I am a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I earned my degree in painting from Newcomb College of Tulane University, and after graduating, stayed in New Orleans. (I spent my junior year abroad in Madrid where I studied art history in the Prado). I have worked in interior design since 1975, and owned a design shop in Old Metairie for 30+ years, 2 more on Magazine St., and now do select design jobs out of my home office.
Most of my time is now devoted to painting and travel… often combining the two. I have had several solo shows, on Julia Street, Magazine St., and in Birmingham, AL , where I am currently represented by Design Supply Shop. I also show with Taos Blue in Taos, NM.
My latest project is PaintSpace Nola, which will be completely renovated and ready to roll in early spring, 2023. It is going to be a wonderfully exciting space for art workshops of all kinds. I will bring in talented instructors from around the globe as well as from our local wealth of talent to teach 3, 4 and 5 day workshops to students from New Orleans and around the country.
Questions & Answers
Describe your art in three words.
Colorful, textured, layered
Describe yourself in one word.
Non-stop
What do you love the most about creating art in your community? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?
My art friends. We, in New Orleans, are SO fortunate to have an incredible close and supportive group of fellow artists who are giving, loving, caring, and sharing. The New Orleans Academy of Art has been such a gift. It has pulled together amazing people from all over the city.
Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?
I usually start with photographs that I take on my many travels. I also take pictures at stop lights and at train crossings! Literally anywhere…..walking the dog, in the park. Then I activate the canvas with inks or line drawings… or I tape off areas and then apply color… Depends on my inspiration. I usually begin with a limited palette and then allow myself to add whatever colors the painting dictates.
Where do you draw inspiration?
Literally, from everywhere. Since childhood I have viewed the world with a picture frame around it. I’m a nature freak, loving sunsets, rocks, trees, plants, flowers, you name it. However, I’m also drawn to the lines of industrial plants, phone lines, water towers, blight! I love trains, train trestles, old barns, fences. Literally, the world, in its entirety, inspires me, endlessly!
Who are your artistic influences or gurus?
I am mainly influenced by artists with whom I paint and with whom I have painted. Of course I love the impressionists for their amazing colors and applications of paint and Diebenkorn and Mitchell, on and on! I am mostly inspired by living artists, contemporaries…I love the work of Krista Harris, Nell Tilton, my teacher for 14 years. I love the work of Dennis Campay, who I discovered years ago in a gallery on the Northshore. I love finding new inspiration on Instagram. Too many to mention!
In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?
Jon Batiste FREEDOM!
Where can we find you when you are not creating art?
Traveling, being inspired! And I love being home with my honey, Jim, and our pup Petey.
What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
The golden hour, when the sun is beginning to set. All days of the week, since I no longer own a retail store… I love every day of the week. Fall is my favorite time of the year, so I guess October. And I love my birthday month, which I celebrate the entire month of April!
What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.
I’m a people person! I love meeting new people. (I could talk to the wall).
