Charleston native and celebrated painter, Anne Darby Parker, has spent her lifetime “creating.” Her talent and curiosity were sparked as a child, knitting at the knee of her mother, and an early career in photography evolved into further artistic study, revealing a passion for painting. Along her journey, Anne has consistently continued to build her skills in the visual arts. She is currently pursuing her MFA at Academy of Art University.
Anne practices painting daily in her Sullivan’s Island studio, en plein air and in weekly figurative sessions. Her influences include a variety of artists and genres, and the intent of her work is to discover extraordinary elements within the everyday.
Works by Anne Darby Parker
Before the Rain, 10 x 8in - $685
Cerulean Blue Dream, 20 x 16in - $1,190
Figure in Motion I, 16 x 13in - $890
Spring on the Island II, 18 x 16 - $725
Between Us, 26 x 23in - $1,190
• Seated Figure II - SOLD
• Between Us II - SOLD
• Resting w/ Pink Sky - SOLD
• After the Rain - SOLD
• Figure in Warmth I - SOLD
• Contemplative in Her Garden - SOLD
• Figure in Warmth II - SOLD
• Seated Figure - SOLD
• Figure in Motion - SOLD
• Ocean & Figure I - SOLD
• Ocean & Figure II - SOLD
• Figure in Warmth III - SOLD
• Figure & Magnolia - SOLD
• Contemplated - SOLD
• Duo Dance - SOLD
• Woman in Royal Blue - SOLD
• Myself - SOLD
• Swirling Sky - SOLD
• Warm Light - SOLD
• Spring on the Island I - SOLD
Trio Dance II - SOLD
• Young Lady - SOLD
• Garden Sass - SOLD
• Figure Sitting - SOLD
• Water Movement - SOLD
• Garden Reflections - SOLD
• Trio Dance - SOLD
• Goddess - SOLD
Artist Biographical Statement
The characteristics natural to Anne Darby Parker are the outdoors, femininity, and spontaneity. Growing up, women working to maintain their beliefs, cultural rituals, and daily way of life surrounded her. For Anne, life in the Lowcountry was, and still is normal.
Growing up on Sullivan’s Island, a barrier island in South Carolina, made areas where sand meets water Anne’s preferred place. Her expression often reflects the spontaneous and rhythmic movement of island life. She was surrounded by a culture of making, creating, and expressing; her first medium was yarn. Sometimes, while painting, thoughts of knitting help her translate thoughts of connecting lines and color.
As a young adult, Anne worked as a photographer but felt the call to express herself differently. At first, she painted on her photographs but decided to move completely to the canvas. The island and the feminine always call her to explore the connection between them.
Returning to her roots, Anne and her husband raised their children on Sullivan's Island. Anne’s studio immerses her in the island environment and allows family and friends to see women consistently using art to express and explore strength.
Anne’s Studio Tour
Browse photos of Anne’s delightful studio on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina and see more of where her she draws her inspiration.
Artist’s Statement
“As an artist, I think about the legacies left by women before me, legacies of hard work, mindfulness, strength, change, and progress. I work with intention to influence the present but ultimately, I work with the knowledge that every doodle, sketch, photograph, and painting influences my legacy. My consistent work to establish, develop, and grow my business does more than earn dollars. Each day I express resilience and faith in myself and trust in others because I believe they will see value in my art.
When painting, I frequently use a combination of graphite, acrylic, and oil. My movement is gestural and expressive. I immerse myself in the same environment the model is in and express this through choices of color and brushwork. A series usually begins with a modeling session in a natural environment and I finish each piece in my studio. With careful intention, I trust my instincts, experience, and intuition to make connected choices that support the feel of my vision.”
- Anne Darby Parker
Anne’s Female Figures
Read more from Anne about her expressive female figures and see glimpses inside her Sullivan’s Island studio in South Carolina.