By Ami Hill | ShopLocalOBX.com

Some artists paint what they see. Others paint what they feel. For Jackie Koenig, the Outer Banks is more than a subject — it’s a living, breathing presence. Her oil paintings capture quiet moments along the shoreline: figures paused at the water’s edge, expansive skies washed in light, and the unmistakable sense of nostalgia that lingers long after a beach day ends.

Through her work, Jackie translates the fleeting beauty of the OBX into something lasting — paintings that feel personal, familiar, and deeply rooted in place.

🌱 Inspired by Family, Grounded in Tradition

Jackie’s creative journey began early, guided by family and tradition. Her grandmother, an oil painter herself, introduced all the grandchildren to art, encouraging them to explore different mediums from a young age. But oils, in particular, left a lasting impression. “Once I started learning to paint with oils, I was hooked,” Jackie recalls. That early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong relationship with painting — one built on patience, experimentation, and the slow, deliberate process that oil painting demands.

🌊 Living Inside the Landscape

For Jackie, living on the Outer Banks feels like stepping inside a painting every day. “Living here is like living in a landscape that has come alive,” she says. “I love the small-town community combined with the dramatic and vibrant scenery.” The OBX constantly feeds her creative eye. Jackie is always observing — photographing the sky, watching the way light moves across dunes, studying reflections on the water. It’s an environment where inspiration isn’t something you search for — it finds you.

👣 Figures on the Shoreline

One of the most recognizable elements in Jackie’s work is her use of human figures set against vast coastal backdrops.

“I love painting figures on the beach,” she explains. “The combination of people with different postures, a big sky, and water can make the perfect composition.”

These figures are never intrusive. Instead, they feel quietly woven into the scene — emphasizing scale, stillness, and the shared human experience of standing at the edge of the sea. Each piece tells a subtle story without spelling it out, inviting viewers to project their own memories into the scene.

✨ The Heart of the Work: Hope, Beauty & Light

At the core of Jackie’s paintings are three guiding themes: hope, beauty, and light. She hopes her work resonates emotionally — not just visually. “I hope people who see my paintings are hit with nostalgia and wonder,” she says. “I want them to capture a deep feeling of their time at the beach — whether it’s their permanent home or a place they visit on vacation.”

Her paintings often become more than décor. They serve as emotional anchors — reminders of summers past, quiet mornings, or a place that feels like home even from afar.

🖼️ More Than Art: A Memory You Can Take Home

When someone brings one of Jackie’s paintings into their home, she hopes it becomes something meaningful.

Not just a beautiful object — but a memory, an heirloom, a conversation starter. The kind of piece that makes you pause as you walk by. The kind that reminds you why the Outer Banks stays with you long after you leave.

🎨 Advice for Emerging Artists

Jackie’s advice to young artists is refreshingly honest: “Paint as often as you can and paint all kinds of subjects. Good work takes time.” It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t rushed — it’s built, layer by layer, just like oil paint on canvas.

⚡ Quick Takes with Jackie

Jeep ride on the beach 🌊🚙 or ferry to Ocracoke ⛴️? Jeep ride on the beach — no hesitation.

🛍️ Where to Find Jackie’s Work

You can explore Jackie Koenig’s oil paintings online and follow her creative journey here: 🌐 Website: www.jackiekoenigpainting.com 📸 Instagram: @jackiekoenigpainting

✨ Soon, maybe you’ll be able to shop Jackie’s work directly through ShopLocalOBX.com!

Why We Love Spotlighting Artists Like Jackie

At ShopLocalOBX, we believe art is one of the most powerful ways to support local culture. When you buy from an Outer Banks artist, you’re not just purchasing a painting — you’re investing in the stories, landscapes, and people that make this place what it is.

Jackie Koenig’s work captures the Outer Banks the way it feels — nostalgic, luminous, and alive. And that’s exactly the kind of art worth supporting.