“You just can’t live in Texas unless you’ve got a lot of soul.” – Waylon Jennings I believe the hype: Texas is bigger and better than anyplace else. As we drive I-10 and listen to ‘Willie’s Place’ on Sirius Radio, I enjoy the long stretches of flat land and occasional hills, the seemingly abandoned towns,Continue reading “Crossing West Texas (and the Moo-Cow Blues)”
Monthly Archives:
The Blue Cat
It may surprise you to know that we do not have a dog. In fact, George Rodrigue has not had a dog since Tiffany, an unwitting participant in the Blue Dog Series, died in 1980. He’s had several dogs over his lifetime, beginning with Lady and Trixie in 1950s New Iberia. However, it’s never beenContinue reading “The Blue Cat”
Remembering Lafayette’s Advocates for the Arts, Circa 1969
This post is dedicated to Mrs. Frances Love (1926-2010), a friend of the arts. When George Rodrigue speaks of supporters during the early years of his career, three names always come up: Rita Davis, A. Hayes Town, and Frances Love. Between them they spent just a few hundred dollars on his canvases, however their influenceContinue reading “Remembering Lafayette’s Advocates for the Arts, Circa 1969”
Eagle Scout
It was probably our first date when I asked George Rodrigue, “How would you describe yourself? What are your best qualities?” Without hesitating, he rattled off a list: “I am trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” “Goodness,” I said, secretly hoping I could measure up. It wasn’t untilContinue reading “Eagle Scout”
The Class
My nine-year-old nephew William said to me, as I headed out the door to my 25th High School Reunion in Fort Walton Beach, Florida this weekend, “Why would you want to see all those old people? I mean, you could swim at the pool with us!” I tried (and failed) to explain to him aboutContinue reading “The Class”
Blue Dog: The Dark Period, 2006-7 (Paintings Following Katrina)
Following the chaos of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, George Rodrigue shifted his attention from Bodies, a collection of paintings and remastered digital prints focused on the female nude, to Blue Dog Relief. The New Orleans gallery reopened in January of 2006; however, the positive nature of George’s paintings seemed out of place. Our staff workedContinue reading “Blue Dog: The Dark Period, 2006-7 (Paintings Following Katrina)”
Childhood Summers (Remembering Old Biloxi)
Most towns have a nearby escape, the place everyone travels on a beautiful weekend. From south Louisiana, Biloxi is our destination. Along with his parents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, George Rodrigue visited Biloxi, Mississippi often as a child, usually for a week at the Alamo Plaza Courts, located on the beach. Plagued by Gulf stormsContinue reading “Childhood Summers (Remembering Old Biloxi)”
Paintings for the Flora Levy Lecture Series at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Beginning in 1980 George Rodrigue painted ten portraits, one each year, honoring guest lecturers at what was then called the University of Southwest Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). The speaker series was conceived by Professor Maurice DuQuesnay and funded by Flora Levy, a Lafayette heiress and philanthropist who left her fortune toContinue reading “Paintings for the Flora Levy Lecture Series at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette”
Saint George (And the Rats)
Since the beginning of our relationship, George Rodrigue faced the challenge of my great expectations. Like all little girls, I hoped to marry a knight on a white horse, the one who rescues the damsel in distress and takes care of all things icky. The name ‘George’ was my favorite, even as a child, becauseContinue reading “Saint George (And the Rats)”