Tour Lowcountry Fine Art Houses

The art of Julie Byrd Diana of Byrd on the Wall isn't just a picture to see—­ it starts a conversation. Rich in texture and steeped in story, her paintings invite viewers to slow down, look closely and feel something. That emotional connection is what she cherishes most.

The painter’s path to professional artistry began long before she picked up a paintbrush. Both a third-generation creative and third-generation insurance broker, Byrd Diana is a unique dual-legacy blending heart and hustle. Her grandfather, a farmer and part-time photographer, captured IndyCar racing for major publications like LIFE magazine. Her father and grandfather on the other side ran a family insurance business in Indiana.

Though she earned a psychology degree from Purdue, Byrd Diana never strayed far from the arts. Guided by a natural instinct and a deep appreciation for the world around her, she found herself constantly painting and taking photographs even before educating herself further with classes. Then, in 2017, with encouragement from her husband, Byrd Diana launched her professional art career under the name “Byrd on the Wall.” A website turned into juried galleries and exhibitions, awards across several states and multiple appearances at venues such as City Gallery in Charleston and judged art festivals such as Brookgreen Gardens as her work found its place in Charleston's thriving art scene.

The medium of choice is acrylic, and a signature textured style marked by heavy impasto and impressionist influence. It makes an immediate impact to the beholder. “People always ask if they can touch my paintings,” she laughed. “Do I let them? Not if they’re eating an ice cream cone, no, but usually I’ll say yes.”

Byrd Diana draws much of her inspiration from the Lowcountry’s unique blend of nature and history. She’s particularly drawn to subjects with deeper meaning, like a recent painting of an enslaved person harvesting rice at Hampton Plantation. Colored with indigo and gold (indigo for our history of indigo trade, and gold in honor of Carolina Gold rice), Byrd Diana was surprised when a patron with Japanese heritage shared with her. He told her how, for him, coming from a culture that reveres rice, he was deeply moved by America’s tumultuous relationship with the ubiquitous grain.

Another time, she snapped a photo of a train as it zoomed past her car at sunset and turned it into a painting. “The woman who bought it had a family thing with trains,” she said. “They all collected train artwork, and she was trying to launch her own collection. My painting reminded her of her grandfather, and it inspired her to tell me all these stories about him. That painting helped me connect a moment of my life with a memory of someone else, and it was beautiful.”

What’s next for Julie Byrd Diana? “I’m currently in my indigo phase,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a little like Picasso’s Blue Period, only I’m not depressed. I just really want to use indigo. It’s of so much historical importance here. It’s my way of honoring Charleston’s past.”   

Byrd Diana’s work is on display at the Charleston Artist’s Guild as well as her website. Rich in color, texture and memories, she layers history, emotion and place onto every canvas, leaving room for us all in the story.

Karen Larsen Turner

Visceral Art

Karen Larson Turner’s paintings are a mood — evocative and immersive. Each piece stirs a feeling, a sound, a scent. Rooted deeply in the Lowcountry, her work is as visceral as it is beautiful. That’s no accident. Turner’s paintings invite you to stand before them and feel something.

“When I moved here 26 years ago, I was struck by the forms and shapes in this landscape and how the mood changes with the time of day and effects of light,” relayed Turner. “[Lowcountry] waterways, with their shifting shapes, are an endless source of interesting compositions where the viewer is invited to enter not only a painting, but a place of contemplation and transcendence.”

Inspired by the edges of the day, Turner paints moments that surprise her: fog rolling in, thunderclouds looming or the pinkening of the sky at sunset after a storm.  She aded, “If I could paint with a smell, it would undoubtedly be the smell of the marsh.”

A singer, Turner is inspired by music. From Beethoven's “Ode to Joy,” a Palestrina motet or Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, the possibilities are endless. “I once sat on my paddleboard in the creek for quite a while, waiting for the moon to rise,” she said. “When the much-anticipated orb finally rose beyond the trees, the strains of a beautiful piece called ‘Sure on this Shining Night’ by contemporary composer Morten Lauridsen played in my head.” The resulting painting shares the title.

The paintings of Karen Larson Turner can be experienced at Wells Gallery at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. Her newest collection, “Illumined,” will open on Saturday, May 24, from 3–5 p.m.

Wells Gallery

A cultural hub

Tucked inside the luxurious Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island, Wells Gallery is more than an art space—it’s a vibrant celebration of Lowcountry beauty and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual admirer, stepping into the gallery feels like entering a world where nature and art move in perfect harmony.

Specializing in fine art that captures the spirit of Kiawah’s landscapes, wildlife and coastal charm, Wells Gallery features a diverse lineup of artists. Each brings a unique lens to the region’s marshes, ancient oaks and abundant wildlife. From luminous oil paintings and delicate watercolors to photography and sculpture, the collection reflects the deep inspiration the Lowcountry offers.

Wells Gallery is also known for spotlighting both established and emerging talent. Visitors might stumble upon a new favorite or reconnect with an internationally recognized name. Warm, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to share stories about the artists and their work, making each visit personal and enriching.

More than a gallery, it’s a cultural hub — hosting artist meet-and-greets, special exhibitions and live painting demos that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

Among its artists is Karen Larson Turner, a painter and muralist whose work is deeply connected to the Charleston area. Her large-scale murals — gracing the grand walls of The Sanctuary Resort and Bishop Gadsden Church — are breathtaking reflections of her ability to capture both moment and mood.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect piece of Kiawah to take home or simply seeking inspiration, Wells Gallery is a must-visit. In this elegant, welcoming space, art doesn’t just hang on the walls—it tells a story of place, passion and the timeless beauty of the Lowcountry.