A Night of Magic

I love my High School Alma Mater. St. Mary’s has giving me some very special memories. The Debutante Ball is one of those great memories. In this painting, the bottom left shows my dad, my sister and I. The center debutant is my girlfriend Rhonda and her father. I have also depicted my mom and two aunts in the spectator row. It was such a special night in my life! Another piece of my history is forever captured on canvas!!

Inspiration

I never know when and where I will get inspiration. A former classmate posted a picture of her participating in African dance. BOOM! I had to put it on canvas! Thanks, Kim!!!

My Little Girl

A few months ago, my little girl (soon to be 21), spent the day with me. It was a great mother and daughter moment. I know that these moments can be rare in life. So, I cherish all I am blessed to get. We began our day by supporting a local coffee shop, 4 J’s Java and More. It’s a cute little coffee shop located in downtown Shreveport, La. It’s also African-American owned. Those moments spent chatting with my daughter inspired this painting. Another piece of “My Life on Canvas.”

Krewe of Highland Parade

This was my first Mardi Gras painting. It was done in 2009. I cannot remember who purchased it. I am doing a better job of keeping track of those that purchase art from me now. This is my distorted version of the style of art called, "stipple." It was a lot of fun for me to do.

Down In The Atchafalaya

This is a combination of acrylic and oil paint. I am usually too impatient to work with il paint. But, I managed to get throuugh it for this piece.

Funny how when you first meet someone, in your freshman year of High School, you have no idea the impact it will have on your life! Rhonda is my "ride or die" chick! Talk about big supporter! Rhonda has aquired many pieces of my art. Always there to give me feedback or my props! I so appriecate her love and friendship! I've been truely blessed to have her in my life! I am sure we have many more years of friendship a head of us. I may not say it often, I love you to pieces. Thanks for your support! -Kay

My Rock

This is the part where I tell you about all the great support I have in my life. It's important to say it, write it down and proclaim it to the world! So many times we take stuff for granted. So many times we don't take the time to tell the people in our lives how glad we are that they have been placed in our lives. Of course, first on my list are mom and dad! A child could not ask for two better parents. Their love and support has never wavered my entire short life. Even when mom would tell me how to correct my drawing as a child. I would get angry. Not able to see, she was aiding in my development. My dad can always be counted on for trying to give me new ideas for my paintings or great marketing tips. They are terrific. My heart is so full of love for them!

“Look at this.” “What do you think about that?” “Check out my progress.” “ I wanna paint xyz.” I realize that sometimes I may over load my family and friends with always talking art. I do try my best to keep it to a minimum. But, I know I can get honest feedback from my close circle. Frequently, I get real good ideas. Some of my best ideas have come from my good friend/cousin Pedra. She has adorned some of my early jewelry creations. I will get a call or text saying, “I saw this and you should do that.” One of her great ideas was putting my art on purses/tote bags. Which I plan on doing of this year. One of her ideas for a painting was to honor Don Cornelius. Another I have not yet done is Frankie Beverly performing at Essence. That one should get done this year. Love you much, Pedra! -Kay

Taking a Look Back at My First Solo Art Show

“A Creole Sign Painter’s Granddaughter” at Lilah’s Highland artist Karen La Beau will be hosting a reception for her latest exhibit, A Creole Sign Painter’s Granddaughter, at Lilah’s Cafe (440 Olive St) on Saturday, May 14th from 1pm-3pm. A New Orleans native, La Beau relocated to Shreveport after Hurricane Katrina but she retains her south Louisiana heritage and celebrates it through her art. The exhibit will continue through June 4; click here to read the Shreveport Times article for more information.

This was inspired by my love of shoes! It was painted on wood.

In March 2012, I was honored as a woman artist of Louisiana. The Multicultural Center in Shreveport honored several women.

My handsome husband accompanying me on one of the many art functions I "ask" him to attend! We had a ball at Artini!

“A Creole Sign Painter’s Granddaughter” at Lilah’s Highland artist Karen La Beau will be hosting a reception for her latest exhibit, A Creole Sign Painter’s Granddaughter, at Lilah’s Cafe (440 Olive St) on Saturday, May 14th from 1pm-3pm. A New Orleans native, La Beau relocated to Shreveport after Hurricane Katrina but she retains her south Louisiana heritage and celebrates it through

QR Code for Smartphones

This QR code will take you directly to my blog!

I remember the day my mother told me that my sister and I were to attend the all girls’ school, St. Mary’s Academy. Even though my mom had attended, I was not jumping up and down. Just moving back from Europe and being 14, I wanted a co-ed High School. Mom always knows best! Attending St. Mary’s (SMA), was the highlight of my life. As most kids, it’s not until AFTER high school that this was realized. I have several friends from high school that I am still very close with. Little did I know that the first day I walked through that door, I would have a lifelong “sisterhood” bond formed. I wanted to honor that sisterhood with a painting. I immediately reflected upon our days at mass. We would all join hands and say the Lord’s Prayer. The joining of the hands solidified our sisterhood union. This painting is titled, “Sisterhood.” It is very near and dear to my heart. I haven’t gotten around to it, but my next SMA painting will be of our debutante ball.

NOLA Love

Lama's Seafood Market

The Lama’s Seafood Market was a hot spot in New Orleans for New Orleanians to get their seafood. The market has been closed for many years. Currently, there plans to reopen the market. The original name was the St. Roch Market. It was built in 1875. I was inspired to paint this since my grandfather use to do all their sign work. In this painting, I took my time to duplicate his style of painting. The signs in the painting are depicted as he would have done. The green car in the bottom right is a green LTD that my father drove. I have painted my dad in the car. This is one of my favorite paintings.