Painting New Orleans Blog

Over Christmas break a friend of mine was holding my giggling son upside down and I had a realization that stopped me in my tracks-----my son would take on other male role models besides myself just as I did when growing up, and this was natural.

It made me think of a friend I made in my sophomore year at Tulane, Scott Machutas.  Scott is probably the reason why I stayed in New Orleans after graduation, unlike most of the other out-of-state Tulane students. 

Scott Catching a Huge Fish!

Scott was about ten years older than me, and like the big brother I never had.  He worked in construction, had a boat and took me fishing for the first time.  He had large muscular arms and always wore a baseball cap and shorts (even when it was snowing).  He was like a big kid, the kind of guy you want on your side in a fight, and he took me under his wing. 

Scott in One of my paintings "She's Hiding in the Chicken Head" 36" x 36" Not For Sale

For someone like me lacking self- confidence and bewildered by the city of New Orleans, meeting Scott was a revelation. It gave me the keys to the city.  Scott showed me New Orleans, his home town, and helped me to see the city through his eyes.  He took me places where the locals go.   I would sit in the bed of his giant pick-up truck as we meandered through the city, always taking back roads and shortcuts.  Scott had a confidence about him that was fascinating, his stories were all larger than life and I  felt safe and sure of myself  in his presence.

"Red Truck Reflection" 24" x 36" $725

I lost touch with Scott after Katrina but he is still a part of who I am.  For me the pick -up truck always embodied Scott’s rugged independent spirit.  I have been painting a red pick- up truck parked by Bayou St John and it gives me a special charge.  There is a bit of nostalgia associated with the truck paintings. I am also filled with gratitude that Scott opened my eyes to the city he loved.  I hope my son will have someone in his life, some day, like Scott.

"Red Truck on the Bayou" 24" x 30" SOLD

"Red Truck Reflection" 16" x 20" $295

Thanks For Reading!

Adam K. Hall