Rainbow Row, Charleston

“The Old South”

The phrase conjures a vision of stately plantations, elegant cotillions, and aristocratic splendor. In Charleston, South Carolina, much of the romance of the Old South lives on. The Kinkade’s have fallen in love with this charming city, and Rainbow Row, Charleston – along with my many studies of Carmel and San Francisco – are tributes to very special towns.

Like Carmel, Charleston is a city that celebrates art and artists. Indeed, in a picturesque section such as Rainbow Row, the very stones of the city’s ancient buildings exude a natural artistry. The pinks and yellows and grays of the weathered walls meld into a pastel rainbow of rich earth-tones.

On the day I set up my easel, light danced through the dogwood trees – igniting the delicate blossoms of spring with pale fires – as it cast intricate shadows on the ground. I painted outdoors, and then took the canvas to my studio to elaborate the luminous lighting effects. I included a selection of nostalgic 1950’s cars. I hope you’ll come along on Thomas Kinkade’s artistic tour of Charleston.