Whispers of
the Coast
Margaret Alvord captures the quietude of East Coast waterways and ruralscapes through her oil paintings. Inspired by the serene rhythms of the coast and forest, her work serves as a poetic tribute to the natural world.
Margaret's journey began in summering in the coastal regions of North Carolina, where the shifting light over the Currituck Sound first sparked her interest in the interplay of atmosphere and pigment. She pursued formal training in watercolor and figure painting under A. Brockie Stevenson at the Corcoran School of the Arts in Washington, DC after earning a B.A. in Fine Arts from West Virginia University. Later on, she added a focus in classical oil techniques, studying with artist Steve Fleming. Her ability to highlight the subtle transitions of color found in the natural environment brought praise from her mentors. Her education emphasizing traditional craftsmanship laid the foundation for her contemporary minimalist approach.
Education & Formative Years
Artistic Evolution
Over the years, her style evolved from detailed representation to a more poetic, atmospheric expressionism. By stripping away extraneous detail, Margaret focuses on the essence of the landscape—exposing the emotional undertones of nature. Today, her works are held in public exhibitions and showcases across Virginia, celebrated for their ability to bring a sense of quietude and breath into modern spaces.
The Quiet Rhythm of the Coast
My work is a poetic response to the serene waterways of Virginia and tucked away greenery of the Mid-Atlantic. Each brushstroke seeks to capture the stillness of the marshlands and the soft, diffused light of the coast, offering a moment of quietude for the modern observer.