By Chelsea Reed
Traveling to scenic places is a popular way for artists to fuel their painting inspiration. But what if you don’t have the means to fly to France or Italy? No worries! You can still find your creative muse right here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina if you know where to look. Here are six good places to start from.
1. Carova Beach
Far away from convenience stores and corporate chains, this simple off-road beach community of rental homes is the perfect creative retreat to get away from it all. Be prepared to live in seclusion, meet wild horses, and witness the Outer Banks in its truly natural beauty!
2. Inlets
Inlets like Oregon Inlet and Hatteras Inlet bear the important testimonies of Outer Banks geography. Their shifting shapes have accounted the tales of treacherous waters and the ever-changing landscapes of these barrier islands over time. These changes can be appreciated by on-site painters who also admire the remarkable view and wildlife at these areas.
3. Lighthouses
There’s no mistaking that the Outer Banks is filled with intriguing historic sites, and perhaps the most iconic of them are the local lighthouses. Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Lighthouse are all great places to draw inspiration from. Climb their staircases to observe the diverse perspectives of shadow and color, or create a visual narrative from their centuries-old stories guarding the coast’s dangerous waterways.
4. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
Having a tough time picking a creative spot? Take a ride on the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway. Stretching from Nags Head to Beaufort, North Carolina, the beautiful route covers the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast regions with 21 beach villages and two ferry rides. Be sure to stop and smell the sea salt during your journey!
5. Local Art Galleries
Observing artwork in local art galleries is one of your best sources for inspiration. In fact, you can see original works inspired by the Outer Banks in Seaside Art Gallery’s brand new “Outer Banks Squared – The Art Show.” This first-of-its-kind art show debuts at the gallery, July 1-27, 2017. It features 12 x 12-inch square pieces depicting seascapes, lighthouses, animals, sound views, and other experiences in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
6. Your Back Porch!
Getting out of the house is the recommended way to beat artists’ block, but there are a few exceptions in the Outer Banks! Simply stand on the back porch of a beach cottage with a gorgeous view and you’ll see why. Did you know that many of Suzanne Morris’s national show paintings were made on her back porch in Nags Head? You can do the same thing on your own porch or sunroom, or even inside by a window.
These examples are just a few reasons why the Outer Banks is a creative hot spot for many artists. So if you ever get the itch to paint in this beautiful area, give it a try! Did you know that Seaside Art Gallery is one of the largest private art galleries in the Southeast? They have been helping artists and art lovers display their work for over 56 years and are eager to service experts and beginners alike. Contact Seaside Art Gallery today – you’ll be glad you did!
Chelsea Reed is a freelance copywriter and blogger. She writes articles, blogs, ebooks, e-newsletters, press releases, websites, and other online content.
