Hayley Roussel is a contemporary artist living and working in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in the vibrant cultural and natural landscape, where public art plays a crucial role in shaping community identity and inspiring collective pride. After earning a BFA from LSU in 2017 with a concentration in painting and drawing, Hayley has focused on creating dynamic and vibrant works that capture the spirit and soul of New Orleans. Her current series explores the city’s unique streetscapes, cemeteries, architecture, and other distinctive features, like the natural environment, wildlife, and homes and gardens, enhancing and saturating colors—especially blues and greens—while abstracting and melding different locations to express the true essence of this amazing place she calls home.
Hayley has had the privilege to contribute to the public art landscape of New Orleans through several community-engaged art projects, live painting, public art displays, completion of murals in public spaces, and collaborating with other community members and artists. In 2021, she collaborated with the Downtown Development District to create two murals on Royal Street as part of their vacant storefront program, revitalizing spaces with art that reflects the city’s rich heritage. More recently, in 2023, she participated in the 'NOLA Artist Incubator’s' Art in the Park cohort and worked with the Paul Mailliard business and arts initiative in St. Charles Parish, integrating public art with community spaces. For this initiative, she designed and painted a utility box in Luling, participated in their annual art show/exhibition for the past two years, including a live painting and painting donations. Hayley also contributed to the ‘Sing for Hope’ initiative in 2024 by designing and painting a piano for their New Orleans non-profit, extending the presence of art, music, and education into everyday spaces. She has also engaged in live painting and showcasing art at events like NOLA's Pancakes and Booze, Disco Art Market, Art Battle (at NOLA's Zony Mash), and Gretna Fest’s Artist Village, where she also donates some of her time and artwork. Live painting allows her to engage with the community in real-time, sharing the artistic process and creating a shared experience. In 2024, she also won 1/3 'battles' in the international ‘Art Battle’ and is participating in this year's Raising Cane's Fried Chicken Fest as a live painter.
Hayley is highly motivated by the opportunity to further explore and express the cultural identity of New Orleans through art. Public art, in particular, holds a special place in her heart as it transforms shared spaces into living canvases, sparking dialogue and connection. The immediacy of live painting deepens this connection, turning art into an interactive experience that resonates with viewers and participants alike. Her passion for public art and community engagement drives her to contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of the city she loves. The chance to collaborate with others who share a deep connection to New Orleans is incredibly inspiring. You can view or purchase her work in person at Revival Art House in Ponchatoula, Tru Juice Cafe in Hammond, Restaurant Des Familles in Crown Point, La, or Pepp's Pub in the Bywater, where she is currently curating an outdoor/online art auction with other local artists (auction closing date to be announced). You can also find her work online at studioroussel.com or instagram.com/paintlikeapoet.
“If you have ever stepped foot in New Orleans, or even talked with someone from here, you have most definitely felt the energy and heart of this city. It is very much alive; there truly is no other place like it. I capture the culture of New Orleans in a fun and lively way, showcasing its colors and personality, with homage.”
Purchase here through “available for purchase” link or at Revival Art House in Ponchatoula.
Hayley also works closely with clients to create original commissions and bring their ideas to life. almost anything goes, all you have to do is ask! Inquire here or on Instagram: @paintlikeapoet