They’ll be back—outdoor artists, that is.
In October, 2014 several regional artists set up their easels throughout the island to paint along Silver Lake, historic homes, the lighthouse and beaches, and they will arrive again Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.
They are long-time friends who love painting together en plein aire, which is French for “outdoors,” and they especially love painting on Ocracoke.
“I am so delighted to return to beautiful Ocracoke, said Joanne Geisel, the group’s contact person. “My colleagues and I will be able to devote uninterrupted time appreciating the island, honing our creativity and skills and sharing insights and ideas with one another.”
During their island sojourn, the friends also share their love of music.
“Two of our artists are musicians who play the guitar, ukulele and steel drums,” Geisel said.
By Friday (Sept. 30), there should be a number of completed (though still wet) paintings to be seen at their rental, The Bluefin, 1251 Irvin Garnish Hwy., and the curious are invited to stop in to view or purchase them from 4 to 6 p.m., Geisel said.
Along with Geisel, the other artists are Mike Rooney, Dan Nelson, Ann Hair.
Each artist, all of whom show work in North Carolina galleries, has a unique approach to painting.
Rooney, a highly-regarded painter and teacher who travels the East Coast, spending winters in Key West and summers in New England. He resides in Surf City, on Topsail Island. His work has been on display here in Down Creek Gallery.
Nelson is an event painter who dons a tuxedo to paint at weddings, parties and fundraisers. In addition, he is a popular teacher and painter in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Recently he was juried into the prestigious 2016 National Oil Painters of America Show.
Hair’s background includes teaching art in public schools then turning to professional oil painting. Represented by several NC galleries and published in two books of North Carolina artists, she resides in Wilmington.
Geisel has a degree in art education and returned to her lifelong love of art after careers in higher education and career planning. A popular instructor, Geisel, of Leland, conducts workshops and classes in the Wilmington area. She has been the featured artist in many art gallery exhibitions over the past several years.
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