10 Best Local Artists in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city renowned for its art. It is difficult to go anywhere without encountering art in its many forms, whether that be painting, music, craftsmanship, or more. Here is our list of the top 10 local artists to keep an eye out for.
1. Becky Fos
2138 Magazine St.
beckyfos.com
If you are a New Orleans native - or even a frequent visitor - you have probably seen Becky Fos' artwork around the city. Her iconic oil paintings are bright, colorful, and celebratory of the spirit of New Orleans. Her work combines the sights and aesthetic of Louisiana, bringing them to life through electric and ethereally blended hues. Her paintings depict subjects like alligators and pelicans as well as beloved scenes of the bayou, the French Quarter, and more.
2. Frenchy
8328 Oak St.
frenchylive.com
Randy Leo Franchette, better known as "Frenchy" specializes in painting live events like festivals, concerts, and sporting events. He is based in New Orleans and travels around the country to paint. His work is prolific and expansive in subject, color pallet, and style. Multitalented, he does abstract work, portraits, and landscapes in real time. His official shop can be found on Oak Street in Uptown New Orleans.
3. Michalopoulos
617 Bienville St.
michalopoulos.com
Based part-time in New Orleans and part-time in Cluny in the Burgundy region of France, James Michalopoulos has a copious number of accomplishments. One of the most well-known New Orleans painters with international acclaim, Michalopoulos has worked as the Art Director for House of Blues, as well as NBC's "In Concert" series and the Nice Jazz Festival in Nice, France. He is also the official artist for New Orleans Jazz Fest six times.
4. Casey Langteau
3649 Magazine St.
caseylangteauart.com
Casey Langteau uses a soft color pallet to create her impressionistic paintings which include city scenes of New Orleans, flowers, coastal landscapes, wildlife, Champagne bottles, and more. Her art is elegant and its pastel colors blend well in any space. She also offers Triptychs and Diptychs paintings and other products that feature her artwork like blankets, tumblers, and more.
5. Matt Rinard
611 Royal St.
Matt Rinard, artist and owner of Gallery Rinard, is known for his whimsical and humorous depictions of cats and dogs. He recently illustrated the picture book about Zeus' Rescues dog and social media icon Scrim, titled Scrim: My Tail. Rinard Gallery also includes artwork by James Dean, the artist of the Pete the Cat series, Fabio Napoleoni, the creator of the Dragonboy books, Georg Williams, Ames Romig, and Sean Friloux.
6. Terrance Osbourne
3029 Magazine St.
terranceosborne.com
Terrance Osbourne's work is vibrant and joyful. Much of his art depicts New Orleans culture including Mardi Gras celebrations, shotgun style houses, and jazz music. His gallery, located on Magazine St., sells his original artwork, prints, door hangars, puzzles, and more. He has partnerships with companies like Nike, NBA, and Tulane University.
7. Simon
1028 Jackson Ave.
simonofneworleansapparel.com
Simon's art is instantly recognizable and can be seen throughout the city. Born in France, Simon moved to New York, opening restaurants with his wife Maria, before they moved to New Orleans in the 1990s. His artwork it colorful and full of messages of love, acceptance, and community. His signs can be seen at local businesses like Dat Dog, Joey K's, Willie's Chicken, and more.
8. Dr. Bob
3027 Chartres St.
jazzystuff.co
Dr. Bob, the creator of his iconic "Be Nice or Leave" signs is a well-known New Orleans artist. He takes inspiration from local culture and discarded materials he finds and repurposes for art like bottle caps and old instruments. He is a regular guest artist at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and his work can be seen at House of Blues, the Memphis Blues Foundation, and the Center for Southern Folklore in Memphis.
9. Cole Pratt Gallery
3800 Magazine St.
coleprattgallery.com
Cole Prat, founder of the Cole Prat Gallery, was a highly regarded art gallerist who opened his gallery on Magazine Street. After his passing in 2008, the New Orleans Museum of Art displayed a featured exhibit of art from his gallery, including many notable southern artists. His gallery, offering pieces from over 50 artists, remains open today under the leadership of owner and director Erika Olinger.
10. Brandan Odums
2941 Royal St.
bmike.com
Brandan Odums is a highly regarded New Orleans based artist who is known internationally for his art that combines powerful messages of resistance and social activisim. His work empowers through color and imagery storytelling. Getting his creative start in 2012 through graffiti artwork, he is well known for his murals and other works which can be seen at his gallery, Studio Be. He has worked with many notable brands and companies including Nike, Spotify, Amnesty International, and more.
