All the World is a Watercolor Canvas
Myrtle Beach, SC
Grand Strand Magazine – June 2024
Written By: Ashley Daniels
Photographs by: Courtesy of Victoria Alger
Victoria Alger, a renowned watercolor artist based in Myrtle Beach, has harnessed the fluidity of watercolors to transform the canvas of life into vibrant art. Her recent watercolor, “Not Yet Harvested,” which won a First Place ribbon at the Island Art Gallery Miniature Masterpieces Exhibition in December 2023, illustrates her exceptional talent. A transition from a land-based profession to one dabbling in watercolors has given this former landscape designer a new medium through which she explores her artistic expressions.
The Evolution from Landscape Designer to Watercolor Artist
Having cultivated a successful career as a landscape architect, Alger found a rebirth in watercolors. “Design theory is design theory, whether you’re painting on a piece of paper or designing plans to be physically implemented on the ground,” she explains. The economic downturn in 2008 steered her towards this subtle yet profound shift, from crafting landscapes to painting them.
Alger’s love for watercolor blossomed at the OLLI program at Coastal Carolina University, where she embarked on a journey that would see her participate in prestigious shows and competitions like the ArtFields, infusing her landscape architecture virtuosity into her canvas works.
Diverse Themes and Vibrant Showcases
Victoria Alger is not one to shy away from any artistic challenge—whether painting en plein air, conducting workshops, or donating her art for charitable causes. Her subjects vary from serene landscapes to intimate portraits, each characterized by her signature use of light and vibrant colors, which reflects a theme of positivity and delight.
ArtFields 2024 marked yet another milestone where her watercolor, “Refuge at Hobcaw,” was featured, displaying the gratifying collage of her visions gracing esteemed exhibitions. Involved actively in the South Carolina Watercolor Society (SCWS), Alger has not only demonstrated her artistic prowess but has also taken a hands-on role in promoting watercolor art across the state.
Looking Toward a Colorful Future
As the current president of the SCWS, Alger is gearing up for the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2027. Plans are underway for a series of events and workshops that aim to inspire and engage new talents in the mesmerizing art of watercolors. Beyond the canvas, she remains deeply connected to her community and environmental efforts, showcasing that for Victoria Alger, life and art are irrevocably intertwined and as vibrant as a watercolor on a sunny datistential aspects of her story.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
