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Irene Bailey Biography

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Irene Bailey is an international award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited across the United States. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, Allied Artists of America, Portrait Society of Atlanta, and the American Portrait Society.

Originally from Yorktown, Virginia, Irene began her formal art training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, after studying during high school with Jack Clifton, a graduate of the Academy.

She later earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from East Carolina University. Following graduate school, Irene continued her studies while living in Long Island, New York, and New Jersey, where she trained with renowned artists including Everett Raymond Kinstler, Nelson Shanks at Studio Incamminati, Marvin Mattelson, and Daniel Green.

Her thesis exhibition at the Grey Gallery at East Carolina University significantly elevated her professional recognition and helped launch her career as a fine art portrait painter. Nineteen of her portraits are part of East Carolina University’s permanent collection, including two 12-by-8-foot murals in Minges Coliseum. She was also commissioned by the Minges Pepsi Bottling Group to paint portraits of their CEOs. Many of her works are prominently displayed in courtrooms throughout North Carolina.

In 2011, Irene built her dream oceanfront studio, home, and gallery in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, where she continues to live and work.

Throughout her career, Irene has generously supported numerous charitable organizations through donations of her artwork. Her portraits are treasured by prominent families and businesses across the country, many of whom consider them lasting heirlooms.

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