Billie Bourgeois: Renowned Louisiana Artist

About Billie Bourgeois

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the transformative era of World War II, Billie Bourgeois is the eldest of six children, all of whom have pursued paths in the arts or music. Growing up amidst the vibrant culture of Louisiana—marked by its stifling humidity, rich cuisine, and deep family ties—Bourgeois was immersed in an environment that nurtured her innate creativity. Her spiritual upbringing further instilled a sense of the sacred and mystical, fueling her passion for art.

Bourgeois' work is characterized by a deep connection between form and content, balancing composition with subjects drawn from nature and intuition. Her style emphasizes gestural expression and personal mark-making, aiming to evoke a response to the subject rather than a mere representation.

Education and Artistic Training

• B.A. in Education from St. Mary’s Dominican College (now Loyola University), New Orleans, LA

• M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Louisiana State University (LSU)

• Certified Master Teacher in Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

• Studied with nationally recognized artists at Mississippi Art Colony since 1998

Teaching and Workshops

Bourgeois has extensive teaching experience, spanning from elementary and high school to graduate-level courses. She currently teaches private studio classes and regional workshops in Drawing, Painting, and Mixed Media. She is also a faculty member at Abbey Art Works at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, LA.

Creative Process: Intuitive Abstract Painting

Billie Bourgeois describes her creative process as both exhilarating and intimidating. She engages in what she calls "Intuitive Abstract Painting" or "Inside/Out Painting," where she allows her instinctual marks to guide the evolution of the artwork. This process involves a playful interaction with the canvas—through scribbling, finger painting, brush dabbing, collaging, and stenciling—culminating in a dynamic and often unpredictable outcome.

Photography plays a key role in her process, as she frequently captures images of her work at various stages. Using digital tools, she explores different perspectives and scales, often leading to breakthrough moments or the decision to start anew. Her studio is filled with paintings in various stages of completion, each reflecting her ongoing artistic journey.