Paul Maze first met the artist, Édouard Vuillard (1868-1940) in London in 1932 and they became close friends as this intimate pencil sketch illustrates. Writing in the introduction to Paul Maze's exhibition catalogue at O'Hana Gallery in 1964, the artist Jacques Solomon recalled Vuillard's enthusiasm: “Do you know, I met an exceptional human being.. he is called Paul Maze. When he comes to Paris, I shall make sure that you meet.. he is a painter of talent.”

Part of a tight artistic circle in Paris, Maze and Vuillard spent time at Les Clayes, near St Cyr, the home of Jos Hessel, Vuillard's art dealer and at the Chateau of Saint Georges-Motel, as guests of Consuelo and Jacques Balsan. However, of all his artist friends it was Vuillard who was to have the most profound influence on Paul Maze. Convincing him that pastel would be the perfect medium and best suited to the spontaneity and versatility of his work, he introduced Maze to his own pastel maker, Dr Henri Roché whose father, a chemical engineer and chemist had established La Maison du Pastel in Paris in 1878 which still exists today (see the display case for more detail). Maze embraced and mastered the possibilities of pastel and would primarily work in pastels thereafter. 'Taken by God to meet God' was how he described this visit.