Osborne said that he had recently designed a poster for Nike, and said that at that time he was approached by a representative from the Hornets about producing their poster.

"The different colors of the three houses in the poster represent the colors of the Hornets' new uniforms," Osborne said. "I also incorporated different items to represent both the team and the city. I know New Orleans, what it represents, and I like to show it in bold colors."

Osborne, who taught art at Alice Harte Elementary School in Algiers for more than five years, said, "I wanted my students to get high exposure for the work that they did. We produced large murals for the school as well as separate art pieces that the students produced. We put on an exhibit at the Contemporary Art Center, and some of the students' pieces actually sold. It was a great feeling for them. It's a big misconception that you have to starve to be an artist. I've spent my life proving that's not true. Art sells, and you can actually make a living doing it."

When Hurricane Katrina came, Osborne and his family relocated to Atlanta for two years. Upon their return, the former teacher decided that it was time to devote his life to his passion.

"I have a studio here in my home. Most of my paintings are sold by commission. If you go online and search 'New Orleans artist,' my name is one of the first that comes up," Osborne said. "I also get a lot of sales from word of mouth. My customers often will refer others to me."

Osborne said that he has a close-knit group of supporters who encourage him.

Having participated in numerous art shows over the years, Osborne decided to hold his own show in November. "I've never had a show on my own, and it was very exciting," Osborne said.

He chose two nonprofit groups to sponsor for his show: The American Heart Association and Gretna No. 2 Academy for Advanced Studies. Osborne donated 50 percent of the proceeds from three of his pieces to the association and the school and 10 percent of all of the other works that sold.

Some of his pieces have sold for between $10,000 and $20,000.

Osborne hopes to be able to hold a show yearly and sponsor a different nonprofit group each year.

"We were able to donate $8,800 from my show. I love these two organizations, and it made me feel great to be able to help them both."

"I say 'I' a lot," Osborne said, "But it's really my wife, Stephanie, who works the business end of things. She's a pro. My wife is an artist also. She does a little bit of everything; art, sculpture and film. She's very multitalented."

Osborne's three children, Terrance, 14; Seth, 8; and Sydni, 5, all work in his studio on their own projects.

"My son Terrance has already sold some of his own pieces," said his proud father.

Besides his recent work on the Hornets poster, Osborne also designed the best-selling poster for the New Orleans Jazz Festival. His 2007 Congo Square poster was the highest-selling poster in Jazzfest history.

Osborne has always been fascinated by colors, and his works of art show bold use of them. His talents have taken him from the classroom to the studio, where his work and passion become one.

To view the Hornets' new poster, you can log on to Hornets.com. For more information about Osborne and to view some of his artwork, visit galleryosborne.com.

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Sandra Laborie is a Gretna resident who writes about people and events of community interest. She can be reached at 504.368-2666 or at gretnagazing@yahoo.com