A striking acrylic on canvas by James Belton Bonsall (1926–1999), a celebrated New Orleans artist known for his vivid depictions of Louisiana life. This large-scale painting captures a bold, colorful interior scene with an open doorway leading to a classic French Quarter balcony. A vibrant arrangement of gladiolus flowers in a yellow pitcher sits on a richly patterned red rug, alongside a blue book, a clock, and a dark wooden box. The left side features a hanging yellow lantern, while the outdoor view showcases pink and yellow-trimmed Creole townhouses under a swirling stormy sky, possibly evoking the presence of a hurricane.

Bonsall’s expressive use of color and composition blends elements of folk art and modernism, highlighting his unique artistic style. The work is signed “Bonsall” in the upper left corner and is noted on the reverse with the artist’s Toulouse Street address in New Orleans. It was previously exhibited at Frazer Library, McNeese University (1990).

Artist Biography: James Belton Bonsall (1926–1999)

James Belton Bonsall was an American painter known for his vibrant depictions of Louisiana’s landscapes, culture, and architecture. Born in Grand Chenier, Louisiana, Bonsall showed an early interest in art, influenced by his family’s creative background. Following his service in World War II, he pursued fine arts at Louisiana State University before moving to California, where he worked as a newspaper reporter and painted set designs for theater, television, and film.

In the 1950s, he returned to New Orleans and made the French Quarter his home, fully immersing himself in the city’s dynamic artistic community. Throughout his career, Bonsall produced over 500 works, ranging from still lifes and abstract pieces to evocative Southern landscapes. His distinct style, characterized by bold colors, expressive brushwork, and a strong sense of place, captures the spirit of New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast region.

Bonsall worked in multiple mediums, including oil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastels, constantly experimenting with modernist and folk-art influences. His works have been exhibited in galleries, universities, and private collections nationwide. Today, his paintings remain highly collectible, offering a unique visual narrative of Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage.