A White Ribbon Tribute to Master Blacksmith Philip Simmons

Master Blacksmith/Artisan Mr. Philip Simmons' passing at age 97 has resulted in plans to honor his long and productive life in the SC Lowcountry. For many years Charleston has proudly recognized the talents of this native son who has spent a lifetime creating beautiful ironwork for local homes and gardens.
In his honor, the city is hanging white ribbons on all of Mr. Simmons public ironworks.

While Mr. Simmons's beautiful downtown gates and decorative public ironwork are widely known, he also produced many smaller, less recognized works such as the wrought iron handrails designed for "Afterglow", the Mt. Pleasant home of the Muschick family.

When asked if he would accept a modest project at the home, Mr. Simmons replied to Mrs. Rose Muschick that "no project is too small". "That's what I do" was his cheerful reply.
The resulting pairs of graceful wrought iron handrails have been beautiful additions to this home and garden for many years.

In his honor at his passing, the family has hung white ribbons on these two pair of smaller but greatly admired and appreciated wrought iron handrails designed and installed by Mr. Simmons and his apprentice.

He will live on in the memory of those who admire him and his distinctive artwork in iron.

"Farmland by Angel Oak" An Oil Painting of Vanishing Rural Fields

"Farmland by Angel Oak"
Oil on canvas panel
Dimensions: 11" x 14"

This is a painting of farmland directly across the winding dirt road from the ancient Angel Oak.
The future of this and other farmland on rural John's Island, SC is of great concern due to encroaching development.
Recent plans to build 630 housing units on 42 acres surrounding the Angel Oak have residents concerned about the long term impact of this development on the rural environment of Johns Island and the magnificent Angel Oak tree.

The developers will be presenting their latest plans for the Angel Oak Village Development to the Charleston Commercial Corridor Design Review Board this Thursday (6/ 25/09) at 5:00 in the 3ed Floor meeting room at 75 Calhoun St. Chas, SC.
Yesterdays editorial in the Post and Courier titled "Stay Vigilant for Angel Oak"advises "those who are interested in the long term well-being of the Angel Oak to get a close look at what developer Robert DeMoura now has in mind for the tract and let the board hear their thoughts." At issue are the architectural design plans and the development's density. The development also has not yet been awarded necessary environmental permits.
It's not too late to have a voice in this critical issue that affects not only the health of the irreplaceable National treasure "Angel Oak" but also the quality of life on rural Johns Island.
To see more artwork and information about Angel Oak click these links:
"Plein Air Painters at Angel Oak", "Angel Oak-More Trees to Be Cut??", "New Drawing of Angel Oak", and "Land Surrounding Angel Oak to be... Development".

A Plein Air Charcoal Drawing of Hampton Plantation

This charcoal and mixed media drawing of Hampton Plantation was created in the shade of the magnificent Washington Oak on the grounds of the Hampton Plantation Historic Site.

In the drawing, the graceful curve of the live oak tree in the foreground leads the viewer's eye through overhanging branches swaying with Spanish moss to the portico of the mansion. The last rays of the afternoon sun cast a soft light on the white columns and front steps inviting the viewer to come and rest a while on the porch.

Hampton Plantation was given to the South Carolina State Park Service by SC Poet Laureate Archibald Rutledge and his family in 1971. The mansion was built in the 1740's with the addition of a beautiful Adam style portico (porch) modeled after Hampton House in England in 1791.

The Live Oak tree in my drawing is called "The Washington Oak" in honor of President George Washington. During his visit to Hampton Plantation in 1791, the President was asked if he thought the tree blocked the view from the newly built portico. Washington replied that he like the tree and it was saved.
For another view and painting of Hampton Plantation click here.

Charleston Waterspout

Reports today (6.07.09) of a waterspout spotted over the water in Charleston reminded me of a similar sighting I had of another waterspout in Charleston.
I'm posting artwork I created from my impressions of the waterspout I sighted in Charleston Harbor several years ago. This etching (or "printed painting") is one in a group of artworks I made entitled "The Storm Series". In creating the etching "Waterspout", I used value changes and broad, diagonal strokes to express my impression of the wind and ominous cloud formations I experienced viewing the event.

Although waterspouts rarely last more than a few minutes, cause widespread damage, or make landfall, they are still an alarming natural event. The sight of a large, churning funnel cloud heading toward land is a unnerving and memorable sight - even for a "hurricane hardened" viewer like myself.

"Waterspout"
Variable wiped zinc plate etching on rives BFK paper
Image size: 27.5" x 25.5"
Framed size: 39" x 32"
Price: $450.00

South Carolina Tramp Brigade Living History Group Camps at Fort Moultrie

Living historians from the SC Tramp Brigade were among several groups of historical interpreters participating in events at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island today.
The groups are portraying life at the Fort during the period from 1809-1860 ( mainly 1859) when the US Army Regulars were stationed at Fort Moultrie prior to the War Between the States.

The historians are conducting artillery drills, demonstrating firing muskets, and portraying the daily life of 19th century soldiers and their families. Demonstrations and camp activities will continue tomorrow from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

I had the pleasure of visiting with visiting living historians Marvin Greer (from Ga.) and Joe Blunt (from Fla.) as they relaxed in their camp after today's activities.

I also met Tina Temm from Alabama as she passed out ginger snaps after supper in camp. Tina and the other member's historically accurate clothes and camp life style create a window into the early 19th century life at Fort Moultrie that is both entertaining and educational.

For my drawing of a soldier relaxing in camp after supper, I used charcoal to recreate the look of a 19th century "field sketch". In the 1800's, it was common for newspapers to hire artists to travel to locations and create drawings to be used for illustrations.

"At Ease - Reclining Soldier"
Charcoal and Conte drawing
Size: 11" x 13"

Hanging Artwork for the 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition

Artwork was delivered and hung for the 25th Annual Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition at the Charleston Visitor Center today.

I was on hand along with other members of the Charleston Artist Guild to receive and hang the 100 artworks selected by jurors Dr. Leo Twiggs (Painting/2D artwork) and Stacy Pearsall (Photography) from over 394 show entries. I feel fortunate to be one of two artists to have work accepted into both the Painting and Photography categories this year.

The Piccolo Spoleto Juried Art Exhibition is sponsored by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and coordinated by the Charleston Artist Guild.
The Exhibition is free and open to the public between the hours of 8:30 to 5:00 during the run of Piccolo Spoleto and Spoleto Festival USA, May 22 through June 5 at the Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St. Charleston, SC.

"Springtime in Charleston" A new plein air painting of the Joseph Verre House

A bright red Japanese maple and intertwining vines of pink roses and confederate jasmine blooming on the garden gate of the Joseph Verre House were the inspiration for my plein air (on location) painting today.

Charleston's historic colonial homes are graced with some of the loveliest, intimate garden spaces in the country. While they are often planted to be enjoyed all year long, it is in the spring that they outdo themselves with colorful blooms.

"Springtime in Charleston"
Plein air oil on panel
Size: 11" x 14"
Price: $375.00