Dome and Spire: View of Frederica, Wilmington 1954

Orville Houghton Peets made this print of Frederica, Wilmington, using etching, a process that reminds me of drawing. Look at the architecture and the bare tree in the foreground. The etching feels soft and delicate. I wonder what time of year it was, the bare branches make me think it was created in winter. I wonder if Peets felt a chill in the air, working on his etching plate, rendering each tiny branch, feeling the burr of the needle against the metal. The lines vibrate on the surface, creating areas of light and shadow. The composition is simple and quiet, with a dome and spire in the background. The town seems peaceful and idyllic. There are folks walking around, a quiet observation of everyday life. I love how artists can capture a sense of place and time through their work. It makes me want to grab my own tools and try to capture the world around me.