Through the large front window of FramerDave’s Frame Shop in Donaldsonville, La. passersby can see multiple vibrant paintings consuming the walls. Seen through the corner is the creator of those pieces, Alvin Batiste. Batiste sits opposite a canvas, working on his next piece.
Over the past decade, Batiste has become popular in the art community. He now has an exhibit of his work at the West Baton Rouge Museum. His paintings have garnered the attention of actor Billy Bob Thornton and chef John Folse, and he has been honored in many publications, including The New York Times.
Batiste began sketching at the age of 5. His small drawings were well received by his friends and family, which inspired him to attempt painting.
“I used to watch Bob Ross on television and admired his work,” Batiste said. “He inspired my style of painting.”
Batiste calls his style of art “folk” or “backyard” art. Many of his pieces reflect events he has experienced or tales he has been told.
“A lot of it comes from stories my mom would tell me. Baptisms in the river, going to the church, planting gardens … It all influenced me,” Batiste said.
As his popularity increased, Batiste has been given the opportunity to travel the country displaying his art. Batiste journeyed to Washington, D.C., where he had an exhibit in 2002 at Howard University. He also had a couple of paintings displayed in the Epcot Center at Disney World.
He “paints as he feels,” allowing his emotions to speak through his works. Batiste enjoys the praise he receives from the honesty in his paintings. Residents of Donaldsonville, La., often pass by the window of the shop and commend Batiste on his work.
When creating art, Batiste said he believes the most important thing is to “remember where you came from.” He said being down to earth allows an artist to observe everything around him and find even more inspiration.
Batiste said coming from such a small town lets him see things that would be missed if he lived in a large city. However, he is also influenced by larger cities like New Orleans.
“There’s so much to do in big cities,” he said. “I think it’s great to put together small city and large city inspirations into my work.”
Rarely does Batiste take time off. He is in the shop painting five days a week for hours at a time. He will enter with a vision of what he wants on the canvas in front of him and work until that vision is complete.
Batiste’s folk art exhibit will remain in the West Baton Rouge Museum until March 30. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For students and seniors, admission is $2 per person. Regular admission is $4 per person.
Batiste’s art can be purchased at his website, alvinbatiste.com
“I think it’s great to put together small city and large city inspirations into my work.”

Gallery • 11 Photos

Lauren Duhon

Artist Alvin Batiste works on a new painting Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 at his studio in Donaldsonville, La.