By Chelsea Reed
Significant life moments like moving, a new job, or having a child impact all of us at some point or another. But oftentimes, it’s the little things in life we remember the most. Whether it’s that cup of coffee in the morning or catching a few waves before heading to work, small moments stick with our memories for a reason. This concept helped spark the Realism art movement in the 1800s. Today, Realism art champions the slice of life moments. Enjoy some of our favorites at Seaside Art Gallery.
In this watercolor painting, we get to observe a fascinating scene. A lady happens upon an old abandoned house that is sadly dilapidated from years of time and neglect. No one knows how long it’s been in this state, but the title gives a clue that it was once grand. Will it be restored? We can only wonder. Most would simply walk by, but the woman seems to take pity on it and pay her respects.
Dinner for two on a gorgeous rooftop? Yes please! We get to see a couple who is about to enjoy a scrumptious meal with a phenomenal view. Their waiter seems to be animated and attentive while they listen intently to whatever she is telling them. The bright watercolor environment captures the happiness in this fun and relatable moment.
Traveling to experience different people and cities is exciting, but there are times when the best sanctuary is to escape into solitude. The kayaker in this oil painting seems to know exactly what we’re talking about. The handmade frame embraces a scene of nature that feels grounded and contemplative.
Art makes everything in life beautiful, even the mundane and ordinary. Because art is an image of a scene in still motion, it gives us a chance to stop and think, much like the children sitting on concrete steps in this gouache. The young boy holds a freshly plucked dandelion and contemplates a speck of nature surrounded by the man-made environment.
That’s enough concrete. Time to head back into nature. In this pastel painting, we see a group of fine-fitted surfers congregating for what appears to be a contest. What’s their prize? The vivid color and energy is an accurate and welcoming sight for both Outer Banks locals and visitors alike.
This unusual slice of life oil painting is seen from the subject’s first-person perspective, making the dogs ready to go on a walk the true stars of the show. It’s a normal activity many of us do every day, and yet, the artist seems to capture the dogs’ anticipation for adventure as anything but ordinary.
Grazing pastures can provide some blissfully idle scenes, like this oil painting of horses relaxing at a farm. You can smell the fresh grass and cool wind on a fall evening with just one look. Moments like these are truly worth putting into a frame, and they are what the realism genre is all about.
Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes winning content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina. She might not be building sandcastles or swashbuckling with pirates these days, but the Outer Banks beaches continue to keep her young at heart.
