Mark Rosenbohm: Capturing New Orleans’ Spirit Through Watercolor
Mark Rosenbohm paints places you can feel. Based just outside New Orleans, his watercolors capture the charm and history of the city’s architecture—especially the vibrant shotgun homes, corner bars, and family-run businesses that shape the city’s spirit. What started as a creative revival during the pandemic has grown into a full-time practice, connecting deeply with both his materials and the community around him. We talked with Mark about his artistic journey, his go-to M. Graham paints, and the stories that keep him inspired.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?
A: I’m Mark Rosenbaum, and I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember. I live just outside of New Orleans and most of what I paint now is tied to the city. A lot of the pieces I do are based on architecture and neighborhoods I grew up around. It’s a little nostalgic, but it also keeps me connected to the people here. I do a lot of pop-up markets, and almost every time someone stops to say, “Hey, I remember that place.” That’s the best part.
Q: What made you start painting buildings in particular?
A: Funny enough, I never thought I’d be painting architecture. If you asked me five or six years ago, I would’ve told you no way. But I started looking at a lot of urban sketchers online and something about it pulled me in. I realized the drawings didn’t have to be rigid or technical. They could be loose, expressive, and still say a lot. The more I looked around the city, the more I started noticing all these little details I had grown up with. Once I started painting them, I couldn’t stop.
Q: Why do you think these homes and bars have such an emotional pull?
A: Because people are tied to them. These buildings have been here for generations. They’ve changed hands, been repainted, brought back to life. And when someone sees a place they recognize, it brings up a memory. Maybe they lived there, maybe they used to walk by it every day, or maybe they had a drink there with someone they miss. There’s a lot of character in the buildings, but there’s just as much in the stories behind them.
Q: Has painting these places brought more stories into your life?
A: Absolutely. That’s one of the best things that’s come out of this. When I’m at a market, people will flip through my prints and start telling me about the bar where they met their partner, or the corner store their grandma used to take them too. Sometimes they’ll ask if I’ve painted a specific place, and if I haven’t, I’ll put it on my list. People also send me photos of their homes for commissions, and when they talk about why the house matters to them, it makes me see it differently too.
Q: How did you first get started with M. Graham watercolors?
A: Right around the start of COVID, I had been dabbling in watercolor, but I was using student-grade everything, paper, brushes, and paints. It was all fighting me. Then I saw Steve Mitchell doing a demo with M. Graham paints and thought I’d give them a try. I bought a starter set and from the first use, I knew they were something different. The color was rich, the paint stayed workable on the palette, and I wasn’t struggling with the materials anymore. That made all the difference.
Q: What was the experience like painting for the Jewel Tone Set?
A: That came after I met Judy and Dan from M. Graham at a retail supply show here in New Orleans. I had reached out ahead of time to see if they needed a demo artist, and we ended up connecting there. Later, Judy asked if I’d be interested in painting something for their new Jewel Tone watercolor set. I created a few pieces using just the colors from that set and sent them over. The cobalt teal house I painted ended up on the box. It felt like a great fit, those bright, saturated colors really matched the homes I paint. It was a fun challenge to stick to just that palette.
Q: Do you work in any other mediums besides watercolor?
A: Watercolor is what I use the most, but I’ve started experimenting with M. Graham’s gouache and acrylics too. They’re just as solid. I haven’t tried the oils yet, but I like that they’re made with walnut oil. I’m not a fan of solvents or strong smells, so that part is appealing. It’s definitely on my list.
Q: Where can people see more of your work or get in touch?
A: I’m most active on Instagram at @Markrosenbohm. I post new pieces there pretty regularly. If people are interested in prints or originals, they can visit my website at nolaportraits.com. Everything’s linked up through my profile.
Mark’s work shows us how much place and memory are connected. His watercolors carry more than just color and form—they hold stories, history, and community. We’re proud to be part of his journey and look forward to seeing what he paints next.
