St. Augustine artists include coastal and nature-inspired painters and contemporary local photographers, in a thriving and vibrant arts scene shaped by St. Augustine’s coastal setting, Spanish colonial history, and tourism-driven culture.
D.R. Abbot Gallery Distinguished Artists
Click on an Image for Artist Biography & Additional Artwork…
Heritage & Inspiration of St. Augustine Artists
Coastal & Nature-Inspired Painters
St. Augustine artists and painters reflect on the areas natural surroundings, featuring tropical scenes with Atlantic beaches, sunrises, ocean views, sea glass, and marshes and wildlife. They also include vibrant, colorful depictions of local surf culture and historic streets with colonial architecture.
Historic & Heritage Artists
St. Augustine is the oldest European-established city in the United States. St. Augustine artists are inspired by Spanish colonial themes and historic landmarks. The environment is known for coastal relaxation, tourist-friendly community and local pride.
Traditional Realism with Contemporary Art
St. Augustine artists are noted for their traditional realism, plein air painting, and historical illustration styles. Artwork common to the area includes abstract paint, mixed media art, sculpture and metalwork, and photography of architectural and coastal themes.
Contemporary Local Photographers
St. Augustine photographers focus on sunrise over the Atlantic, historic district street scenes, wildlife and marsh systems, and fine art coastal photography. Popular photography spots include St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Anastasia State Park, and Bridge of Lions.
Creativity of St. Augustine Artists
Artistic Styles
St. Augustine artists are vibrantly creative, blending historic, coastal, and Impressionistic influences with modern, eclectic techniques. Styles include vibrant and colorful surf art, historical plein air, and oil paintings. Artwork captures the city’s unique architecture, waterways, and daily life from the 19th century to today.
Artistic Mediums
Artists in this area are really diverse, working materials including oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, and even mixed media. Watercolors and oils are especially popular because they’re great at capturing the soft, natural light, characteristic of the coastal region. There’s a strong tradition of Plein Air Painting, where artists head outdoors to paint and soak up the light and atmosphere. This style was influenced by 19th-century Impressionist painters who spent their winters in the area.
D.R. Abbot Gallery on Aviles Street prominently features varied artistic mediums, artfully capturing the light and feeling of St. Augustine.
Historical Local Influence
The St. Augustine artists foster a community that includes painters who explore hidden images and “hidden gems” in their work, often reflecting a deep appreciation for the city’s history of over 400 years. D.R. Abbot Gallery on Aviles Street showcases a mix of traditional, unconventional, contemporary, and mixed-media art.
Spirit of St. Augustine Artists
Artisitc Spirit
St. Augustine artists spirit is characterized by a blend of historic preservation, coastal inspiration, and inclusive community, rooted in its legacy as one of Florida’s oldest art colonies. They capture a sense of place and history, as they are deeply drawn to the “Ancient City’s” unique atmosphere, including its Spanish architecture, cobblestone streets, and the historic Aviles Street, known as the birthplace of the city’s arts district.
Legacy of the "Lost Colony"
St. Augustine is established as a serious center for American Impressionism and modernism. The local scene embraces change and modern innovation. The spirit is anchored by a mid-20th-century movement.
Whimsy and Florida Charm
Contemporary public art, including artwork featured at D.R. Abbott Gallery, incorporates vibrant colors and local motifs to create a “whimsical and authentic” connection to coastal life.
Close-Knit Collaborative Community of Inclusivity
The city of St. Augustine has a lively and community-focused vibe. D.R. Abbot Gallery is all about making art accessible to everyone, with lots of public events and initiatives that bring people together. The St. Augustine art community also believes in helping people tap into their own creativity, with workshops and classes led by local artists who are passionate about sharing their skills.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been making art for years, there’s something for you. The city itself is like a big mix of different artistic neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, including the Historic Art District, Uptown, and Anastasia Island, all buzzing with creative energy.
At the heart of it all is the D.R. Abbott Gallery on Aviles Street, which is always changing and surprising people with new and exciting things. It’s a place where art and community come together in a unique blend.
The "Art Walk" Vibe
Every month, the community comes together for the First Friday Art Walk, where over 50 galleries open their doors for food, drink, and conversation. This event is described as a “balanced view” of the diverse art available year-round. D.B. Abbott Gallery on Aviles Street is a prominent, most enjoyable attraction during Art Walk.