Enduring Charm ~ Quintessentially Charleston!
Enduring Charm by William R. Beebe, 18 x18, Oil on board, commissioned.
Located on one of the original Charleston streets just a block from Whitepoint Gardens, is a house that I consider to be quintessentially Charleston. That street is Church Street, said to be “one of the most romantic streets in America”. Lower Church Street is an idyllic, intimate neighborhood known as The Bend. Historic homes like 12 Church Street line both sides of this early colonial paved brick road.
Built in 1810, this classic “single house” with its distinctive side porch has not only stood the test of time (215 years), but its charm is enduring with its gas lanterns, white railed fence and climbing roses, original paneled shutters, and an American flag proudly mounted above the painted double door.
As with many of the historic homes in Charleston, beyond the fence is an inviting formal garden. The yard features a small fountain in the middle, and a curved wooden gate in the distance leads to what one can only guess. After a little research I discovered that it leads to a built in pool area with charming landscaping.
The house itself is much bigger than it looks from the street, as lots in town are narrow and homes tend to extend deep into their lots.
Church Street is such a special place that the annual Charleston Festival of House & Garden Tour centers their tours around the houses and gardens of Church Street.
It was the white railed fence with the climbing roses that captured my attention. The paved brick road with cast shadows and dappled light is such an unusual sight in Charleston that it also grabbed my attention and made me want to paint it. Of course, I am always a sucker for an American flag!
This painting was painted for a wonderful couple who collect my work. I am so appreciative that they chose one of my favorite homes in Charleston for me to paint.
I hope you like Enduring Charm. I will be starting on a companion piece shortly. It will be of another historic home, this time on Queen Street.
Thank you for reading my journal and for your interest in my artwork. Thank you Charleston for the inspiration!
“One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion….”
What’s next?
Drawing by William R. Beebe