Painting Hope in a Wisconsin Yard | Milwaukee News

Milwaukee News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 10, 2026 · 1m

Jose David Morales-Ortiz turned his South Side front yard into a vibrant outdoor gallery, selling abstract acrylic and oil paintings he creates by letting colors drip and swirl—each piece unnamed to let viewers see what they will. His journey began after losing his home in Puerto Rico to Hurricane Maria and relocating to Wisconsin in 2017; painting with his daughter-in-law during the pandemic became his healing ritual. Encouraged by family, he started selling his art on the street—and his first buyer? Some passing police officers. Now, he sells online under “J.D. arts,” takes commissions, and…