May 2015

Meadow/Late 
Afternoon Light

Oil on canvas, 48” x 48”

by Bill Iles

A giant in Lake Charles art circles for decades, Bill Iles has played a formative role in the careers of a generation of Southwest Louisiana’s artists—a result of having taught in the Department of Visual Arts at McNeese State University for thirty years. But still, Iles paints what he knows. Raised in a 135-year-old homestead in nearby Dry Creek and inspired by long walks through the woodlands around his hometown, Iles paints landscapes from memory. His forest scenes have great visual impact with their small—almost pointillist—brushstrokes, saturated color palette, and graphic aesthetic.

See more works by Bill Iles at New Orleans’ Cole Pratt Gallery. Next month the gallery presents an exhibit entitled New Landscapes, showcasing the artist’s recent images of Louisiana’s woodlands and wetlands from June 2—27. 3800 Magazine Street. Meet the man at an opening reception on Saturday, June 6, from 5:30 pm–8 pm. Coleprattgallery.com.