Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Painting

Camille grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was intrigued with the charm of the old city and fascinated by the style and character of the antiques in her father and grandfather’s antique gallery. That is where her love for art grew. She began drawing at the age of three. Although she doesn’t remember the story, her Mother recalls that the first time Camille had some money of her own, she said, “Mommy, I really need to go buy art supplies.” After years of practicing she later attended the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts and studied with various artists over the years. After marrying and being blessed with children, the family moved to Dallas, Texas. There she worked as a graphic artist and book illustrator. During this period of time in her life, Camille also found her biological family and found out that her birth mother had also been an artist who worked at Jackson Square. Life can be ever so interesting. She has worked as a freelance artist since 1993, illustrating over 15 books. The State Library of Louisiana chose her most recently illustrated book ”Goodnight Acadiana” as the sole book to represent the state for the 2012 National Book Festival in Washington D.C. Her paintings have won numerous awards, including a national competition for members of the Portrait Society of America. Her work has been shown the national television program “How’d you get so rich” hosted by Joan Rivers. She has done portraits and decorative art commission work for hospitals, government officials, and some really amazing people. Currently Camille resides once again in Louisiana. Her desire is to create from the heart and to touch the lives of those caught up in the routine of today’s busy lifestyles.