Charleston is known for its delicious southern meals, vast scenery, and blissful beaches, but there’s one thing often overlooked. As a city filled with creatives who are inspired by their surroundings, Charleston facilitates a spot for up and coming artists. The pastel buildings and sunkissed waterways are inspiration a-plenty when it comes to artistry. Today, we’ve gathered a roundup of local artists we love that we think you’ll love too.
Gaston Locklear
Locklear draws his inspiration from graphics found on billboards, urban walls, and other public spaces. His art acts as what he explains to be “a parallel to the human experience.” The Garden City Beach, SC natives’ intricate designs are purposely open for interpretation.
Kellie Jacobs
Think pastels and waterways when you think Jacobs. The College of Charleston grad designs landscape paintings through her own form of expression. Her use of dreamy pastels paired with detailed textures is a match made in heaven. You can find her work hanging at Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Southeastern Publishing Company, Inc.
Emily Allyson a.k.a. Southern Blonde Salt
The Bluffton native behind Southern Blonde Salt is inspired by the animals and sights around her hometown. Featuring oysters, redfish, and ocean landscapes, her style is imminent of life in the Carolinas.
Lynne Hardwick
Hardwick’s art hangs in the Lowcountry Artists Gallery located on East Bay St. Her love for meeting people and connecting with spirituality act as a spark for such abstract pieces. With many layers and strategic color blocking choices, her paintings are a reflection of life in Charleston through an entirely new lens.
Sam Malpass a.k.a. Badway Creative
If you’ve been to places like Saltwater Cowboys, The Vendue Hotel, or Ro Sham Beaux, you’ve seen artwork by Sam Malpass. Malpass is a travel-inspired artist who enjoys richly saturated hues and liquid impressionist brush strokes. Her murals and paintings are a staple to the Charleston area because of her knack for capturing the soul of each subject.
