Art of Riece Walton

13/03/2026

From the Artist’s Closet, 2026 Edition

Part 2: “St. Louis” - 32” x 24” - Artist Retouch Reproduction Print on canvas (2005)

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. I was heartbroken by what the storm did to my beloved city of New Orleans and its people. In the aftermath of this tragedy, during the slow recovery, I felt inspired to paint an iconic symbol of the French Quarter - St. Louis Cathedral. Besides it being one of my favorite buildings in the city, it is also one of my best paintings, in my opinion.

I purposefully painted the sky to be chaotic and unsettled, while the cathedral stands tall and strong during the storm’s destructive winds and pouring rain. The painting represents the faith, hope, and safety that the church provides to those who need it, especially in times of difficulty. It also represents the strength of the people of New Orleans, who had to rebuild and reclaim their beloved city to its glory.

From what I can remember, I was so driven to do this painting that it took only two days to complete. It really painted itself. A good friend purchased the original, and it was on loan as the centerpiece for my first solo gallery art show in New Orleans. It was also used as a fundraiser poster for Main Street America when they held their conference in New Orleans.

This is the last canvas print of this painting currently available.

For sale in the shop!
https://www.rwaltonstudio.com/store/prints/product/st-louis-print

17/02/2026

Trinkets, Traditions, Sights, and Symbols. This time of year I'm inspired to paint Mardi Gras Memories.

02/02/2026

25/01/2026

Update - SOLD!

From the Artist’s Closet is BACK for 2026!

Part 1: “PoBoy Fully Dressed” - 24” x 48” - Acrylic on canvas (2008)

A must-try when you visit New Orleans is the world-famous po-boy sandwich. From ham and cheese to seafood, gravy-soaked roast beef dripping down your elbows, or a classic sausage po-boy, there really isn’t a bad choice. Order a full if you’re sharing, or a half for yourself. That first bite—through the crispy outer crust of the French bread into the cool lettuce and tomatoes— followed by hot fried shrimp or juicy roast beef is when your taste buds reach gastronomic heaven. After gumbo, a good po-boy is probably my next favorite food from home.

So it felt fitting to create a still life painting of what I consider the perfect work of sandwich art: the po-boy. Of course, any good po-boy needs an extra dash—or several—of hot sauce, all washed down with an ice-cold Dixie Beer. The perfect adult happy meal.

A fun fact about this painting is that when I first began sketching the underpainting, it wasn’t a po-boy at all. I had roughed in a voodoo doll with a Dixie Beer and some Mardi Gras beads. I didn’t like the composition, so I switched to the po-boy, removed the beads, and added a hot sauce bottle instead. It’s one of my favorite paintings and one I’ve been holding onto for quite some time—but I’m hoping to find it a new home where it can be enjoyed on someone’s wall.

For sale in the shop!
https://www.rwaltonstudio.com/store/original-works/product/poboy-fully-dressed

31/12/2025

2025 art review!! Lots of great things happened!
I want to send a heart felt Thank You to everyone who has supported me and my art! Your support and comments encourage me to create more! Stay tuned…Great things are coming from Wasted Talent Art Studio in 2026!! Happy New Year and God Bless all of you!

12/12/2025

Hope to see everyone at Perfect Plain Brewing Co. tomorrow for WolfGang Pensacola's Santa Paws and Winter Wonderland Market! We'll be there with Pensacola and New Orleans-themed Christmas cards and note cards.

01/12/2025

20% off sale has been extended through today! Use code SAVE20WT to save on all in-stock Christmas cards, notecards, prints, and original paintings. www.rwaltonstudio.com/store

18/11/2025

I'm finally able to share this commission piece, now that it has been delivered to its new home in Hawaii!! Congrats to the newlyweds who received this painting as a one-of-a-kind gift. 😎🤟🏄

04/11/2025

Come see us today at the East Hill Makers Market! We'll be here till 7pm with Christmas cards, notecards, and small artworks.

01/11/2025

This year's Christmas cards have arrived! Available online in the shop, or come see us at Tuesday's East Hill Harvest Market for the best selection. Last year's designs both sold out fast, so don't wait!

https://www.rwaltonstudio.com/store/christmas-cards

09/10/2025

From the Artist’s Closet Part 10: “A Night at the Opera” – 24”x18” Acrylic on canvas (2023)

Can you hear it? The sound of an orchestra playing a haunting tune, followed by powerful voices belting out equally haunting arias. Even the city where this old church—now converted into an opera house—stands is known for its haunting charm: New Orleans.

In the spirit of October—when the air grows cooler, the leaves begin to change, and houses are transformed into haunted mansions or graveyards in preparation for Halloween night—the artwork featured in this month’s From the Artist’s Closet will embrace spooky and haunting themes.

The Marigny Opera House, also known as the Church of the Arts, is a former Catholic church that was closed by the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1997. Originally known as Holy Trinity Catholic Church, it was renovated and adapted into an opera house in 2011. In 2014, the Marigny Opera Ballet was founded there.

Working from a photograph, I knew exactly how I wanted to paint this beautiful church. The setting had to be at night. Like an opera, I wanted it to be dramatic—with focused lighting on the center-stage character: the church itself. It appears to come to life, as if breathing in deeply to belt out its next verse. The building seems to sway to the power of the ballad being sung.

For sale in the shop!
https://www.rwaltonstudio.com/store/original-works/product/a-night-at-the-opera