The Wells Theater Solarplate

Since I like drawing buildings (and art friends were busy making suggestions!), I thought I'd draw and make a solarplate etching of another one that I like in Norfolk. This is the Wells Theater, home of the Virginia Stage Company, a professional theater company. It was built in 1912 (pretty old for us!) and is a great example of Beaux-Art neoclassic architecture. Many of America's leading performers appeared  here in its early days. It has quite a history which I won't got into here but I'm glad  that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
I learn all sorts of things when I do artwork!
When you draw something, you see more! Yikes, the details.
I drew it on glass and exposed it with light onto a light sensitive Solarplate. From the plate, I made a print.

Father, Son and Grandson - The Wyeths, Famous American Artists

On the way home from Philadelphia recently, I wanted to stop by the Brandywine River Museum of Art, a collection of early American art focusing mainly on art done in the area and with a primary focus on the Wyeth family artists. Visitors can visit the old family home and studios on the property. It's very pretty there and the artwork is stunning! I'm so glad that it was a recommended stop on my way home! Here are some examples of Wyeth art and a photo of Andrew's studio.

The Vessel

There is so much to see in New York City! On my second trip this year, (which is funny because I've only been there a few times in my whole life, mostly in the last three years) we knew we had to see this new sculpture designed by British Designer Thomas Heatherwick. I learned that is was built mostly in Italy in secret and brought by pieces to New York in Hudson Yards in Manhattan. It was completed at the beginning of the year. Of course not everyone would like it but I love it! I think it's very clever and interactive.

There is an elevator.

At the top!

Wynwood Walls in Miami, Florida

When I was visiting relatives recently in Miami, we returned to a district of Miami called Wynwood Walls to see what was new. It's an area where some of the world's most well know street artists are showcasing their work on old warehouse buildings that are being converted to small businesses like restaurants, art galleries and craft breweries. It has become a popular place to hang out. It's fun to visit and look at the artwork. Very colorful!

Welcome to Wynwood!

I love this pattern

A fun place to live!

Looks like a tricky situation

Oh, my!

Butterflies

New York City Photos

Recently I visited the busiest city that I know - New York City! For just a few days it can be pretty exciting. Of course I can't go there without taking in a few art exhibits. The train ride was 8 hours to get there but I actually found it a perfectly comfortable way to go. When I arrived at Penn Station in New York, it was a madhouse! Here are a few shots of some of the things I saw and did while I was there.

Jean-Michel Basquiat at Nahmad Contemporary Gallery

Guggenheim Museum

Hilma af Klint exhibit at Guggenheim
Paintings of the Future

Street Flowers

Central Park

From hotel window

Frida Kahlo Exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art

Brooklyn Museum of Art

Naro Theater Solarplate Etching

Across the street from the antique store in Norfolk where I've been spending some time painting is an old movie theater built in 1936. Very few of these old theaters have survived in the area. It's the place to go to see foreign, art, independent and classical  films. This is a  solarplate etching where I first drew it on glass and then exposed the drawing onto a photosensitive plate for the printing, using my etching press. 

Now when I look at it, I have nice memories of going to the theater!