The Artist
A brush, a shell,
a way of seeing
Carlos Lopez is a New Orleans oil painter whose work draws on the culture, landscapes, and traditions of the Gulf Coast — best known for an oyster series that grew out of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
“Art is my world and I am so lucky to be able to share it with everyone.”
Carlos Lopez is an oil painter based in New Orleans whose work is inspired by the culture, landscapes, and traditions of the Gulf Coast. Born in Honduras, Lopez studied art there before continuing his education at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the University of New Orleans, and the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, where he trained under renowned artist Auseklis Ozols.
Although he paints a variety of subjects, Lopez is best known for his oyster series. What began as a response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill evolved into an ongoing exploration of one of Louisiana’s most recognizable symbols. Rather than simply painting oyster shells, Lopez uses them as the foundation for visual stories, often incorporating birds, nests, flowers, insects, and other natural elements to create paintings that invite personal interpretation.
Working exclusively in oil, Lopez is known for his clean, refined style and thoughtful compositions. He is drawn to the challenge of transforming an everyday object into something unexpected, creating paintings that are both peaceful and imaginative.
Today, his work can be found in private collections throughout the United States. Whether inspired by oysters, wildlife, or other subjects, every painting reflects Lopez’s appreciation for nature, storytelling, and the unique spirit of New Orleans.
Pictured on the easel – The Avatar 36×48 · Available through Gallery Orange
At a Glance
From Honduras to the Gulf Coast
3
New Orleans institutions trained at — NOCCA, UNO & the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
2010
The oyster series begins, in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
20+
Solo & group exhibitions across New Orleans, Newport & Martha’s Vineyard
10+
Magazine & press features, including recent covers in Country Roads and Louisiana Life
Recognition
Exhibitions, Press & Auctions
Selected Exhibitions
Gallery Orange — New Orleans, LA
“Southern Decadence” 2011 · “Southern Delights” 2013 · “Poetry and Landscapes” 2015 · “Oils of the South” 2010
Garden District Gallery — New Orleans, LA
“Glorious Foods” 2009 · “Fairytales” 2010 · “Treasures of the Gulf” 2010
New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
Student exhibitions, 2007 – 2009
Magazines & Publications
Louisiana Life Magazine
Feature, “New Orleans Artist Carlos Lopez and His Oyster Paintings” · July/August 2026
Country Roads Magazine
Cover feature, “Sweet and Spicy” · December 2025
Where New Orleans Magazine
Cover feature, “Oyster Art” 2014 · “20 Things I Love about New Orleans” 2013 · “Crescent City Oyster Collectibles” 2014
Artsy Forager
“Finding the Pearl” 2013 · Featured July Artist, 2014
NOLA.com & Gambit Magazine
“Dirty Linen Night” 2013 · “When the World is Your Oyster” 2016
Silent Auctions
Art Against AIDS — New Orleans Museum of Modern Art
Featured Artist, 2012 – 2015
Art in Bloom — New Orleans Museum of Modern Art
Featured Artist, 2009 – 2010
March of Dimes Spotlight on Success
Featured Artist, 2014 & 2016
See the Work
Explore the current
collection
View available pieces represented by Gallery Orange, or reach out directly about a commission.