Raleigh artist Judy Crane will be featured at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery on the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site from April through May. Her extraordinary

pieces will be on display beginning Friday, April 10 with a reception in her honor at 5:00 pm.

In her paintings, Ms. Crane strives to depict the subject as the eye sees a scene, not in photographic focus but with atmosphere and depth of field. When asked, she describes her work as falling between the impressionist and realist styles. To achieve this unique, “plein air” style, Ms. Crane strives to paint on location whenever possible and has painted in France, Italy and Greece as well as several locations up and down the eastern coastline, including Beaufort and Harker’s Island.

“I will paint anything that is beautiful. I love color and to express those colors in my works. Light is also very important in my work. Anything can be interesting and intriguing if there is light on it,” she states.

Originally from California, Ms. Crane graduated from University of California San Francisco and has studied art at North Carolina State University, Meredith College, and under the tutelage of many accomplished artists. She has worked as a professional artist for the past 40 years. Moving from watercolor to pastels, she now concentrates on oil paintings. Her works are held in numerous corporate and private collections including SAS Institute, Duke University, and UNC Hospital.

No stranger to Beaufort, Judy has been the featured artist for the Beaufort Wine and Food Event in 2009, as well as the Beaufort Historical Association’s Annual Fall Party in 2005. “Judy Crane is one of the best-selling artists we have ever featured in Beaufort. There is something about her technique as well as her subject matter that makes everyone love her paintings,” explains BHA Executive Director Patricia Suggs.