Sweethaven Lavender Farm

To my surprise I discovered that there is a lavender farm in Williamsburg, Virginia so I had to pay a visit since I was there for the day anyway. It was a tricky weather day but it stopped raining just as I got there. I was given a basket and some scissors and sent out into the field to gather my own bouquet. How pleasant, I thought! After I finished, I went to the shop where various lavender products are produced and sold. It brought back memories of Provence....I'm sure that's what most people think about when it comes to lavender!

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens - Solarplate Etching

The Hermitage is an early 20th century Arts-and-Crafts estate located on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. It features 12 acres of gardens and grounds, contemporary exhibition galleries, a Visual Arts Studio and an impressive art collection. I took my first painting class here years ago. Then I was hooked on art! This is the 11th in my series of solarplate etchings of Norfolk buildings. Contemplating the next one!

This building has a lot of textures!

 

"Homebound " linocut

The inspiration for this linoleum cut print was inspired by a visit to France and the town of Carcassonne in the south. I love all the details in a building like this...and there are a lot! I put some details from the inside  of the church in the background using another piece of linoleum. The church opened up as a parish church in the 13th century and was elevated to cathedral status in 1803. It seems appropriate that a pigeon would be passing by!

Cathedral Saint-Michel de Carcassonne

Doumar's Restaurant -Solarplate Etching

"Welcome to Doumar's, where everyday is Ice Cream Day!" That's what they say at the restaurant in Norfolk, Virginia that sports this funky sign! It's very famous for its ice cream and handmade waffle cones, made by hand on the original waffle machine, built in 1904. It was invented by Abe Doumar and was first used at his restaurant on Coney Island, New York. In 1907 he relocated it to Norfolk where it’s been ever since. Reading about the history and the food on their website certainly has made me hungry! It's true!

A Sunny Gathering - Bird Linoleum Cut

 I see goldfinches quite often in my yard and at my bird feeders so why not be inspired to make a new linocut of them? I like colored backgrounds with black on top. I carved two plates of linoleum and printed both with one first and the other on top. The final looks nice alongside the one I did of the seagulls which is the same size. 

Solarplate Etching of Epworth United Methodist Church, Norfolk, Va

I see this steeple every time I drive to my art studio. I really like the architecture of the church and especially the steeple. I was inspired to do my next solarplate etching of a local steeple! My building series is coming along with No. 9. The church has been at this site since 1896 and is located in the historic Freemason district in the heart of downtown Norfolk. In 1896, the Norfolk press declared that it was "the handsomest ecclesiastical structure south of New York." I would say that's quite a compliment!