George Rodrigue (1944–2013)

Blue Dog Speaks by George Rodrigue is a fun romp through more than 160 Blue Dog paintings never before published in a book. Based on his mother’s loup-garou tales of werewolves, his Blue Dog paintings have evolved from a simple reflection on ghost stories to a vehicle for his voice to speak on the contemporary world around him. Many of the paintings’ themes celebrate his roots in Cajun Louisiana. I’ve always been a fan of the Blue Dog paintings, but I didn’t always grasp their meaning. What makes this collection so unique is that the titles of his paintings are given equal footing with the paintings themselves, thus providing the reader with a deeper level of understanding of his work. The title perfectly reflects the stated purpose of the book, and if we as readers listen and observe carefully, we will come away with a better appreciation for the works and world of George Rodrigue and Blue Dog.… (mehr)

This lovely book is a tribute to the blue dog creations of artist George Rodrigue. Rodrigue writes “When I first began painting Blue Dog about fifteen years ago, I had no idea where it would take me, and I suppose I can still say that today. Blue Dog was born in a corner of my soul where some very strong memories lurked - memories both of my lost black-and-white terrier/spaniel Tiffany and of the old Cajun werewolf legend of the Loup-Garou.”

Rodrigue started to include Blue Dog in many of his canvases, and the dog got a following all his own. In this book Rodrigue tells the story of his art, and includes many plates both with and without Blue Dog.

It’s hard to define the appeal of Blue Dog, but the artist definitely tapped into something, and for fans, the book is a joy to peruse.… (mehr)