New Orleans, September 24, 2025
New Orleans welcomes a retired chemical engineer from Columbus, Ohio, who has transitioned into a vibrant artist. His work, featuring watercolors and nature scenes, reflects the city’s lively spirit and colorful storytelling. With themes rooted in local landscapes and wildlife, his art resonates with residents and visitors alike. The artist’s unique background adds depth to his creations, capturing the essence of New Orleans through abstract and whimsical illustrations.
Art Alert for New Orleans: A Colorful Outsider Who Speaks to Our Streets and Seas
Listen up, Crescent City — here’s a juicy little art scene nugget that might brighten your second line. From Columbus, Ohio, comes a creative who kept a paintbrush tucked in his science pocket: a retired chemical engineer who turned decades of curiosity into visuals that pop. He’s been making art since his teens, moved into digital art over the last decade, and keeps coming back to watercolors and nature scenes you’d happily hang over a mantel in the Marigny or Mid-City.
Why New Orleanians should care
Think about it: New Orleans is a mashup of swampy, sun-splashed, and soulful. That same vibe shows up in the work of this artist, who captures landscapes, wildlife, and tropical moments — including a standout watercolor inspired by a 2021 trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands titled Palm Tree at the Sea. If you love the Gulf’s light, riverfront hues, and the city’s evergreen flair for colorful storytelling, these pieces will feel right at home.
What he paints and how it ties to our city
His portfolio reads like a travel diary that’s been run through a color amplifier: abstracts, landscapes, wildlife, floral studies, and whimsical illustrations for children’s books. Most works begin with his own photographs or freely available reference images — a perfect match for New Orleanians who shoot street scenes, river sunsets, and backyard wildlife with their phones and want to see those moments translated into art. Originals and signed prints have moved out the door before, proving these pieces can live in real homes — think shotgun house porches, cozy Po-Boy joints, or gallery-lined walkways during an art market weekend.
Technique that matters
Watercolor lovers will perk up: the artist has practiced and sold a number of watercolors of animals, flowers, and landscapes. He sharpened his color theory and immediacy through paint-along lessons that focus on alla prima techniques — painting wet-into-wet and capturing the whole piece in a single session. That freshness translates well to the bold, spontaneous feel New Orleanians appreciate. The result is artwork with energy, not overworked perfection.
What visitors and locals can take away
If you’re visiting New Orleans and craving souvenirs beyond the usual magnets and beads, consider art prints that echo tropical palettes and local wildlife. Locals, meanwhile, can view this work as a reminder that creativity often comes from unexpected backgrounds — here, an engineer’s eye sharpens composition and detail, while years of tinkering produce charming, commercially solid artwork. These pieces are ripe for living rooms, guest rooms, or as gifts for friends who love color and calm.
Practical tips for lovers of art and artists in NOLA
- Looking to buy: Seek out signed prints or originals that suit your space — watercolor florals and coastal scenes make easy conversation starters at home or in a rental.
- Want to learn: Try paint-along workshops or short classes that emphasize color theory and wet-into-wet techniques — the quick, bold look resonates in local art fairs and neighborhood galleries.
- Local display ideas: Think cafes, pop-up shows, art markets, or a curated wall in your shotgun house — the works’ approachable visuals fit a wide range of New Orleans interiors.
- For photographers in the city: Use your own shots of Audubon Park, City Park oaks, or the riverfront as starting points for digital or watercolor experiments.
Big takeaway
Whether you’re a visitor hunting for something that captures sun-on-water vibes or a local who wants vibrant, honest artwork without fuss, these watercolors and digital pieces deliver. The artist’s journey from engineering to art offers a reminder that creativity doesn’t need to follow one path — and in a place like New Orleans, where different worlds collide daily, that’s exactly the kind of story we love.
FAQ
Who is this artist and why is his background interesting?
The artist is a retired chemical engineer from Columbus, Ohio, who has been creating art since his teenage years and moved into digital and watercolor work over the last decade.
What kinds of artwork does he make?
He creates abstracts, landscapes, wildlife scenes, watercolors of animals and flowers, digital art, and illustrations for children’s books. Many pieces are based on his own photographs or free reference images.
Is there a connection to tropical or coastal themes?
Yes. A notable watercolor inspired by a 2021 trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands captures palm trees and sea vistas, making the work appealing to those who love Gulf and island light and color.
Are originals and prints available?
Yes, many watercolors and other works have been sold as originals or signed prints, making them suitable for collectors and casual buyers alike.
How can New Orleanians use or display this art?
The art fits well in homes, restaurants, cafes, and local pop-up shows. Pieces with tropical and nature themes pair naturally with New Orleans’ lively interiors and outdoor color palette.
Any tips for local artists inspired by his journey?
Experiment with your own photos as references, study color theory, try paint-along or alla prima methods, and aim to create original compositions that can sell as prints or originals at local markets.
Quick Feature Chart
| Feature | Why It Matters to NOLA | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Watercolor Landscapes | Matches local love for river and bayou scenes | |
| Tropical Themes | Echoes Gulf and island aesthetics popular with visitors | |
| Animal & Floral Studies | Great for home decor and local gift markets | |
| Digital Art & Illustrations | Flexible formats for prints and merch — fits festival stalls |
Final word: For New Orleans — where color, story, and improvisation rule — these artworks bring a tidy dose of island sun and backyard life to your walls. Keep an eye out at local art spots and markets; you might just snag something that feels like it was painted for your neighborhood.
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