While navigating New Orleans, I noticed a large blue dog sculpture in the middle of the city. This had me curious. George Rodrigue (1944 - 2013) was a New Orleans native. He was the artist of the infamous Blue Dog, among many other pieces. In the French Quarter you can find his art gallery, Rodrigue Studio. His art, including the Blue Dog can be described as Pop Art. The Blue Dog is a terrier spaniel, with bright yellow eyes, and a surprised look on his face. There is no admission fee for the gallery. You can go on a self guided tour. There are so many variations of the Blue Dog, with a variety of settings and sometimes he might be red or yellow. A Blue Dog print will run you $2000.00 and up. I can't imagine the cost of one of Rodrigue's original works. If you love pop art, or if you're curious in the beautiful and very colorful works of George Rodrigue, I would highly suggest you check out his art gallery. You will leave with a clear, optimistic mindset. read more

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Take a tour of the gallery on your own. The gallery manager isn't pushy or overbearing. You can go at your own pace. There is a short video you can watch on the Blue dog and how he came up with the idea. Many prints of the blue dog, including a sculpture in the window. If you are a fan of the Blue Dog then this is the place to visit. I love the Blue dog and was fascinated by the history of the Blue Dog. read more

Rodrigue Studio - Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

George Rodrigue's Iconic Blue Dog. Does the Blue Dog make you smile? What is the inspiration behind this iconic pop figure? George Rodrigue started his career painting images of his Cajun surroundings and roots. As a child, he contracted polio at age 8. His mother bought him a paint by numbers kit and he learned to draw and paint as he recovered and spent several months in bed. His early paintings were based in the bayous of Louisiana and portraits of locals and famous musicians. He was even commissioned to paint portraits of American Presidents, like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. During the 1984 World's Fair, he was asked to illustrate a book of forty Louisiana ghost stories. As he painted, he was reminded of a story that his mom shared with him about loup-garou, or the Louisiana werewolf. He needed a model and found inspiration in a beloved deceased family pet, Tiffany. He used her shape and stance for what became his first painting known as Watchdog. Over the next few years, Rodrigue continued to include what eventually became the inspiration for the Blue Dog pop art in other paintings. Blue Dog was featured by Absolut Vodka, Neiman Marcus and the New Orleans Jazz Fest. The Blue Dog made her way inside a Campbell's Hot Dog Chili soup can and next to Marilyn Monroe. Today, you can enjoy a collection of George Rodrigue's works at the Rodrigue Studio. There are prints, lithographs and original paintings for sale. I bought a children's book as a gift for a very special four-year old's birthday. Loved hearing story behind a 100-year-old painted Blue Dog Steinway that is located in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street. Next time, look for the signatures of those who have played it like Harry Connick, Jr., Billy Joel, Allen Toussaint, and Dr. John. A wonderful gallery to visit in a former art studio. A nice tribute to George Rodrigue and his beloved dog Tiffany, known forever as the Blue Dog. read more

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Fabulous little gallery showcasing the works of George Rodrigue. If you love NOLA, you either already love his iconic Blue dog, or you will grow to. It was love at first sight for me years ago. Fortunately, my wife understood my obsession and treated me to one of his works a few years back. The gallery is a must-see. The staff is attentive, friendly and helpful. If you're ever able to get into a private showing, do not miss the opportunity!!! read more

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When I visited this studio they were very pleasant. My husband and I walked in and they treated us like we were there to purchase something that day. T loves the lil blue dogs so we actually may have purchased one but he really couldn't decide on which one. Anywho, the customer service so superb, so much so that we were taken to a back room to see other paintings and various selections. This studio gets 5 stars simply for customer service and for the variety of paintings. I definitely plan to purchase here in the near future. read more

On a cold Saturday evening, a friend and I were walking around the French Quarter wasting time before the Joan of Arc parade and happened to walk by here. I have seen the huge blue dog on Veterans BLVD, and the the blue dog in the sculpture garden in city park, and should have guessed there was a studio in town showing his art work. I do like his work with the tombs of New Orleans, and the older scenes of Louisiana more than the dog, but it is like his signature. Rodrigue has passed away, but it is nice to know that he has a variety of art to carry on his legacy, and that there is a studio housing his works and selling some prints. They are a bit out of my price range now, but nice to look at. I am not sure if they have gender neutral restrooms, as I did not have to use them here. read more

Rodrigue Studio - Front of the studio. - Art Galleries Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Home of the Blue Dog. Love it or hate it - the Blue dog is iconic... Is it earth shattering art? Depends on how you look at it I suppose. Frankly I am a fan and have a few Blue Dogs scattered around the place in various stages of framing. The gallery is perfect for the works that he does and I've never been hassled there - so that works for me. Aside from the various Blue Dogs, Rodrigue also does other types of work, mostly with a Louisiana theme involved. Works for me. read more

The Blue Dog might have made George Rodrigue famous but those aren't my favorite of his paintings. If you want to see something truly great go check out his paintings of Cajun people and their way of life. Those are really special. When Rodrigue passed away recently, I was kind of surprised about how sad I was about it. It's not like I knew him personally or anything. Then I realized why. He grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana (so did I) and he attended ULL (I'm a Ragin Cajun for life my friends). So although I didn't know him personally I feel like I did. He was a talented and amazing artist. This gallery of his in the French Quarter is really nice and his artwork is prominently displayed. It's also a great place to beat the heat...because you know it's hot as hell in New Orleans. It's cool and dim in here. If you get a chance to go it's definitely worth checking out. read more

I didn't know a lot about Blue Dog as I left Louisiana when I was 12, but I'm glad I stopped by this gallery. Rodrigue is a local artist that specializes in Blue Dog paintings. The gallery is clean, and perfectly setup to showcase his work. I have to admit, seeing his paintings around town were pretty cool. Seeing them all in one studio made for a very memorable experience. We were asked if we needed any help or had questions as soon as we walked in. It was nice not being pestered while looking around. For a unique experience, check this place out. read more

Cool pop culture blue dog iconic art by local NOLA artist George Rodrigue. It is said that the blue dog icon may be a cross between Mr. Rodrigue's dog Tiffany (RIP) and the Cajun Mythical Creature, Loup-garou. Mr. Rodrigue was commissioned by Absolut Vodka and Xerox and well-the rest is history. Cool art studio......in the French Quarter. A must see. read more

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Very nice artwork here. I appreciated the work by the local artist, George Rodrigue, who used to reside in New Orleans. He often painted the blue dog in his work, which is recognized by many. I like the pop art quality of his work. Prior to this stage, he painted about southern life or life in Louisiana. These paintings are also stunning. read more

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This is a studio dedicated only to the artwork of the late George Rodrigue. Rodrigue is best known for his "blue dog" paintings which depict the famous blue dog in hundreds of different settings. He could be at the White House, with the Blues Brothers, in a New Orleans plantation or hanging out and chilling. There are many originals and also prints available at the gallery and the hours are limited so you might call before heading there. It's a nice place to stop in and spend an hour admiring the artwork and if you are so inclined, taking home a piece of his wonderful artwork. Enjoy! read more

My wife and I are both Blue Dog fans and actually didn't know that this studio was in New Orleans. Fortunately, we walked right by it and had to go in. The lady working there was extremely friendly and informative. The studio isn't large, but we really enjoyed checking out Rodrigue's work. Really cool place. read more

Rodrigue Studio - Art Galleries Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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As much as I like the Blue Dog, I feel like I don't have a love affair with that mutt that some people do. I stopped in here to look around at other pieces of Rodrigue's work. Other than Blue Dog, Rodrigue painted quite the collection of tombs. Yes, the above ground tombs that New Orleans is known for- Rodrigue apparently painted quite a few of them and I found these pieces just lovely. I feel like they tell a story with which we can all identify. Of course, some of the tomb paintings do have that sneaky dog in them, but the ones in the swamps with trees covered in moss are the ones I like the most. The woman working in the gallery on the day that we stopped in gave us a bit of history of the Blue Dog, as well as a few of Rodrigue's other works. Of course, all of the art here is a bit hefty in price, so owning one is probably a dream that will never be realized (for myself). Still, it was nice to stop in and look around. At the gallery, you can buy a book that features many of Rodrigue's work, so that makes a good souvenir just in case the art is a bit out of your price range. read more

New gallery is across the street from the old gallery. It is three times larger and is remarkable. A must see for anyone visiting the French Quarter! read more

Rodrigue Studio - Art Galleries Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I'm glad this guy was successful and I hear he was quite charitable but I have no respect for his artistic decision to perpetually portray a very poorly drawn/painted dog. I know many locals who can't stand his work land it seems like a lot of out of towners find it amusing and memorable. Overall, just another art gimmick. I pass this gallery every day and it is almost always empty. read more

Definitely a New Orleans landmark to check out.

You gotta respect Rodrigue's work and studio. It's immensely likable. I would love to own one day. Perhaps the piece featuring Okaloosa Island! read more