Born in the idyllic town of Vergèze in January 1891, Fontayne honed his artistic skills at the École Municipale des Beaux-Arts de Nîmes, graduating in 1910. His exceptional talent earned him a national scholarship, which he utilized to further his painting and decorative art skills in Paris in 1912. Fontayne's artistic prowess was particularly active and appreciated in the decorative arts. He is credited with creating numerous notable works during this period, which showcased his affinity for detailed drawing, a trait that was especially evident in his still lifes. His landscapes also display a figurative Cubism style akin to the teachings of André Lothe, his academy instructor. Fontayne's early works date back to the 1920s, and his exceptional talent soon made him a highly sought-after artist in Paris and beyond.