25 TRADD STREET ~ A glimpse into life South of Broad!
I remember walking the historic district known as South of Broad one early morning, camera in hand, when a young woman jogging spotted me with my camera, stopped and said, “have you been down that way on TRADD? It has to be one of the prettiest streets in Charleston.” I thanked her for her kindness and went on my way down TRADD. She was right!
Since that time, I’ve walked the same neighborhood many times, always admiring the historic homes with their colorful window boxes and gas lanterns, peeking down alleyways, and snapping photographs along the way.
On my last outing, the sun was pouring down a narrow alley, backlighting a gated slate walkway leading to what looked like a secret garden. This side of the wrought-iron gate was a welcoming arched doorway surrounded by climbing camellias in bloom, with copper gas lanterns flickering on either side. Below was a Giant Leopard Plant tucked in-between bushes that made a statement, as if to say a master gardener lives here, at 25 TRADD STREET!
25 TRADD STREET by William R. Beebe, 12 x 12, Oil on board, $2200
25 TRADD STREET detail
I had never noticed this little hideaway. How had I missed it? Sometimes the lighting doesn’t cooperate and other imagery stands out. This time the sun was boldly highlighting the light stucco building and revealing an abundance of decorative plant life.
My painting, 25 TRADD STREET, is a 12” x 12” oil painting on board. I put a little bit of texture into the paint to suggest stucco siding. I worked on trying to identify the individual plants without getting mired down in detail. The light mortar interwoven between aged stone leads the eye down the path, through the gate, and into a private paradise.
I hope you like my latest painting of historic homes in Charleston. It was a pleasure to paint. Next time you’re in Charleston don’t miss the chance to stroll down one of its prettiest streets! Thank you for reading my journal and for your interest in my art!
“One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion….”
What’s next?
Drawing by William R. Beebe