Tara Hunt, one of Charlotte’s best artists, is a master of expressing with the brush. She often focuses on her natural surroundings, the types of spaces she most deeply treasures.
Raised in Fort Lauderdale, the natural landscape of the ocean, tropic woodlands, and flora became intrinsic to Tara’s identity. Notably, she first began her artistic exploration through the medium of photography. Specifically, she focused on capturing the lighting of the ocean’s waves and lively composition of flowers. These images served as Tara’s source of reference for many of her early paintings.
Surrounded by artists in her family, including both her mother and grandmother, she was particularly “immersed in art from a young age.” Consequently, she learned from their expertise with oil painting.
Tara went on to earn a business degree at the distinguished Boston College Carroll School of Management. Though her main focus was quite different, Tara continued to cultivate her artistic talents through elective courses in art history. Now, she explains that alongside her thriving business career, painting has “remained an integral part of my life.”
Natural Talent
After moving to the Charlotte area in 1998 for business, Tara found inspiration in the Carolina wilderness, especially its coasts and mountains. This breathed a new perspective into her robust artistic vision of the natural world.
“The majestic mountains and serene coastal seascapes of the region captivated my imagination. That inspired me to explore new artistic directions.”
The natural world continually brings new depths to explore in her elegant interpretations. She frequently explores detailed pattern and repetition, “emphasizing the intricate details and textures found in nature.”
For instance, capturing the dynamic force of waves with a thick swipe of a paint knife versus the more detailed delicate marks necessary for a floral arrangement. All in all, Tara explains her general approach as stemming from a blend of “impressionistic realism with decorative naturalism.” She also says, “The feedback I receive from viewers is that my work makes them feel calm, uplifted, and connected to the natural world.”
Tara’s dedication to the craft allows her to achieve her stated aim to “transport viewers to these magical dreamscapes.” Most recently, her work has displayed at the Guild of Charlotte Artists pop-up event at the Mint Museum. In the future, her main goal is to present a solo exhibition, focusing on a deeper exploration of waterworks.
Tara holds true to her mission of hoping to give back to the community of avid appreciators of her many masterpieces.
“Whether working on commissions or personal projects, I am driven by a desire to create lasting memories.”
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