Northern Cardinal Etching

The Northern Cardinal is a North American bird found in Southern Canada and throughout the US from Maine to Texas and into Mexico. I have enjoyed seeing them all of my life. I watched one in my birdbath the other day which was special to me because this is the first time I've had a birdbath! I really hope there aren't any new cats in the neighborhood. I thought it would be a good time to make an etching of a cardinal since we associate them so much with Christmas. The male is very distinctive with its black mask and vibrant red color. I know, my etching is black and white but I know you'll recognize it anyway! The paper is whiter in real life. Photographing etchings is a challenge!

Christmas Carolers

Carolers bring Christmas cheer! Every year singers from the Virginia Corale (I think) spread joy in downtown Norfolk and always come through the art center where my studio is located. I love their costumes and they are so friendly that I thought I'd take a picture. It came out pretty well!! I don't mind having my work day interrupted by their singing!

Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia

Recently I visited The Hermitage Museum in Norfolk, Virginia to see an exhibit of works by artists who have studios in the museum's Visual Arts Studio. The museum is an early 20th century historic Arts and Crafts style house converted to a museum. It has a world wide art collection and exhibit galleries with 12 acres of formal gardens, natural woodlands and wetlands. It was built by William and Florence Sloane,

wealthy New Yorkers who came to the area in 1895 to operate textile mills. It was built to be a summer house but the owners soon lived there year round. They were avid art collectors. It's not so far from my house that I can easily go there and admire it - the beautiful woodwork inside and gardens outside! I've enjoyed participating in a few miniature exhibits there. Here are a few photos of it and two of the exhibit I saw. And for your pleasure, one of my must-see videos!



Rose Garden





Front Entrance

 



Rabbit sculpture by Virginia VanHorne



"Thinking Caps" by Patricia Isenhour