Self-taught as an artist, Evans is known for his paintings of 19th century sailing ships, which are held in numerous museum collections.
[3] Shortly after enlisting he contracted fever and, on the request of his father, John Evans of Philadelphia, he was discharged as a minor in October 1829.
Nine months later, in July 1830, he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served until he was discharged at Norfolk, Virginia, on 4 March 1836.
[3] Following his service in the navy, and having returned from Minorca, he moved to New Orleans in 1846, where he opened a commercial painting studio.
[6] In 1850-52 he took a partner in his New Orleans house, ship, sign and ornamental painting business, the German-born artist Edward Arnold (1824–1866).