Vibrant Brushstrokes and the Rhythm of New Orleans

Cover Artist Isabelle Jacopin

FOR COVER ARTIST ISABELLE JACOPIN, her visual creations and the rhythm of New Orleans are complementary but distinct elements—essential to understanding her artistic inspiration.

Step onto the vibrant streets of New Orleans, and you may just find yourself immersed in the world of Isabelle Jacopin. A self-taught artist whose canvases burst with the city’s energy, Isabelle has built a career entrenched in intensity, persistence, and an indisputable connection to her surroundings. From the festive swirl of Second Lines to the glow of brass band reflections, her paintings capture the heart of New Orleans in an evocative and celebratory way.

Born and raised in Brittany, France, Isabelle’s artistic journey began early— though not in the most conventional setting. “My father was a pork butcher, so I wasn’t born into an artistic family,” she shares. “But I was always drawing, sketching imaginary houses and dancers on butcher paper.” At just 17, she turned her talent into a livelihood by painting and selling hand-painted silk scarves in markets and on the streets of Brittany. She thrived in this creative pursuit for over a decade before transitioning to pastels, a medium that would ultimately lead her to New Orleans.

Isabelle’s work first made waves in the city through “Objets Trouvés,” a gallery on Magazine Street, where she showcased paintings of poppy fields. But it wasn’t until a transformative trip to Cuba that she fully embraced oil painting. “I wanted to capture the amazing buildings, landscapes, and, most of all, the Cuban people. I needed a medium that allowed for large-scale works with rich textures, so I started painting with palette knives,” she explains.

Today, her studio in the heart of the French Quarter is both a workspace and an endless source of inspiration. “I open my windows, and I see music, weddings, parades—my corner at Royal and Saint Peter Street is my main subject!”

For Isabelle, painting is an adventure, not a challenge. “Each piece is a pleasant journey,” she says. She doesn’t select her subjects; instead, they choose her. “When I see something so interesting that I can’t resist, I have to put it on a sketch or canvas.” Her approach is spontaneous, capturing the joy and movement of life in New Orleans.

She is particularly drawn to painting reflections on brass instruments, Mardi Gras trees, and the dynamic energy of Second Lines. “Painting Mardi Gras trees is almost a meditation for me. It’s about layering colors and textures, letting my imagination take over. It’s incredibly relaxing.” As such, Isabelle’s portfolio includes iconic designs such as the French Quarter Festival poster in 2016, the Bayou Boogaloo poster in 2012, the Mardi Gras Moms poster in 2018, and also a Groove Gala poster for WWOZ. Each one reflects her unique ability to capture the vitality of New Orleans through vibrant and dynamic visuals.

While it’s difficult to categorize her work as belonging to a single artistic movement, Isabelle describes it as “maybe neoimpressionist.” Her paintings are textured, lively, and deeply expressive, inviting viewers into a world where music and movement are as much a part of the canvas as the paint itself.

Unlike many contemporary artists, Isabelle does not produce prints or giclées. “Each painting is an adventure, original and unique. I want my collectors to know they own a one-of-a-kind piece.”

In addition to her career, Isabelle finds joy in seeing creativity flourish in her family. “I’m so glad that my two kids and three grandkids are very creative and artists themselves!” she says proudly.

During the summer, Isabelle returns to her studio in Limuiel, in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwest France. There, surrounded by the serene landscapes and rich culture, she draws inspiration for her work, blending her love for French and New Orleans art scenes. This time spent in France offers her the perfect balance of artistic exploration and personal rejuvenation.

Her advice for aspiring artists is simple but powerful: “Don’t listen to people who say you can’t make a living with art. If you work hard, you’ll have a fabulous life doing what you love.”

As an artist who has made New Orleans a significant part of her art, Isabelle Jacopin continues to bring the city’s spirit to life, one brushstroke at a time. Whether through the reflection of a tuba or the cascading colors of a Mardi Gras tree, her work is a love letter to the vibrancy, music, and charm of the Crescent City.

To explore the Isabelle’s creations in person, visit the Isabelle Jacopin Gallery at 829 Royal Street.