Owen B. Pickett U.S. Custom House - Solarplate Etching

The US Customs Service was established in 1789 and is the oldest federal agency. This customs house is located in downtown Norfolk, Va near the waterfront which makes sense since one of its purposes is to control carriers of imports and exports. The architecture is an example of the Classical Revival style. The construction was completed in 1858. Historians at the time expected it to be "one of the most imposing and showy buildings in the city."  I'm sure they weren't disappointed! It underwent rehabilitation and restoration from 1996-1999 and still serves as a customs house. It certainly is an unusual building for the area.

Another addition to my Norfolk series of solarplate etchings. 

 

Ocean View Fishing Pier - Solarplate Etching

The Ocean View Fishing Pier in Norfolk, Virginia is the longest free-standing fishing pier in North America at 1,690 feet. It was built on the site of the former Harrison's Pier which was a very popular fishing spot until it was destroyed by Tropical Storm Isabel in 2003.  It was a good subject for my next solarplate etching of historic Norfolk places. I love that there are great views of the Chesapeake Bay from there!

Chrystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

This museum was founded in 2006 by Alice Walton, daughter of the founder of Walmart, Sam Walton. Her love of art started as a child when she painted watercolors with her mother on camping and hiking trips. I really enjoyed its architecture and the grounds are superb! 120 acres of Ozark forest and 5 miles of trails. So lucky that it was a beautiful October day. The spider is a sculpture called "Maman" by a famous French artist Louise Bourgeois.

Elmwood Cemetery Solarplate Etching

Another in my Norfolk series isn't a building but an angel at Elmwood Cemetery that I couldn't resist drawing. The cemetery is an historic municipal one that was officially established in 1853. It's listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The tombstones have much Victorian funerary including shells, lambs, wreathes, lilies and anchors. And there are quite a few angels, this one being my favorite. I drew it on glass and then exposed it in the sun on a solarplate that is light sensitive. It needs to be near noon and a bright sunny day. (Panic can set in when clouds suddenly appear!) It only took 30 seconds! That's so amazing to me. Then after a couple of other steps, I was ready to make some handmade prints from the exposed plates. 

Elmwood Cemetery Angel

 

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!