Emilie Rhys: New Orleans Artist

Welcome to the online home of Scene By Rhys Fine Art, presenting the art of Emilie Rhys. Her oil paintings of music-themed portraits and cityscapes, and pencil & ink drawings created during live performances in New Orleans’ clubs and festivals, capture the music scene so vividly that you can see music in the artwork.​

Here too are Rhys’s non-music themed art: French Quarter rooftop views, street scenes, cemetery views, explorations of old-master paintings, still-lifes, and portraits of family and friends.

Come visit the storefront gallery at 1036 Royal Street, open by appointment seven days a week.  Fill out the CONTACT FORM to make an in-person appointment, and provide the preferred day/time for your visit.  Of Special Note:  AUGUST 12, 2023 the gallery is participating in DIRTY LINEN NIGHT and will be open 6:00 to 9:00pm! To enjoy drinks offered by galleries and shops, PURCHASE YOUR WRISTBAND HERE!

the artist

          A third generation artist whose art career spans 47 years, Emilie Rhys has for the last 12 years focused on developing iconic signature artworks of musicians during live performances in New Orleans. Pencil & ink on paper (using mechanical pencils and fountain pens) is her preferred live action medium. She is also a lifelong painter in oils, a portraitist whose preference for direct live observation of her models in the studio is among the factors that distinguish her work among her contemporaries. Selections of drawings and paintings are available for purchase on this website in “Purchase,” and in person at Scene By Rhys Fine Art, her 1036 Royal Street storefront (between St. Philip and Ursuline Streets in the French Quarter).

The New Orleans Jazz Museum exhibited a selection of her oils from January 30, 2020 to November 7, 2021 in their show “New Orleans Music Observed: The Art of Noel Rockmore and Emilie Rhys.”  The exhibit and more can be seen in the new book of the same name Ms. Rhys published in July 2021. 

In the twelve years that Ms. Rhys has been in New Orleans, she has established herself as an artist with a unique devotion to the world of music in this magical city. During this time, she has also created drawings and paintings of other themes, such as French Quarter rooftops, floral still-lifes and portraits of non-musicians.

Visit the SHOP now to vew the art, find something for your own walls, or to give as a gift!

Visit ABOUT THE ARTIST to learn about her family in art and her own path—despite all odds—to become a successful person and creative force.

Visit ON THE SCENE to see Rhys around town with musicians and fellow music fans, working in public, and to inquire about future opportunities to observe her working in music venues.

View her CV to peruse a list of her professional activities and news media coverage.

Join the gallery MAILING LIST to be notified of news, upcoming events and special promotions.

Coming soon: PROCESS will explore her methods and unique approach to art making. PAST WORKS will provide a glimpse into the artworks of her past and how they lead into her current oeuvre. 

news & events

historic location

Located at 1036 Royal Street—between St. Philip and Ursuline Streets in the historic French Quarter—Scene By Rhys Fine Art resides in the ground-floor storefront of a beautiful salmon pink townhouse with graceful cast iron galleries above it. Pay us a visit in person and spend a moment gazing upon the latest artworks to emerge from the studio of  this exciting artist: Emilie Rhys.

Open by appointment only–click on the “Contact Us” button and use the contact form to request an appointment any day of the week.  

1036 Royal St

"New Orleans Music Observed," published in 2021 by Emilie Rhys

New Orleans Music Observed
Available at bookstores and gift shops in New Orleans and elsewhere in southern Louisiana, all of whom would be happy to ship to the destination of your choice.

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