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 more paintings of Hampton Plantation click here.