Blue Dog Speaks

by George Rodrigue

When Cajun artist George Rodrigue began his series of Blue Dog paintings in 1984, he had no idea that they would consume the greater part of his life for over two decades, and that the mysterious Blue Dog—inspired by his studio dog–turned-model, Tiffany, and the Cajun loup-ga rou folk legend—would become a wildly popular international icon as well. Blue Dog Speaks is the first book to prominently emphasize Rodrigue’s painting titles, one of the most important elements in the creation of a Blue Dog painting, alongside the works. Rodrigue uses Blue Dog painting titles to provide insight—whether humorous or nostalgic or sad—into the human condition.
In an introduction, Rodrigue reveals how an idea that originated in childhood tales has now grown far beyond; his Blue Dogs have moved beyond Louisiana into formerly uncharted territory and now express larger concepts about contemporary life. His newer titles—such as Right Place Wrong Time and Tiffany Remembers the ’70s —along with other, more abstract ones such as All by Myself with My Happiness capture this shift in style and content.
But most of all, there are the paintings themselves, magnificently displayed, their titles inviting us to ask “What is this dog all about?” and “What is the artist trying to say?” Even though the definitive answers remain a mystery, the titles provide a clue… 

Genres: Art

511 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Dog speaks...or does he? Maybe he is telling us all just to slow down and listen. Maybe the whole reason that he is looking at us is because we speak to him too much; and he is just trying to figure out why we think everything we say is so very important! Whatever the case may be this is a fun book that will make you think!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Dog Speaks by George Rodrigue is a fun romp through more than 160 Blue Dog paintings never before published in a book. Based on his mother’s loup-garou tales of werewolves, his Blue Dog paintings have evolved from a simple reflection on ghost stories to a vehicle for his voice to speak on the contemporary world around him. Many of the paintings’ themes celebrate his roots in Cajun Louisiana. I’ve always been a fan of the Blue Dog paintings, but I didn’t always grasp their meaning. What makes this collection so unique is that the titles of his paintings are given equal footing with the paintings themselves, thus providing the reader with a deeper level of understanding of his work. The title perfectly reflects the stated purpose of the book, and if we as readers listen and observe carefully, we will come away with a better appreciation for the works and world of George Rodrigue and Blue Dog.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Blue Dog and since I can't afford to purchase an original, books like this are the next best thing! This book is sitting on my coffee table and I open it to a different Blue Dog a couple times per week, absorbing the ol' Blue Dog wisdom. :) Keep 'em coming, Mr. Rodrique!

[Gary Gudmundson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most spectacular books I have read recently. Spectacularly blue visuals that is.

[Sydney Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is Blue Dog Blue is still my favorite, but this one was pretty cool and quirky. Not your typical children's book.

[Mai Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very meaningful and abstract artbook! It leaves mysteries for the readers to automatically "fill in the blank" based on their personal experiences. The nostalgic image of a dog, humorous yet insightful, will help you understand its infinite concept. It also reflects the author's childhood and his idea of present. Places and colors are overlaps, creating different stages of emotions and events. You can sense lost, sadness, sarcasm and happiness as well. It really depends, just like the Mona Lisa painting.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very colorful and inspirational. what there was to read about Rodrigue's insight to his paintings was very interesting! Makes a unique, fun size coffee table book at about size 8x8 and really thick.