George Rodrigue Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

George
Rodrigue

Rodrigue's journey from capturing Cajun culture to creating his iconic Blue Dog made him a pivotal figure in American Contemporary Art. If you're looking for George Rodrigue original prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network's most in-demand works.

Biography

George Rodrigue, born in 1944 in New Iberia, Louisiana, emerged as a distinctive voice in American art, blending his Cajun heritage with contemporary Pop Art sensibilities. Rodrigue began his artistic career painting Louisiana landscapes and Cajun genre scenes, seeking to preserve what he perceived as a vanishing culture.

In the early 1980s, Rodrigue's art took a turn when he began incorporating a blue dog into his paintings. This repeated motif, inspired by the Cajun loup-garou legend and his deceased pet, would become his signature. The Blue Dog, with its piercing yellow eyes and electric blue fur, became a pop culture phenomenon.

Rodrigue's work is characterised by its bold colours, strong compositional elements, and a connection to Louisiana's cultural tapestry. His ability to blend traditional themes with contemporary aesthetics earned him critical recognition.

During the 1960s Rodrigue's studied at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Upon returning to Louisiana, he dedicated himself to capturing Cajun culture through his art. His early works, featuring oak trees, bayou scenes, and local people, were instrumental in capturing Cajun culture.

The introduction of the Blue Dog in the 1980s marked a pivotal moment in Rodrigue's career. What began as a representation of the Cajun werewolf creature evolved into a versatile symbol, appearing in various settings and contexts.

Rodrigue's artistic output was prolific and diverse. He created over 5,000 Blue Dog paintings, exploring themes ranging from politics to pop culture. His work gained international recognition, with exhibitions held in prestigious venues worldwide, including the Société des Artistes Français and the Grand Palais in Paris.

In addition to his painting, Rodrigue was a committed philanthropist. He established the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts in 2009, which supports arts education through scholarships and programmes. His dedication to nurturing young artists and preserving cultural heritage became an integral part of his legacy.

The Blue Dog, Rodrigue's most famous creation, underwent significant evolution throughout his career. Initially based on the loup-garou, a werewolf-like creature from Cajun folklore, the Blue Dog was inspired by Rodrigue's own studio dog, Tiffany. Over time, the Blue Dog became a versatile symbol used to comment on contemporary life. Rodrigue explored different artistic styles with the Blue Dog, from realistic renderings to more abstract and Pop Art-inspired interpretations, demonstrating the motif's adaptability and enduring appeal.
Before the Blue Dog catapulted him to fame, Rodrigue was known for his distinctive Cajun landscapes. His 1973 oil painting John Courregé’s Pirogue exemplifies this period, with its dark, moody background and figures that appear to float in the foreground. In the work, five figures sit solemnly in a boat beneath the looming silhouette of a cypress tree. Rodrigue’s use of stark contrasts and muted tones gives the scene an eerie quality. Roodrigue’s works from this period captured the physical beauty of Louisiana and conveyed cultural aspects of Cajun life, serving as a visual chronicle of a rich heritage.
In 1988, George Rodrigue was commissioned by the National Republican Party to create a portrait of President Ronald Reagan. This informal commission allowed Rodrigue to bring his playful style to the depiction, presenting Reagan as a cowboy, an embodiment of American ideals. Inspired by an image of Gene Autry on his horse, Rodrigue replaced the cowboy's face with Reagan's. Despite the unconventional process, the painting, titled An American Hero, was well-received by Reagan and the First Lady, leading to two public presentations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.