By Chelsea Reed
One of the most interesting aspects about realism is when you get to see ordinary real locations transform into extraordinary places through creativity. These special pieces of art are like time capsule discoveries. We’ll share with you some of our favorite examples!
This fun painted perspective is based on an actual sign that existed in downtown Kansas City, MO in 1998. The sign isn’t there anymore after the neighborhood got revitalized since then, but its Americana spirit lives on through the fascinating urban textures of this painting.
Who doesn’t love a Duck Donut? This sweet little shop got its start in the beautiful Outer Banks town of Duck, NC. It did so well, you can find them all over the United States today. This colorful painting captures the soft, fluffy texture of the donuts so accurately, it almost looks good enough to eat. Yummy!
Named after their nesting places in the far North American regions, Canada geese are all over the United States and Canada. But did you know they were almost extinct in the early 1900s because of overhunting and habitat loss? Thanks to conservation efforts, that danger is now in the past. Let’s continue to enjoy this important species in our ecosystem!
Believe it or not, this stunning painting of a Buxton beach does not depict a sunrise. What you’re actually looking at is the depiction of first light, or daybreak, which happens before the sunrise! Sometimes the sky bursts into even more color at first light than at sunrise. It might be because of the ocean’s reflection, or that Buxton is located very far east on the U.S. map.
The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is famous in the Outer Banks. Greeting residents and visitors alike, its light continues to shine after 156 years. It was moved in 1999 to save it from the encroaching ocean waters to where it is today, as depicted in this classic painting. The lighthouse stands tall in its home behind native vegetation and sea oats. You can see both spots at the Cape Hatteras Light Station in Buxton, NC.
The Salute is the fitting nickname of the Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice, Italy. Like most places in Venice, this historic building is by the water. Its architecture has inspired many artists over the centuries. Lush blues of the water and sky surround its serene white hues. This real place almost looks like a romantic dream!
Discover more fascinating places and moments in time through the power of art at Seaside Art Gallery’s Realism collection. You may even stumble into something that reminds you of a special moment!
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.
Need a break from life’s noisy bustle? Art admiration is the original escapism. Long before Hollywood and electronics came into the picture, artwork has captivated peoples’ imaginations for thousands of years.
The art of etchings is intriguing, and no one masters etchings quite like David Hunter. Etchings come so naturally to David, you'd think he was born with a needle and plate in hand!
Realism is a remarkable feat in the arts when you think about it. Somehow artists figured out how to transform globs of paint into scenes so realistic that you might be convinced you’re looking out a window.
