Acrylic on canvas, signed and dated "Minnis 83" at lower left, retains label to stretcher, framed.

SS 47.5 x 71.5 in.; DOA 53.25 x 77 in.

From the News & Observer Art Collection, Raleigh, NC

This beachscape depicts Stinson Cottage ("Stinson Ranch"), a historic Nags Head beach house dating to 1903. While many neighboring homes in Old Nags Head were destroyed in hurricanes throughout the century, Stinson Cottage withstood various storms until it was one of the only remaining historic structures on the waterfront overlooking Roanoke Sound. Sadly, it did not survive Hurricane Irene of 2011 but has since been reconstructed in a manner true to the original structure, with cedar shakes, lapboard siding, and situated atop pilings over the water. This monumental painting by Paul Minnis of 1983 portrays the original Stinson Cottage structure.

A former art instructor at UNC-Wilmington alongside Claude Howell, Minnis' work is present in the collections of the North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh and the Mint Museum, Charlotte. Beginning as a successful ceramicist, Minnis later devoted himself to painting in the early 1980s and he continued receiving accolades and commissions.

Leland Little Auctions would like to thank the Dare Arts Council, Manteo, NC for their assistance in cataloguing this painting.

Overall good condition; several scattered light scuffs near framing; several isolated spots of cracking; minor air pockets intrinsic to canvas.

$2,000 - 4,000