There’s perhaps no artist more synonymous with South Walton than Justin Gaffrey, whose richly textured paintings colorfully depict the area’s distinct coastal landscape and wildlife.
At WaterColor Inn, Justin’s iconic artwork is displayed throughout the lobby, common areas and at Fish Out of Water, adding both interest and beauty, as well as a sense of place. The boutique hotel first commissioned Justin’s works shortly after its opening in 2012, where they have become décor staples and beloved pieces by adoring guests.
Justin’s first artwork for WaterColor Inn was that of the area’s dunes, complete with dancing sea oats – a landscape he hadn’t yet attempted to capture. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s coastal artwork but veering away from a traditional seascape depiction, his resulted in coastal-inspired paintings that are as rich and layered as they are simple and soothing. The rest, as they say, is history.
To date, WaterColor Inn has featured more than 70 works by the lauded artist, including custom pieces that depict whimsical compositions of animals and florals in Justin’s beloved style, which now line the hallway leading to the hotel’s Family Suites. Additionally, exclusive Justin Gaffrey designs were recently featured on a limited line of WaterColor-branded t-shirts that have since sold out.
All of Justin’s featured work is available for sale, meaning that guests of WaterColor Inn not only get a “first look” at one-of-a-kind pieces but also the opportunity to own one! Simply scan the code that accompanies each painting for more details, or head to JustinGaffrey.com to see available works for purchase.
“Much like WaterColor, Justin’s works draw their inspiration from nature, and many of his pieces highlight our natural dune lakes, local animals and southern whimsy, making him the ideal artist to partner with our resort,” says Gabrielle Testa, WaterColor Inn’s General Manager. “I particularly love his variation in colors, ideas and thoughts and think that’s what inspires our guests, too.”
Justin credits WaterColor’s pristine natural beauty, including the serenity and lushness of nearby Western Lake, with inspiring the acrylic works that now hang around WaterColor Inn and its award-winning Fish Out of Water restaurant. To that effect, he encourages guests to take in the paintings wholistically and not be afraid to touch them, as their palpability is part of their distinct appeal.
As a professional, self-taught artist since 2001, Justin’s heavy-textured, sculptural painting style was first inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.” His striking works, which consistently convey the connection between nature and human nature, are staged on wooden canvases handmade at his studio on 30A.
Beckoned by South Walton’s beauty, laidback lifestyle and budding culture, Justin first relocated to the 30A area in 1988 as a then chef, ultimately opening his own restaurant before turning 30. In 2001, when he set out to pursue art full-time, Northwest Florida provided the landscape against which to create freely, raise a family and operate a successful art gallery, which today serves as a must-visit destination in its own right.
In addition to being a prolific artist, Justin also produces Gaffrey Art Material, his proprietary line of heavy-body texture acrylics, thus empowering a new generation of self-made artists along the way.
Admire Justin’s work during your next WaterColor Inn stay – and tag @watercolorinn #watercolorfl on your photos of your favorites. And be sure to stop by his gallery in Santa Rosa Beach, where you’ll find him painting every day. Justin also hosts ongoing gallery events and shares his love for all things art, including tutorials and demos, on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
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Ready to book your getaway? Browse accommodations and seasonal offers at watercolorresort.com, or follow along at @watercolorinnfl.
Details included in this story were accurate at time of publication but are subject to change based on seasonal schedules, amenity and/or operational updates. For the most current information, please visit the respective property’s website.
