My process begins with subconscious journaling. I investigate and digest my surroundings, recording the feelings I have in the places I explore. My favorite locations are those where man-made and organic forms meet and make an impression on one another. My eyes come to rest on the mark-­making and patinas composed by natural age.   For the past three years I have worked with encaustic paints on plaster. These multi-­layered pieces have a sculptural aspect in their build and excavation. This led me to explore paper in a similar way. By shaping and dying the surface I study, the volume and tension it can hold, I can create in a more three ­dimensional field in response to this newfound versatility.   Until now, my work focused on representational painting. My present interest allows the properties of surface to have an equal amount of say in the narrative, drawing on intuition, reading them as one would a new landscape.

Commissioned works are available. My subjects range from portraits, to landscapes and color fields. If you would like to discuss a commission, please private message me, and we can discuss further details for your vision.

Describe your art in three words. organic, hand-worked, and sculptural paintings

Describe yourself in one word. present

What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work? The lushness of the vegetation and the warmth of the city's inhabitance is what inspires me most.

Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece? I collect images and collage them for a while before I begin a work. Presently, I am working in a multi-layered process that requires a fresh eye and a clean space for each step.

Where do you draw inspiration? I get ideas from almost everywhere. Once I begin making work, more work wants to come.

Who are your artistic influences or gurus? Gauguin is one of my all time favorite artists, for his use of color and portrayal of a tropical life. I love David Choe for his expressive mixed-media. I believe Dean Mitchell is a master of patience with his flawless watercolors of local terrain.

In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work? the Blues

Where can we find you when you are not creating art? When I am not in my studio, I am in a warehouse painting sets for film. When that's done, I'm on the road.

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year? I love the early mornings and the middle of the night.

What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact. I was raised on avocados.

All works listed online are available to be viewed at Where Y’Art Gallery by appointment.

IJ Riellys

Shades of Blue

Ouvert Gallery

Because of the nature of my paintings, all shipping prices vary according to location.

For international shipping prices, rush orders or commissions, login in and send me a private message through the messaging tool on my profile page.