadel and its Gate of the same name, beaches like Donnant and Grands Sables , the Aiguilles de Port-Coton beloved by Impressionist painters, the sardine (a nod to the cannery "la belle-iloise"), old rigging , pleasure boats with sail or motor , fishing boats , caravanning , broom , the moors , wild heather , Locmaria and its church consecrated in 1070, Port Blanc and Port Maria , Kerdonis Lighthouse , the SNSM , the Compagnie Océane boat which allows you to reach the island from Quiberon but also the ubiquitous seagulls , crustaceans , waves and wild coast ... but also, the Breton striped shirt or the yellow oilskin ! Etc.

These various landmarks are integrated into an overall composition suggesting the shape of the island's map, interwoven with symbolic elements .

All in a contemporary graphic style, combining figuration and abstraction , with bright and primary colors, graphic energy, and a clean white background that enhances the readability and brightness of the whole.

From the screen to the wall

Once the composition was validated, the image was prepared for wall printing in 2600 × 1700 mm format (ratio close to 3:2), landscape orientation.
Production and installation were entrusted to Impression Murale , in direct contact with Sylvain for technical aspects and planning of the installation at the office.

The final result transforms the digital illustration into an in situ artwork , where color and light interact with the space.
A graphic presence that inhabits the space while inviting contemplation.

Extension and edition

From mural to publishing, Belle-Île-en-Mer continues its journey:
A way to offer other lovers of Belle-Île the opportunity to preserve an evocation of it, between sensitive cartography and graphic memory.

Two versions emerged:

• BELLE-ÎLE / Full Colors , to rediscover the light and richness of "reality".
• BELLE-ÎLE / Low Colours , to read its lines and structures.

The prints are available in the shop in SIGNATURE edition !

This project illustrates the richness of a process where memory, technology, and human collaboration intertwine to give birth to an original creation.
A work that explores the boundary between art and storytelling, and that pays homage to the timeless beauty of Belle-Île-en-Mer .

Related article: YVOIRE Lakeside, wall print at Zenarium

On Instagram: @eric_blanchot