Growing Branches: Field Trip!!

Let's take a fieldtrip! We'll go to New Orleans and scope out some of the art studios in the French Quarter.

We'll have to leave early, but maybe there will be a pretty sunrise.

We'll get James to drop us off in Jackson Square while he goes to a business meeting.

First, we'll enjoy the architecture,

The Cornstalk Fence

and then we'll listen to some music in front of St. Louis Cathedral.

Now for some art studios. Let's do George Rodrigue first. Of course everyone knows him. He's from New Iberia and started painting in the 60s. His first well known paintings were landscapes easily identified by his dark, moss draped trees and spooky moon light. Then he moved on to family gatherings and finally his beloved blue dog. He also did a series about the plight of the Acadians.

Across Royal street is the Hemmerling Gallery of Southern Art. Bill Hemmerling was born in Chicago but lived for thirty years in Ponchatula. His "day job" was designing and staging window displays for Sears. He was an untrained artist and I think that's why I like his work so much.

Also found in this gallery is the work of Mr. Hemmerling's protege', Kalle' Siekkinen. Kalle' used to help Mr. Hemmerling prep for some of his painting. After Hemmerling passed away in 2009, Kalle started painting on his own to feel near to his friend again.

These sunflowers are painted on a window screen.

Further down the street is the gallery of Chris Roberts-Antieau. She is an applique artist. She "paints" with fabric cut and embroidered into beautiful designs.

We'll look around a little more and then head for the Gazebo Café by the French Market to get a little something for refreshment while we enjoy some fun music.

Afterward let's buy some pralines and head for home. It was a fun trip and has hopefully inspired us to get artistic in the next post.