Beth and Annie Walker are more than mother and daughter, they're also a dynamic artistic duo.

Beth Walker, 52, attended Atlanta College of Art and has lived in Fuquay-Varina for 20 years. She is an impressionist landscape artist who sketches in acrylic and works in oils. 

Annie Walker, 18, is a portrait artist. She and her mom have studied with Skippy Clark in North Raleigh.

In 2007, mother and daughter were commissioned to do a mural for Richard and Fayeson Tilley, a family who have resided in Fuquay-Varina for generations.  The mural, Story of Faison, depicts a picture of her life that includes her soldier son, daughter's marriage, tobacco fields and horseback riding events.

Annie Walker painted all the figurative work, while Beth Walker concentrated on the landscaping aspect.

This dynamic duo, with brush in hand, is currently working on a wallpaper design that will hang in a private home.  When completed, the water base pencil work will be inserted into a tray ceiling in the owner's kitchen.  The mural will portray kids at the beach in old-fashioned vintage costuming, according to the wishes of the homeowner. 

"My style changes for every piece I do, it changes radically to meet what the designer has asked for," explained Walker.

Beth Walker recently donated her time to complete a mural for a fundraiser project benefiting Duke Children's Hospital in a record two weeks time.  The wallpaper mural titled "View of Naples," received a decorative crackle faux finish with silver-leafed edges.

The event was the Duke Children's Hospital Designer's Show House.  A $1.5 million home was on view over the weekend of Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29 at Croasdaile Farms in Durham.

"For me it was a labor of love on a personal basis," Walker said. "Through my art and with gratitude I was able to give back to the Children's Hospital." 

A number of years ago, Walker served as the Jr. Woman's Club's former International Chairperson for North Carolina.  She conducted fundraisers that supplied third world countries with medical supplies.

More recently, Walker's art was exhibited at the Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival.

Currently, Walker is donating her time as a member of the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Revitalization Association.  Their next event is Cruisin' Night, which will take place downtown Fuquay on August 1.

Future plans for the association include Taste of Fuquay-Varina, a re-enactment of the Southern Lifestyle, complete with costumed actors, a cake baking and lemonade contest.  

Cecelia Grimes, author of a series of books on what it means to be Southern will be on hand to do readings and sign books.

"Art is the ultimate self expression in whatever medium you chose-literally anything.  I appreciate every style.  A successful piece of art is one you respond to and it doesn't have to be positive as long as you stay open-minded," said Walker.

In September, Walker's work will be one among four artists chosen by juried selection to exhibit at the Visual Art Exchange in downtown Raleigh.

Visit Walker's website at www.underthesondesigns.com