By Chelsea Reed
Brimming with mystery, adventure, and sometimes treasure, the lure of the ocean has drawn countless people since the dawn of time. That draw seems to be especially strong in the Outer Banks, a land filled with pirates, rescuers, wild creatures and epic history. These original square art pieces celebrate this special place. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Star of the Sea by Sharon Whitehurst, Collage
Oh, to be a starfish living in undersea bliss with its friends. The whimsical textures in this simple but delightful piece is the interior decorator’s companion. It’s perfect for a bedroom, playroom, library, or anywhere really inside a seaside cottage. The white wooden frame adds a clean and cozy touch.
2. Outer Banks Square by Tony Craig, Watercolor and Pencil Painting
Oceanic ship paintings are great, but sometimes it’s nice to see something different in the nautical art scene. We love the bright colors of this vintage Outer Banks memorabilia collection! It contains evidence of local businesses from a bygone era, some from yesteryear and others that still operate today.
3. USCG Rescue Swimmer - Skills That Save Lives by Debra Pierce, Oil Painting
Not all heroes wear capes. Some do epic stitching behind a sewing machine! This phenomenal piece of square realism captures a slice of life inside the USCG Air Station in Elizabeth City, NC. This seemingly mundane task is important, even life saving work. Every stitch on a rescuer’s PPE must hold up to the harsh elements of our coastal waters to complete a successful rescue mission and help get as many people home as safely as possible.
4. Bodie Light Show by Elizabeth Elgin, Oil Painting
In the spirit of life-saving history on the Outer Banks, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is a welcome sight for locals, visitors, and seamen alike. It has helped make our waters safer for more than a century and a half. Its iconic monochrome striped tower may be manmade, but somehow it looks like it’s meant to belong with the native trees and grassy marshes against the classic twilight of a South Nags Head sunset.
5. Sunny Delight by Diane Larson, Oil Painting
The Atlantic Ocean is famous for its rather dramatic moods. But folks who live near and from it know that one ought not to be terrified by it, just respect it! This painting captures the precious feeling of walking alongside a calm glassy ocean on a clear day with blissful puffy clouds. It’s days like these that remind us spending time by the sea is well worth it.
6. End of Day by Connie Cruise, Oil on Canvas
Whether it be a day of good fishing, sailing, or even work, nothing puts the cherry on top like a good sunset over the sound. This local artist captures a beautiful perspective of the bright sunrays giving way to the deeper tones of night. It’s the perfect end to our nautical adventure in squares!
Our nautical voyage may be over but you can still see plenty more at Outer Banks Squared: The Art Show. This vibrant show features the love of summer fun and the Outer Banks in square shaped art and is held at Seaside Art Gallery each year.
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.
Let’s make the most of summer! Art celebrates nature as each artist shares their creativity and a love for the Outer Banks.
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