Irene Bailey, from Yorktown Virginia, started her formal art training at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia after studying under Jack Clifton of Hampton, Virginia, a graduate of PAFA, during high school.

 

After finishing her Master's of Fine Arts degree specializing in painting from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, her personal education continued. While living in Long Island, New York, and New Jersey she was able to study with Everett Raymond Kinstler, Nelson Shanks at Incamminati, Marvin Matelson and Daniel Green. Irene’s thesis show at the Grey Gallery, East Carolina University, was a great elevator of her notoriety and propelled her career as a fine art portrait painter. Twenty two of her portraits hang on the campus of ECU, to include two 12ft x 8ft murals in Mingies Coliseum. The Minges Pepsi Bottling Group commissioned her to paint portraits of all their CEOs. Bailey has eleven portraits hanging in five courtrooms across the state.

 

Emerald Isle, North Carolina is now her home, gallery and studio after traveling with her husband Major Don Wells, during his career in the Marine Corps. Over the years, Irene has supported numerous charities with donations of her artwork.

 

Bailey is a member of the Portrait Society of America, Portrait Society of Atlanta and Oil Painters of America. She has been a member of The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club in New York City, Allied Artists of America, and the American Portrait Society.

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" Bailey’s goal is that every portrait projects the true personality of her subject. Her portraits are painterly yet technically precise. She strives to create a work of art which will stand the test of time."