Wayne Edelen
Artist
I am an artist living and working in New Orleans. I paint what I see here in this wonderful city and just like Harry Connick Jr., who said: “New Orleans is my essence, my soul, my muse…” I wonder if I would have started painting again if I had not moved here.
As I walked down the main street of the little town where I grew up, I noticed my painting on an easel at the local art show. The price tag was $30. That was a lot of money for a kid of 16 in 1978. It sold the first day and to that point I had never been more proud.
As time past I went to work in a field outside of art and art which was a hobby to me fell by the wayside. I would still paint from time to time but not with any real passion or intent. Many years past before I picked up the brushes in earnest. I had moved to New Orleans out of necessity but became enamored by her. I remember one cool February morning sitting in my room with my window open and hearing jazz music playing down the street at a little bar. Those sounds and sites inspired me.
Since that moment I starting painting again. I was very fortunate to have had my work shown in the Lisa Victoria Gallery on Royal street for a short time. I remain very grateful for that opportunity because it gave my work a large audience.
As for my work, it is primarily oil. There are a few works out there from me in acrylic and water color but I have always preferred oils.
“The object of art is to make eternal the desperately fleeting moment.” – Tennessee Williams
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas
“There is no art without intention.” – Duke Ellington
Art in NOLA 