By Chelsea Reed
Our blue Earth teems with undersea life. More than 70% of its surface is covered in water! These vast oceans are known as the planet’s last frontier. Many marvelous sea creatures dwell near the Outer Banks. To celebrate, these gorgeous paintings will help us encounter them without getting wet. All of the artwork is on display at Seaside Art Gallery...have you seen them?
1. Goldenhead V
by Cathy Yrizarry
How stunning are these two goldfish! They take full advantage of the bold colors going on in this oil painting. The orange and blue contrast is delightful, and the impressionistic technique resembles fish scales. An unforgettable gift for the office, anyone?
2. Hawksbill Sea Turtle’s Hunting Grounds
by Beverly Abbott
Did you know that the Hawksbill sea turtle is the rarest in the world? It is a critically endangered species. The Hawksbill prefers tropical ocean waters like Hawaii and South Florida. If you see one in the Outer Banks, you’re very lucky! Or, you can gaze upon its beauty anytime in this oil painting on ivorine.
3. At the Water’s Edge: Starfish II
by Sharon Whitehurst
The starfish is an amazing animal. This one is an oil painting featured in Outer Banks Squared: The Art Show. Despite its name, a starfish is actually not a fish. It is a type of sea animal called an echinoderm, which means it is more related to sea urchins and sand dollars. If a starfish loses its arm while escaping danger, it can grow back a new one in a year. The lost arm can even reproduce into another starfish.
by E.M. Corsa
Check out this whimsical take of a familiar sea creature! Be Still My Hearts reimagines the seahorse as a romantic knight-like mount with hearts for scales. It’s a wonderful addition to a child’s room or cozy nautical themed summer cottage.
5. Triggerfish
by Bruce Frazier
A common fish in the Outer Banks that happens to be good eating. Local restaurants sometimes serve this fish for its mild, delicious flavor. That’s why this acrylic painting fits well in Outer Banks Squared: The Art Show. The triggerfish has an interesting ‘horn’ on its head for defence and securing itself while sleeping. It also has a bold attitude and may charge unsuspecting divers!
by Walt Disney Classics Collection
Okay, we admit we’re cheating. This isn’t a painting at all, it’s an official licensed sculpture by Walt Disney Classics Collection. But it sure is a boatload of fishy fun! The "Duke of Soul" feels right at home with the other sea creature paintings.
That’s it for now! Don’t want the undersea adventures to be over? Check out the rest of the artwork on our website, or witness their beauty at Seaside Art Gallery in person. You can even visit the Outer Banks beaches next to the Gallery for more nautical fun. Life is better under - and next to - the sea.
