Charleston is the oldest city in the Carolina colony, territory which stretched from North Carolina to much of Florida. Magnolia Plantation, where I went yesterday, boasts the oldest garden in this area of the world. Sitting on my portable stool, mostly alone in the 70F sunshine, I sketched a corner of Flowerdale, circa 1685--- where 17th century England sunk roots in the colonial wilderness. Camellias are everywhere here. Originally from Japan, these varieties came to Charleston by way of Holland.
At noon, settled on a park bench overlooking the Ashley River, I drew a heron and a couple of ducks doing their waterfowl thing. It was so quiet and lovely---hard to imagine that just yards from where I sat, the British army, led by Cornwallis, launched their 1780 invasion and conquest of Charleston. A little bit of England, indeed.
In front of a house overlooking Charleston harbor, the sinuous branches of a live oak echo the arcaded porch.
Another long drawing, posted in two sections.
What a treat to come across these paintings. I was out at Magnolia Plantation today taking pictures. It was incredible with fall colours.
Posted by: joan | November 25, 2007 at 11:35 PM
Nina and all, thanks a million for your enthusiasm. Cin, I'll have to try that at some point. I kind of like the way the two sketches work together in my Travel Sketches gallery at left, so I can see it would be nice to display them intact on Flickr. Glad you all found the smidgeons of history interesting.
Posted by: Laura | February 28, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Laura,
I simply LOVE your work! They are gorgoeous and always make me feel like painting...
I am in absolute awe (and I am totally not in the habit of brown nosing..simply stating my true thoughts!)
Nina
Posted by: Nina | February 28, 2007 at 09:24 AM
City of gardens..I want to go someday. Lovely paintings.
Posted by: joyce | February 28, 2007 at 04:15 AM
Absolutely beautiful sketches. Your way with color astounds me every time. I love the way the live oak frames the two lower pictures too. Great.
Posted by: Anthony | February 28, 2007 at 03:27 AM
I think the panorama of this is not to be missed, oh yes please add to flickr, it will be shown small on the main page but there is an "all size" button we can click to enlarge!
Posted by: Cin | February 26, 2007 at 10:05 AM