2026 Competition Pieces
This year, I stepped outside of what felt comfortable… and into what felt necessary.
The 2026 Competition Collection marks a turning point in my work—where technique met intention, and every mark was made with purpose. These pieces are not my typical paintings. They carry more weight, more story, more vulnerability. They asked something different of me… and in return, they gave me growth I couldn’t have reached any other way.
Each piece was built in layers—both physically and emotionally. The outer surfaces are aged, worn, almost like memory itself… softened by time, blurred at the edges. But as you move inward, the work becomes more alive—more vivid, more present. It’s in that contrast where the truth lives… between what was and what still is.
These works explore themes of memory, identity, transformation, and the quiet tension between holding on and letting go. They are less about what is seen at first glance… and more about what is discovered when you stay a little longer.
Whether these pieces are awarded or not, they’ve already done what they were meant to do—they stretched me, challenged me, and changed the way I create.
And in that… I’ve already won.
What Remains After
Original LOC | 2026 Competition Piece
Some moments don’t end… they settle.
What Remains After exists in the stillness that follows—the quiet space where everything has already happened, yet nothing feels fully gone. It’s not loud. It doesn’t demand attention. Instead, it lingers… soft, steady, and undeniable.
This piece was created through layers that mirror the way memory holds itself. The outer surface feels aged and worn, like time has gently softened its edges—allowing certain details to fade, blur, or fall away. But beneath that, something stronger remains. As you move inward, the work becomes more vivid, more present… like a memory that refuses to disappear no matter how much time has passed.
There’s a quiet tension here—between acceptance and attachment. Between what we’ve made peace with… and what still lives just under the surface. It doesn’t ask for resolution. It simply holds space for what is left behind.
Because even in the stillness… something remains.
What Remains After speaks to memory, reflection, and the lasting imprint of experience—subtle, powerful, and deeply human.
What the Water Remembers
Original LOC | 2026 Competition Piece
There are stories we carry… and then there are the ones that carry us.
What the Water Remembers lives in that space between past and present—where memory doesn’t disappear, it transforms. The surface feels still, but underneath, everything is moving… shifting… holding onto what was while becoming something new.
This piece was built in layers—intentionally aged along the outer edges, like memory softened over time. The textures are worn, almost weathered, allowing parts of the story to fade just enough. But as you move inward, the work comes alive—richer color, stronger presence, a clarity that refuses to be forgotten. It’s that contrast that drives the piece… the tension between what we try to let go of and what refuses to release us.
Water, in this work, becomes more than an element—it becomes a keeper. A witness. It reflects not only what is in front of it, but what once was… and maybe what still lingers beneath the surface.
This painting is about transformation, memory, and the quiet weight of what we carry forward—whether we mean to or not.
Limited Edition
Print Series Release
—Limited Edition “Elevated” Print – Only 30 Available
—Limited Edition “Sovereignty Reigns” Print – Only 30 Available
A strictly limited release of only 30 fine art prints of each original painting is now available. Each print is produced on luxurious Somerset Velvet paper with beautifully deckled edges, giving it a soft, timeless, gallery-quality finish that honors the original.
Once these 30 prints are claimed, there will never be another print run of this piece.
The original paintings are also currently available for purchase for those looking to own the one-of-a-kind work.
To purchase or reserve a print, please message directly.
LOCart @ Live at the Lakefront-- Lake Charles, LA
LOCart @ Live at the Lakefront-- Lake Charles, LA
LOCart has been officially accepted as an art vendor!!! Come check us out and enjoy your Louisiana Saturday Night!
SIP & SEE: MEET THE ARTIST EVENT
ENJOY A DIRTY SODA, EXPLORE EXHIBITION, & VISIT WITH LOC!
Last call before it’s gone!
Join me SATURDAY, MARCH 28th for the final week of my exhibition at River Oaks Square Arts Center in Downtown Alexandria, Louisiana!
From 11AM–1PM, I’ll be serving up fun dirty sodas while you explore the artwork, ask questions, and hang out before it all comes down on April 4.
Don’t miss your last chance!
NEWEST LOC COLLECTION DROP
“SHADES OF SUMMER”
The full 7-piece original collection will be released as follows:
✨ Public Early Access: March 6 at 7PM CST
✨ Fair Debut: March 7 at 10AM
CURRENTLY OPEN TO PUBLIC PURCHASE
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![A colorful painting of a woman with short wavy hair, wearing large sunglasses, and bright red lipstick. The background features vibrant blue and yellow hues.]()
Meet Me @ Sunset
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![Colorful painting of a pelican wearing yellow sunglasses against a textured blue and yellow background.]()
Dockside Don
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![A painting of a woman wearing large sunglasses with red-orange lenses. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and wears bold makeup and yellow earrings.]()
Solara
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![A colorful abstract painting of a dog wearing glasses, with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors including red, blue, yellow, and black.]()
It's Earl
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![A vibrant, colorful painting of a woman wearing large sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, with long flowing hair, set against an abstract background of yellow, orange, and black.]()
Velvet Shades
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![Colorful flamingo wearing sunglasses with a vibrant blue and green swirling background and bubbles.]()
Coolor Than Me
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![Painting of a bulldog wearing large pink sunglasses, with a blue background and some abstract cityscape elements in the distance.]()
Mr. P'Jones
ARTWALK NEWS! SPRING 2026
Artist Spotlight: Leslie Carmouche of LOCart
Leslie creates original paintings inspired by the Southern coast and its rich culture. Her work reflects a deep connection to place, capturing layered landscapes, coastal waters, working heritage, and the quiet strength of the South.
Slow down, feel the atmosphere of the coast, and connect with Leslie’s work at the Shadows on the Teche Arts and Crafts Festival and the Vermilion Arts Council’s ArtWalk on Rue de Concorde.
ArtWalk on Rue de Concorde: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Downtown Abbeville, Louisiana | Free Event
Shadows on the Teche Spring Arts and Crafts Festival: Saturday, March 7th, located in the heart of downtown New Iberia. - Admission is $5 per person (13 and older)
UPCOMING EXHIBIT
River Oaks Square Art Center
Annex Building- Upstairs Show Room
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Leslie Owen Carmouche presents Marks of Becoming, a bold mixed-media exhibition exploring emergence, clarity, and transformation. Across acrylics, watercolor, inks, oil pastels, and charcoal, each painting juxtaposes abstract, textured backgrounds with focused subjects in the foreground.
A subtle circular mark appears in every work — a quiet signature symbolizing the act of becoming. Visitors are invited to step closer, observe the marks, and experience art in motion, where chaos and clarity meet.
Marks of Louisiana
Fine Art Paintings by Leslie Carmouche
Please join us at Gallery on the Square for a public reception for December featured artist LESLIE CARMOUCHE on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 5-7pm. Leslie's art exhibit will feature 15 paintings from her collection titled "Marks of Louisiana."
"Marks of Louisiana" showcases the work of local Avoyelles artist, Leslie Carmouche, who captures the spirit of the bayou through layered mixed-media creations inspired by Louisiana’s marshes, swamps, and vibrant cultural traditions. Each piece blends natural textures with elements of everyday Louisiana life—music, folklore, food, and history—while subtle watermarks serve as a signature stamp tying every artwork back to its Louisiana roots. This exhibition invites viewers to experience the land, culture, and creativity that leave a lasting mark on all who encounter them.
Leslie will be on hand to speak about her artwork and answer your questions! Refreshments will be served.
What is the Van Gogh Gala
The Van Gogh Gala is an annual fundraiser benefiting River Oaks Square Arts Center- it is also River Oaks’ largest annual fundraiser. The Gala provides the perfect opportunity for community members and patrons to become “Star/Guest Artists” for an evening. Guest Artists such as (Megan Long) are matched with a Mentor Artist such as (Leslie Owen Carmouche)– a River Oaks Resident Artist or Local Artist from the community for the creation of a masterpiece. Some artists contribute their own works to the live auction. All masterpieces are placed on the auction block during an exciting live auction on the evening of the Gala with all proceeds benefiting the ongoing operations of River Oaks Square Arts Center. Your participation helps support and promote the importance of contemporary visual art and fine crafts in our community through education, outreach and special features.
With the historic Bolton Home and grand Studio Annex Building, River Oaks provides economical studio space for working artists, educational programming for youth and adults as well as host over twenty exhibitions throughout the year featuring national, regional, local and resident artists. With over thirty artists in residence, each guest participant has the opportunity to work with a variety of styles and media. The creative duo then begin their journey to creating an inspiring masterpiece. Van Gogh provides an excellent opportunity for community members to get involved in the arts while supporting a worthy cause.
"As a local artist, I am truly honored to have been selected for this project. It is deeply rewarding to have my work recognized and supported, and to be given the opportunity to represent both my art and our community. I am sincerely grateful to the Alexandria Zoological Park for allowing me to collaborate with you in bringing this vision to life."
The Community Heart Project
“Baton Rouge has its iconic Pelicans, Houston celebrates with vibrant Cows, and Monroe proudly showcases its Herons. Now, it’s Central Louisiana’s turn to shine. With the Community Heart Project, we aim to leave a mark on our region, one heart at a time. Our vision is to engage the community in a collective effort to enhance our surroundings and uplift our spirits.”
Explore Alexandria and Pineville
LOCart is
“On the Move”
Upcoming Exhibit and Art Market
Treasures of Pointe Coupee
May 30~June 1 & June 6~8
Click Link for more information: Treasures
EXCITING NEWS!
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EXCITING NEWS! 〰️
So excited and honored to have this piece accepted into the 57th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival!!!
May 2 - May 11, 2025
"Expressive. Bold. LOC Art."
Welcome to LOC Art!
Thank you for visiting my site! Feel free to browse around and explore my collection of original artwork. Whether you're looking for a bold statement piece or something uniquely expressive, I hope you find something that speaks to you.
Enjoy exploring, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Leslie Owen Carmouche- Artist Bio
Leslie Owen Carmouche is a visual artist/painter residing in Marksville, Louisiana. Her creative process is a dialogue between herself and the medium. She approaches each piece without a defined vision or purpose, allowing the art to unfold naturally. Using materials, textures, and forms, she allows the process to guide her next steps, leading to unexpected discoveries.
Leslie uses acrylics, inks, watercolors, and an array of other mediums to craft her pieces. As a self-taught artist, she does not deny that God is the one in control of her talent, growth, and vision. Leslie aims to continue a life-long study of visual expression as she challenges her perceptions and creativity through her art.
Leslie currently exhibits her work in 318 Art & Frame in Shreveport, LA and STUDIO 210 at River Oaks Arts Center.
My Vision:
“I aim to capture moments of transition, beauty, and emotion in my work. I enjoy using the natural world and human experience to inspire me. At this time, my art has been shifting to abstract interpretations of natural scenery overlaid with an image in a loose form of photo-realism. Lately, I have been experimenting with geometric form and slight distortion elements intertwined to create a feeling of movement and emotional depth in my pieces. My goal is to gain more engagement with my art from each onlooker in hopes that a deeper connection can be made.”
Contact
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