The Commandant of the US Marines

One of my neighbors is the Commandant of the US Marines.  This is his home.  I made an ink and watercolor drawing of it for the Barrack's Row Fall Festival.  It is quite an impressive building, and dates back to 1806.

If I go by last year, the Marines are very supportive of the Fall Festival.  They did a full color guard and a short band program last year, and I remember it.  My booth will be pretty close to their bandstand, so I hope to hear it again.   As part of the color guard, they have an American flag with banner ribbons from every campaign the US Marines have been involved in.  That is something to see.

Cafe 8

Another little painting in preparation for the Barrack's Row Fall Festival.

This is kind of a new place.  I've never been in it and am not sure why I chose it, other than I kind of like the umbrellas.  Actually, the umbrellas are not green, but I like them green...I used my "artistic license."   It is not only a cafe, but also a hookah bar....I'm guessing it attracts a young crowd.

Barrack's Row Clock

This kind of speaks for itself.  A clock on Barrack's Row..  Still working on more paintings.  They are small and matted, not framed, so they will be inexpensive.

Barrack's Row Fall Festival

I'm excited to be a vendor in my neighborhood Fall Festival.  I'll have a booth with small paintings and prints and lots of cards...and it is just a block from my house.

Barrack's Row gets its name from the Marine Barracks that are right on 8th St.  I looked up a little history and learned that in 1999 it was establish as a National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street.  Of course, the neighborhood is much older than that.  The Marine Barracks site was selected in 1801.  According to Wikipedia, it was selected because it was within marching distance of the Capitol and also the Navy Yard.  Marines are still marching today, and they do a "Parade" Friday nights.  From my backyard, I hear them practicing on Friday mornings.  I have never gone, though!

To get ready for the Fall Festival, I am making some small paintings around the neighborhood.  The one above is Senart's Oyster and Chop House, which is one of my favorite places.  It is very long and narrow inside, with 3 fireplaces along the wall.  It has been remodeled but has a real historical feel. This painting was late afternoon.....just before opening for business at 4 p.m.