Dempsey Essick Art

Dempsey Essick was born and raised in northern Davidson County. He is a self-taught realist watercolor artist who attributes his artistic talent to God. He has no formal training in art but is a graduate of Forsyth Technical College where be obtained a degree in mechanical drawing. His clients refer to him as the Hummingbird Bird Artist because of the hummingbirds he hides in his paintings and for the hummingbirds that he paints. He is married to Shelley, a gallery manager. They have two children; Elizabeth, who is a physician assistant and John, Jr., a college professor. Essick became an artist by an accident. When going to his working place, he used to pass an old derelict and run down Cottongrove Country Store. She had for over two years begged Essick to do a watercolor of the local landmark to hang in her quaint little office. When Essick finally agreed to do it and finally delivered it to her, she was thrilled and this ignited Essick’s passion for art. His exhibits now include The National Watercolor Exhibition in California, the Rocky Mountain Water Media Exhibition in Colorado, and The National Academy of Design in NYC. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission routinely uses his work in their annual calendar. Essick is named an official B.A.S.S. Artist and is a signature member of the elite National Watercolor Society. He is the former president of the NC Bluebird Society and speaks to groups on the plight of the Eastern Bluebird. Framed Dempsey Essick art are found with leading collectors throughout the world.