Rest in Peace, George Rodrigue

George Rodrigue, creator of the beloved Blue Dog, passed away yesterday. Learning about this artist and his quirky canine was part of my orientation upon arriving to Louisiana over six years ago. My first introduction to Rodrigue's prolific Blue Dog paintings was a dinner at the Blue Dog Cafe in Lafayette. His paintings naturally adorn the walls of this restaurant. Then on a family trip to New Orleans, I happened upon one of his galleries on Royal St. A few years after that, one of Rodrigue's traveling shows came to our Imperial Calcasieu Museum here in Lake Charles. I was thrilled! You can read that post here. To learn more about Rodrigue, visit his website here.

Blue Dog and artist George Rodrigue

Sometime after moving to Louisiana, I discovered Blue Dog. I don’t recall exactly when or where that was – it may have been at the Blue Dog Cafe in Lafayette -- but I became enamored from the beginning. That sweet puppy dog face. Those eyes that beg me to throw a tennis ball and play catch. What’s not to love?

So when I read that there was an exhibit opening of Rodrigue’s work at Lake Charles' Imperial Calcasieu Museum this past Friday, I cleared the calendar. It’s an exhibit that is part of Louisiana’s 200th anniversary celebration this year. “200 Years: The Faces and Places of Louisiana” will be on display at the Sallier St. museum until November 2nd.

I learned from a newspaper article, and discovered first hand at the opening, that Rodrigue is known not only for his iconic Blue Dog paintings, but for his portraits of famous people, as well. At this exhibit, I saw paintings of Chef Paul Prudhomme, Louis Armstrong, current Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and his wife, Supriya, our Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, and many others. Newer portraits often include Blue Dog standing next to the famous person. This Cajun folk artist also creates posters for popular Louisiana festivals – the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, etc.

I have read that the inspiration for Blue Dog came from one of Rodrigue’s own dogs named Tiffany, and a painting he did on Louisiana’s legendary scary-campfire-story- creature, the Loup Garou.

I couldn’t resist buying a picture book and some note cards.