"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.

Here is my plein air painting (painted on location) created during a "paint out" at Angel Oak Park.

"Misty Morning at Angel Oak"
11"x14"
Oil on panel


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 more paintings 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
Drawing dimensions: 11" x 13"
Framed dimensions: 17" x 21"
Price: $175.00

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.

Empty Nest or Full - Happy Mothers Day !

Snowy White egrets are nesting in the Lowcountry this time of year. This cypress tree looked like a modern apartment building with several egret nests tucked into the branches above the alligator filled water.

Whether you're in a nest full of chicks or enjoying a well earned rest in an empty nest, "Happy Mothers Day" to the most creative people in the world - Mothers.

McClellanville Arts Center Youth Art Exhibition 2009

It was an evening to celebrate the talents of young people in McClellanville, SC at the McClellanville Arts Center on Pinckney St. tonight. Susan Williams past president, McClellanville Arts Council was on hand to greet guests including Bud Hill, director of The Village Museum to the reception and awards ceremony for "Coming of Age: McClellanville Youth Art Exhibit in Memory of Alice Wyndham".

Visual arts, creative writing and musical performance were featured from the area schools of Archibald Rutledge Academy, Lincoln High School, McClellanville Middle School and St. James -Santee Elem. School.
The evenings activities included performances by guitarist Vincent White, vocalist Anna Dupre, and poetry readings by local youths including Amber Dewitt (pictured).






The Awards Ceremony began with a tribute by Bernadette Humphries, McClellanville Art Center Director to Alice Wyndham (pictured in portrait) who proposed a Young Peoples Exhibition prior to her death. The 2009 McClellanville Youth Art Exhibition is dedicated to her service and devotion to the Arts.

Guests had been given ballots and asked to vote for their favorite artwork from each school. The winners of the Peoples Choice Awards are: Gerald Welch- Archibald Rutledge Academy, Ronald Walker-Lincoln High School, Mia Mitchell - McClellanville Middle School, and Olivia McBride -St. James Santee Elem. School. Jeanne Edwards Awards for Excellence in the Arts were presented to Travis Blake, Summer Cumbee,and Vincent White. Lauren Oree was awarded a special "Award of Merit" for her poem "Alone".
The evening concluded with well deserved recognition for the efforts of teachers and representatives from the schools in supporting the creative talents of their students. Pictured are: Lynn Vickery -Archibald Rutledge Academy, Annie Purvis - Lincoln High School, Ramona LaRoche - St. James Santee Elem., Humphries, and J.B. Ritchie - McClellanville Middle School.

Easter Sunrise

The light shining through the clouds caught my interest in this photo I took near Jeremy Creek in McClellanville, SC.

May the dawn of this special day bring peace and renewal to you and your loved ones.
Happy Easter!

"Easter Vigil" A Charcoal Drawing of a Biblical Garden Statue

I sketched in the Biblical Garden at Magnolia Plantation on the day after Good Friday, surrounded by plants that are mentioned in the Bible. This small formal garden is a hidden gem tucked into one of the largest Romantic Gardens in the country. It's the second year I've painted here on the Saturday after Good Friday.

"Easter Vigil" is a charcoal drawing of a statue of Mary standing in the center of 12 small square flower beds designed to form the shape of a cross. The 12 flower beds are symbolic of the 12 Disciples of Christ.

The deep shadows and sharp contrasts in my charcoal drawing make me think of Mary as she watched and prayed on that dark day before The Resurrection.

"Easter Vigil"
Charcoal, pastel and conte drawing on paper
Dimensions: 14"x 10.5"