(1902-1990)
A fiery redhead and an outspoken, adventurous spirit, Colette was very much influenced by the artistic style and subject matter of her teacher and husband, Knute Heldner. After his death in 1952, her art became more expressive, looser and often with an atypical color palette, especially in her famous “Swamp Idylls”, which she produced in abundance for the tourist market. Her French Quarter scenes are prized; and as Knute’s, they were instrumental in raising the public awareness of the architectural treasure of the old French Quarter. As a favorite artistic subject, the Artist Colony knowingly championed the cause and foundation of the Vieux Carre Commission in 1937.
