Louisiana man creates Waffle House painting inspired by heartwarming memory with his wife

Matt Dawson's 'Starry Waffles' painting is capturing attention on social media and from the Waffle House brand

A Louisiana man has gone viral for his love of art and a special memory of Waffle House.

Matt Dawson, a pharmacist from Pineville, has been an artist for more than 30 years, but it wasn't until 2012 that he started turning this hobby into a side job to "make some extra money," he told Fox News Digital.

VAN GOGH, THE ONE-EARED DOG WHO ‘PAINTS’ TO END PET HOMELESSNESS, GETS $10K BID ON ‘STARRY NIGHT’ AT AUCTION

Now, Dawson's latest piece, "Starry Waffles," is capturing attention on social media with thousands reacting to the 16x20 acrylic painting on canvas.

The work shows the classic Waffle House storefront with Vincent van Gogh's iconic "Starry Night" in the background.

Matt Dawson's painting "Starry Waffles" is a combination of Vincent van Gogh's iconic "Starry Night" painting and the recognizable Waffle House storefront. (Matt Dawson)

Dawson said he has painted the recognizable yellow and red eatery a few times, and it's because of a special memory he attributes to the restaurant.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, DEC. 23, 1888, DUTCH IMPRESSIONIST VINCENT VAN GOGH CUTS OFF HIS EAR

"When my wife was sick, we used to go down to New Orleans to see a doctor… and every time we would come back, we would stop at [Waffle House] in Sorrento," Dawson shared, adding that his wife Amber Dawson once struggled with bladder and kidney issues.

Matt Dawson and his wife, Amber Dawson, would eat at Waffle House in Sorrento, Louisiana, after seeing a doctor in New Orleans. (Matt Dawson)

"In addition to the tip, I would always put five dollars on the jukebox for the waitress to [put] on whatever artist they liked," he added.

Dawson said he loved his unique creation, but he was not prepared for amount of love it would receive from viewers.

"I thought I would have fun with this one and it kind of resonated with people," he commented.

ALABAMA ‘FRIENDSGIVING’ DINERS TIP WAFFLE HOUSE WAITRESS $1,125: ‘NORMALIZE BEING KIND’

Within 10 minutes of posting "Starry Waffles," Dawson sold the artwork for $600, he said.

Dawson said he has been amazed by the feedback from those who have seen his artwork — including a comment from the official Waffle House instagram.

"I've got people that are painting it themselves, kids and adults, and sharing it online," Dawson said.

Someone leading a "sip and paint" event in North Carolina had even reached out to Dawson asking if they could recreate his viral "Starry Waffles" as its inspirational art piece.

VAN GOGH, A ONE-EARED DOG IN DESPERATE NEED OF A NEW HOME, ‘PAINTS' HIS WAY TO ADOPTION

Dawson does paint more than just Waffle House, but his art will always have one thing in common, he said.

"Monday Rain" - 18" x 24" acrylic on canvas. (Matt Dawson)

"Sixth Ave" - 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas. (Matt Dawson)

Jimmie’s Laundromat" - 18" x 24" acrylic on canvas. (Matt Dawson)

"Headed Home" - 18" x 24" acrylic on canvas. (Matt Dawson)

"Texas Oasis" - 20" x 20" acrylic on canvas. (Matt Dawson)

"Night Eats" - 24" x 36" acrylic on canvas. (Matt Dawson)

"Snake and Jakes" - Carrollton, New Orleans. Marker and pen. (Matt Dawson)

"Purple House" - 9" x 12" pen and marker on paper (Matt Dawson)

"I go with things that make me feel comfortable or bring back good memories," Dawson explained. "I don't like doing stuff just so it would sell."

Dawson prefers to paint with acrylic, the same medium as his "Starry Waffles," but he will also dabble with ink, watercolor and sometimes sculpture, he shared.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The Waffle House-inspired saga will continue as Dawson said he has some other businesses in mind that may get a fresh, artistic twist.

Matt Dawson's artwork has gone viral after sharing his recent "Starry Waffles" painting. (Matt Dawson)

Dawson's work can be found on his Etsy shop titled, MattDawsonArt.

His "Starry Waffles" painting is currently in 20-plus shopping carts of Etsy users, according to the e-commerce website.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Load more..