On a recent Charleston visit I was able to experience the work of this talented artist first hand at George Gallery.

It is incredible and is often capturing two of my favorite cities, Charleston and Nantucket, in such a unique and quintessential way.

As we offically say goodbye to summer, we can continue to relish the coastal vibe and languid days with the work of

Whitney Kreb

Charleston, SC & Nantucket, Mass

What is your training? 

I always had an easel in my room growing up.  My grandfather was an artist and would give me his old supplies.  I took my first oil painting class in high school and was hooked.  I went on to major in Studio Art at Davidson College

and then got my MFA in Painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design.  

What inspires you and your designs? 

Coastal living, interior design, and artists past and present.  The best art lesson is walking into another artist’s studio.  

What is your favorite piece?

These are my favorites from my Spring show in Charleston and my Summer show in Nantucket..

How has the your area influenced your work? 

They say to “paint what you know, ” and I have always painted my surroundings.  I think it’s inevitable that what an artist takes in visually in their daily lives will pop up in some way in their work.  

What is your favorite restaurant in Charleston? 

In Charleston, there’s always a great new restaurant opening up, and so many consistent favorites.. I love FIG, Basil, Indaco, High Thyme, Santi’s, and Chez Nous.

 

What is your favorite cocktail? 

Tito’s and soda with a splash of grapefruit.  

And never met a sauvignon blanc I didn’t like.  

How do you balance personal life and work? 

When you’re an artist, there’s really a blurred line between the two.  I think your personal life- specifically who you are as a person- is very apparent in your work, so you kind of live your professional life and your personal life simultaneously.  As far as a daily routine, I usually take mornings to do busy work like web updates and organizing commissions and then I try to carve out at least 4-5 hours a day to just paint.  Sometimes it’s hard to justify time off when you work for yourself (and you enjoy what you do so much), but it’s important for me to get in plenty of time with my friends and family. 

Dream trip? 

Peru,

Iceland, Tahiti, Spain, New Zealand, Bali….  We’re trying to plan our honeymoon right now and it changes all the time.

Dream commission? 

I am doing one right now- I am designing the 2015 Charleston Food & Wine Festival poster and couldn’t be more excited.  I would also love to work on a fabric or wallpaper collaboration some day.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give? 

Turkish towel,

a picture frame (with a photo of your time together),

or backgammon board.  

I think those treats that no one tends to buy for themselves are the best gifts.

Who is your style icon? 

My mom.  

Your favorite up and coming artist?

 Nantucket artist, Julija Mostykanova Feeney,

and New Orleans artist, Hayley Gaberlavage.

What is your most treasured possession? 

My mother’s gold link bracelet that I never take off.  

What are you reading? 

Single, Carefree, Mellow a collection of short stories by, Katherine Heiny

What are you listening to?

 Steve Winwood, Bruce Springstein, INXS, Phil Collins.  And the Grateful Dead– always.

What are your favorite blogs / publications? 

Blogs:  nantucketblackbook,

firestonesisters,

lecatch

Publications: W, Art Forum, Vogue, Elle Decor, US Weekly (if we’re being honest 😉 

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A few of my favorites from Whitney’s extensive portfolio...

Follow Whitney on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and her website. 

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