Robert Chestnut's oil painting 'Sunset Ocracoke, Portsmouth inlet' will be on view during a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. in Down Creek Gallery July 13.
Robert Chestnut’s oil painting ‘Sunset Ocracoke, Portsmouth inlet’ will be on view during a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. in Down Creek Gallery July 13.

Like many island artists, Robert Chestnut’s work is influenced by his environment—island life, surfing and sea life.

He will show new works at the continuing “Expose Yourself to Art” series of receptions in Down Creek Gallery from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight (July 13).  All are invited.

While Robert works for the family business, Ride the Wind Surf Shop, he also finds time to paint and create copper and wood etchings in his home studio where he constantly tries to find new ways to create images.

Chestnut, who has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Jackson University, Fla., prefers oil paints.

Robert Chestnut hosts an annual surf music show on WOVV, Ocracoke's community radio station. Photo by  P. Vankevich
Robert Chestnut hosts an annual surf music show on WOVV, Ocracoke’s community radio station. Photo by P. Vankevich

“When painting, I like to use heavy brush strokes to show as much texture as possible,” he says. Bold colors are a hallmark in all of Chestnut’s work.

Musical guest will be Rob King.

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