BLOSSOMING ART COLONY is PICTURE PERFECT for DAUPHIN ISLAND

Art is All Around

From its white sand beaches edged by grassy dunes and gently rolling surf, to lush maritime forests and wetlands brimming with wildlife, and a laid back pace usually associated with country living, it's no surprise that Dauphin Island, Alabama has become the picture perfect home to some of the Gulf Coast's most talented artists.

"My grandfather, William D. Rockwell, was a second cousin of Norman Rockwell," said Island artist Deborah Jones, "so, maybe that's where my artistic talent comes from."

Before moving to the Island several years ago, Deb used to vacation on Dauphin Island with her grandparents as a child in the mid 1960s, so she grew up with a love for the island life.

Though much of her work depicts Dauphin Island settings, Deb seems to favor her eye-popping images captured during frequent visits to the Caribbean and Central America. "I enjoy painting watercolors of aquatic life and beach related themes," she said. "Watercolor gives me the opportunity to explore incredible nature scenes through a smooth look in bright, vivid colors." Something that pastels just can't provide she admits.

"Sometimes as residents we take this Island for granted," Deb said. "Painting helps me realize what a treasure we have here." Her work is displayed exclusively on the Island at Just For You.

Artist Dena McKee moved to Dauphin Island after losing her home in Moss Point, Mississippi to Hurricane Katrina. "It's funny how we were drawn to the island," said Dena. "When you come over that bridge, something happens and you just leave everything behind you."