Haint Blue Life

Virginia Fouché Bolton, a highly skilled watercolorist, was a cherished and actively involved member of South Carolina's art community for over four decades. Born in Hartsville, she relocated to Charleston at the age of fourteen. After completing her education at Memminger High School, Bolton pursued her artistic studies at Winthrop College. In 1951, she married Donald Bolton and together they made their home in Mt. Pleasant, where they raised their five children.

Following a decade of marriage, Bolton embarked on a distinguished teaching career at St. John the Baptist Cathedral school, initially instructing a range of subjects. Over time, her teaching focus shifted to art classes, which she taught at Moultrie, Wando, and Bishop England High Schools. Her passionate teaching style served as a source of inspiration for her students, many of whom went on to achieve recognition as accomplished artists and art educators in their own right.

Simultaneously, Bolton began to paint professionally during her teaching tenure. In 1972, she was honored with an award from the Charleston Scientific and Cultural Educational Fund, affording her the opportunity to travel to Greece for two months to paint. Four years later, she established her own gallery on Charleston's Meeting Street, showcasing her vibrant depictions of the city and its inhabitants, alongside her evocative portrayals of the surrounding regional landscapes. Her original watercolors and limited edition prints garnered praise from fellow artists and enjoyed immense popularity among Charleston residents and visitors alike, who admired her remarkable ability to capture the dynamic essence of the city and its environs, suffusing them with a luminous, ethereal light.

In 1981, after obtaining a master's degree in Art Teaching from the Rhode Island School of Design, Bolton and her husband returned to South Carolina, settling in the captivating locale of Edisto Island. It was here that she drew inspiration from the captivating Lowcountry landscape, characterized by its marshes, woodlands, and beaches.

Bolton's artistic achievements were recognized through her participation in exhibitions with the Southern Watercolor Society, as well as the receipt of numerous local and national accolades throughout her illustrious career. Sadly, the artist passed away on Edisto Island in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional talent and a profound impact on the South Carolina art community.

Elizabeth O'Neill Verner

Verner, an accomplished artist, was born in Charleston on December 21, 1883. She was the daughter of Henry John O’Neill and his wife, Mollie. After graduating from Ursuline Academy in Columbia in 1902, she furthered her artistic education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1903 to 1904, studying under the guidance of Thomas Anshutz.

Following a year of teaching in Aiken, Verner settled in Charleston and married E. Pettigrew Verner on April 24, 1907. Together, they had two children. Throughout her career, Verner actively participated in various art organizations, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the Charleston Sketch Club, the Charleston Etchers’ Club, and the Southern States Art League. From 1922 to 1933, she served on the board of the Southern States Art League.

Verner's artistic talent and dedication to her craft propelled her to become a prominent figure in the Charleston Renaissance, alongside her mentor, Alice Ravenel Huger Smith. Initially, Verner focused on creating etchings that captured the essence of Charleston's architectural heritage and its African American residents. She felt a deep connection to her birthplace and believed it was her duty to showcase its picturesque charm. In her publication, Prints and Impressions of Charleston, she expressed her gratitude towards her native city and the inspiration it provided for her etchings.

Over the course of her illustrious career, Verner produced approximately 260 etchings in various sizes, including miniature pieces measuring two by two inches. Edition sizes ranged from fifty to one hundred, showcasing her commitment to creating unique and limited works of art. In the mid-1930s, Verner expanded her artistic repertoire by exploring the medium of pastel, allowing her to introduce vibrant colors into her creations. After a trip to Japan in 1937, she mastered the technique of rendering pastel on silk mounted to board, further enhancing the visual appeal of her artwork. Notably, Verner's pastels often depicted flower vendors, a cherished Charleston tradition that she actively worked to preserve when faced with a potential threat from a new ordinance.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Verner was deeply involved in the preservation of Charleston's historic dwellings. As a charter member of the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings, she tirelessly advocated for the conservation of the city's architectural treasures.

Verner was a prolific writer and artist who utilized her etchings and drawings to showcase the beauty of Charleston. Her notable works include Prints and Impressions of Charleston (1939), Mellowed by Time: A Charleston Notebook (1941), and Other Places (1946). She was also known for opening her studio to visitors and leading tours for groups like the Art Institute of Chicago, who often purchased her artwork. Verner's travels to Europe in 1930 and Japan in 1937 further influenced her work. Her contributions were recognized with honorary degrees from the University of South Carolina and the University of North Carolina in 1947. Her artwork can be found in various museums, including the Gibbes Museum of Art, Columbia Museum of Art, Greenville County Museum of Art, South Carolina State Museum, and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Verner passed away on April 27, 1979, in Charleston. 

Additional accolades: 

Elizabeth O’Neill Verner, a Charleston native, was a renowned artist and preservationist from 1883 to 1979. She is widely recognized as the most prominent female artist in South Carolina during the twentieth century. Verner primarily worked with pastels and printmaking, showcasing her exceptional talent and authenticity in her depictions of Charleston's architecture and portraiture. Her artistic journey began under the guidance of Alice Ravenel Huger Smith and continued at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, where she studied with the esteemed instructor Thomas Anshutz from 1901 to 1903. Following her studies, Verner taught art in Aiken, South Carolina, before returning to her hometown. Despite her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two, she dedicated her spare time to pursuing her passion for art. In 1923, Verner ventured into the world of etching and established her own studio, where she produced exquisite fine art prints. Her drawings and etchings of Charleston became her signature works, earning her widespread acclaim. Verner also excelled as a portraitist and figurative painter, particularly known for her dignified portrayals of African American subjects. After the passing of her husband in 1925, Verner sought commissions to support herself financially. One notable commission focused on the preservation of Savannah, igniting her passion for historic preservation throughout the region. She received commissions from esteemed institutions such as the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, Rockefeller Center, Historic Williamsburg, the City of Fayetteville, Harvard Medical School, the United States Military Academy, Princeton University, and the University of South Carolina. These commissions involved creating drawings and etchings of their respective buildings and grounds. In 1930, Verner further honed her etching skills at the Central School of Art in London. Additionally, she explored the art of sumi painting, a traditional Japanese technique using black ink, during her visit to Japan in 1937. Inspired by an exhibition of Laura Coombs Hills' floral pastels in Boston, Verner began working with pastels in 1934. She developed a unique method of using pastels on raw silk affixed to a wooden support. Throughout her life, Verner continued to travel extensively, frequently visiting the Caribbean and Mexico.

Alice Ravenel Huger Smith

One of Charleston's most esteemed artists, Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, holds a prominent position on the list. Despite her name suggesting ties to the aristocracy of the Lowcountry (as she was also a descendant of the Middleton family), she was actually born into poverty on July 14, 1876. This circumstance may have prevented her from receiving a formal art education beyond Charleston, but it also sharpened her focus. Smith's initial published works showcased her skilled graphite drawings of the city's historic homes, which played a pivotal role in initiating a preservation movement to safeguard them. She then progressed to creating astonishingly beautiful woodblock prints, inspired by the artistry of Japanese prints. Some critics argue that her depictions of the rice culture, which enslaved thousands while enriching a select few, are overly sentimental and avoid the harsh realities. However, her true focus and contributions lie elsewhere. Those who have had the privilege of witnessing her exquisite landscapes featuring cypress trees, marsh grass, palmettos, the sea, or a graceful heron in flight can discern the profound connection she felt with the land that nurtured her ancestors and inspired her artistic endeavors. A recently published book, "Alice: Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, Charleston Renaissance Artist" (Evening Post Books, 2021), pays tribute to her remarkable talent. Furthermore, exhibitions showcasing her work can currently be found at various locations, including the Gibbes Museum of Art, Middleton Place, and the Edmondston-Alston House. Although Smith passed away in 1958, her legacy endures, as evidenced by the inscription on her tombstone in Magnolia Cemetery: "Nature I loved and next to nature, art."

Read more about Alice Ravenel Huger Smith@ https://charlestonmag.com

Josie Van Gent Edell

Ms. Josie Edell, who was born in Amsterdam in 1921 and spent her youth in France, Spain, and South Africa, graduated Cum Laude from Kunstoefening, Amheim. She was granted a five-year scholarship by Queen Wilhelmina and completed her BA and MA degrees at the Academy of The Hague. Additionally, she received a second, five-year scholarship that allowed her to travel and collaborate with other accomplished artists throughout Europe. During World War II, while Holland was under German occupation, Josie served the Red Cross by assisting in the transportation of patients from beach hospitals to safer inland facilities. After the war, she enjoyed a successful career in advertising.

Julia Homer Wilson

Julia Homer Wilson, born on September 23, 1910, in Griffin, Ga, was a renowned artist known for her exceptional ability to capture the timeless charm of Charleston. She refined her artistic skills at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC, and furthered her studies at the Salde School in London. Throughout her career, Ms. Wilson demonstrated a profound appreciation for preserving historical significance, irrespective of architectural style or condition. In the 1940s, she relocated to Charleston, immersing herself in the city's rich cultural heritage. Following her retirement, she resided in Penn Valley, CA, until her passing on October 6, 2001. Despite her departure from this world, Miss Wilson's drawings endure as a lasting testament to her artistic legacy.

James Gercie Reed, "Jim" 

(1926-1999)
James Reed, a Citadel graduate and self-taught artist, captures the raw beauty of the low-country through his realistic paintings. His favorite themes include the ancient live oaks, ever-changing coastal marshes, and graceful egrets in flight. Reed's depictions of tidal rivers, deserted beaches, and untouched woodlands showcase the natural grandeur of the land, while his paintings of southern gardens reflect a more refined beauty. His works have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout South Carolina, earning him numerous awards for merit, including purchase prizes at the Magnolia Gardens Exhibit and the Beaufort Art Show. In 1975, his acrylic painting "Morris Island Lighthouse" was even chosen as the cover of Charleston Magazine. Despite his passing in 1999, Reed's personal integrity and masculine strength continue to shine through his art.

Coleen Cooper Stoioff

(1926-1993)

Charleston Watercolorist Colleen Cooper Stoioff (1926-1993). She was a long time 
resident of the lowcountry and a member of the Charleston Artists Guild.

Betty Mayes Schwark 

  1918-2008 

 Mrs. Schwark was born in Kansas City, MO. She pursued her education at the Kansas City Art Institute and eventually established herself as a talented commercial fashion illustrator. After retiring, she relocated to Charleston, S.C. in 1980, where she embarked on a new artistic journey focused on portrait painting and watercolors. Her exceptional artwork gained recognition and was showcased in numerous art galleries across Charleston. In 1990, Betty and her daughter jointly inaugurated Cobblestone Studios on Market Street, which continues to exhibit her remarkable creations to this day.

Gary Robertson

Born in Washington D.C. in 1946, Gary Robertson is a well-known waterc-olorist with a natural talent for art. He began exploring various mediums and techniques as a youth and was inspired by one of his art teachers to experiment with watercolors. Influenced by the works of Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth, Gary's personal style has evolved over the years, nurtured by his love of history, interest in antiques, and living in the rural areas of America's eastern shore. Critics have described his work as quintessentially American, evoking memories of our rural heritage and providing timeless, inspiring images of uniquely American landscapes.

Ravenel Gaillard

Samuel Ravenel Gaillard was a highly regarded artist who left an unforgettable impression on the art world during his lifetime. He was born in 1916 and continued to create stunning works until his passing in 1991. This particular print, which he personally signed, showcases a vibrant representation of Southern life and is aptly named "Produce Stand." However, it is his famous series of paintings, called "Lowcountry Scenes," that truly demonstrate his artistic talent. With these captivating pieces, Ravenel Gaillard skillfully portrays the rural lifestyle of the Lowcountry, providing a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era, specifically the pre-World War II South. Each painting in the "Lowcountry Scenes" collection acts as a portal to the past, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and essence of a time long gone.