Category: Delmarva

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Crab Basket Christmas Trees on the Eastern Shore

Bushel Basket Holiday trees in Grasonville, MD and throughout Delmarva…

Celebrating the Watermen of the Chesapeake Bay is series of non-traditional Christmas trees, three of which are located at the Fisherman’s Village complex, just east of Kent Island.

Crab Basket Christmas Tree in Grasonville MD
Crab Basket Christmas Tree at the Kent Narrows in Grasonville, MD. Note, please, that utility poles, wires vehicles and advertising signs have been “removed” from the original image.

Merry Crabby Christmas – Merry Crabness. This tree, along with two others are located at the Waterman’s Memorial in Grasonville, Queen Anne’s County, MD. Bushel Basket Trees are a common site on the Eastern Shore in several of the small water-oriented towns. Other sightings: Cambridge, Rock Hall, St. Michaels, Berlin (on the road to Assateague Island).
In Maine and other New England states they have lobster trap trees – similar but not the same as “From the Land of Pleasant Living on the Eastern Shore!”

three crab basket christmas trees near the Waterman's Memorial
Three Bushel Basket Christmas Trees in Graysonville, MD

We got started on this photo project because we saw a picture and then found this bit of description on a Facebook post: “These baskets are at fishermans inn in Grasonville , they also have a lot of meaning , mostly not all but a lot have our local waterman’s names and drawn pictures of their boats ect on them that worked on the water most of their lives its located at the watermans memorial , I think there is 3 trees this year” (by Commenter, Michael Timms)

three variations of the same crab basket holiday tree
Here are three popular variations of the crab-topped Crab Basket Holiday Tree featured above. They are (l to r) a simulated watercolor painting, a simulated charcoal drawing and the original photograph presentation.

Interesting items about the Crab Basket Holiday Trees

Each tree has a meaning and each basket has a meaning: history, celebration, honor, remembering and/or holiday spirit.

crab basket holiday trees on t-shirts
The watercolor rendition of the Crab Basket Tree looks great as a T-shirt design.
  1. 202 baskets were used to make the first tree that was erected in Kent Narrows in 2020.
  2. There was so much interest that two trees were created in 2022.
  3. Interest continued to grow – with three trees being constructed in 2023.
  4. Located at the Fisherman’s Village complex at the Kent Narrows (Kent Island Narrows), Grasonville, MD.
  5. Every painted basket has a “story” to honor and/or remember someone or may simply be to share the holiday spirit.
  6. There are “memorial baskets” to honor watermen who passed away in the previous year.
  7. Proceeds from project activities support local watermen and families in need.
  8. Basket painting was done by local citizens of all ages.
  9. Above is from the Kent Narrows, Maryland website.

Each tree has a meaning and each basket has a meaning. Themes might include history, celebration, honor, remembering someone and/or simply the joy of holiday spirit.

Here is a Bushel Basket Christmas Tree found near the town of Berlin, MD along Route 611.

crab backet christmas tree berlin md
Crab Bushel Basket Christmas Tree Near Assateague Island, MD
watermen's association crab basket tree sponsor sign
Watermen’s Association 2022 Crab Basket Tree sponsor sign.

These trees would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors. The sign thanking/acknowledging them, erected by the Queen Anne’s County Watermen’s Association, is located at the site.

The Sponsors listed are: Armin’s Garage Doors LLC, Bay Tree Service, Bayside Insurance Associates Inc, Clements Creek Ventures, Fishergate Graphic Design, Fisherman’s Inn & Crab Deck, Harris Crab House, Jennifer Norfolk–Coldwell Banker, Kent Island Rotary, Kent Narrows Development Foundation, Kentmorr Marina, Molly Maid, QAC Economic & Tourism Development, Queenstown Bank, R&D Electric, Rag Lady Inc, Ruth Brothers Portable Toilets, Shore Lumber & Millwork, Shore Septic, Shore Sign, Shore United Bank, TJ & Sherri Hunter, VFW Post 7464, and Wye River Marine. The sign is thanking … First Mate sponsors and all who purchased a basket. Thank you!

Christmas Lights

Of course a Christmas Tree need lights for viewing at night. These Crab Basket Trees are no exception.

crab basket christmas tree at night
The Crab Basket Christmas Tree is lighted at night.

Yes, you can purchase the wall art photographs in a variety of substrates as well as on Home Decor, Apparel and Other Items.

Link to: Bill’s Gallery with the Crab Basket Trees.

Link to: Bill’s Redbubble Shop with dozens of unique items, apparel and decor.

crab basket tree items available on redbubble
A sample of Crab Basket Tree Watercolor items available at Redbubble.
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Autumn at Coursey Pond In Frederica, DE

We rival the colors of New England fall foliage right here in Delaware.

The first hint of autumn is always a welcome sign after a long, hot summer. In Delaware, the turning of the leaves signals the start of fall celebrations and all things pumpkin. One of the best places to enjoy the crisp autumn air is at Coursey Pond in Frederick.

autumn foliage at coursey pond wall art
Autumn at Coursey Pond Wall Art

This beautiful autumn scene was captured at Coursey Pond in Frederica, Delaware by Bill Swartwout Photography. It appears to be two scenes in one, with the colorful fall foliage and brilliant blue sky being reflected in the still waters of Coursey Pond.

autumn at coursey pond jigsaw puzzle
Jigsaw Puzzle of the Autumn at Coursey Pond Photograph

How about the challenge of working a jigsaw puzzle with the intricate designs created here by Mother Nature.? Would you give it a go – or perhaps gift one to a friend or family member with an affinity for puzzles?

Link to: Autumn at Coursey Pond

Link to: Jigsaw Puzzle of Coursey Pond in the Fall

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Pictorem

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Indian River Bridge at Twilight Panorama

Four styles of this popular photograph are now available in a 2:1 panorama ratio.

I’ve had requests for a more-panorama-shape of one of my most popular photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. So I made a “regular” Panorama (2:1 ratio) and three additional presentations. Might you be interested in any of these please let me know. If so, which one? Leave a response in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Indian River Bridge Panorama Photograph Assortment
Indian River Inlet Bridge at Twilight Panorama Photograph in Four Presentations.

The Charles W. Cullen Bridge is the official name of this beautiful example of cable-stayed suspension bridge architecture. The Indian River Inlet Bridge carries coastal traffic on Route 1 across the Indian River Inlet just north of Bethany Beach Delaware.

This beautiful structure is sight to behold at any time of day or night. However, twilight, the transition between day and night, brings out the spectacular color of the bridge, the water and the sky – all in shades of blue – at this magical time.

The Indian River inlet joins the Rehoboth Bay and the Indian River Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. The Indian River Bridge over the inlet allows traffic to flow north and south along “Coastal Highway” (Route 1), connecting several beach resort towns from Ocean City in Maryland to Rehoboth Beach and Lewes in Delaware.

The Delaware Seashore State Park facilities on both the north and south sides of the Indian River Inlet and along the shore of the Indian River Bay attract thousands or people, who can enjoy sights like this, all year ’round. The area, just north of Bethany Beach, DE boasts campgrounds, a large marina, fishing and, of course, a well-maintained and guarded (in season) beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection
The original “best selling” print: Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection

Charles W. Cullen Bridge – Dedicated 2012

Indian River Bridge Dedication Plaque
Dedication Plaque on the Indian River Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

This bridge is named in honor and remembrance of Charles West Cullen, 1865-1948, a man who dedicated his life to public service and the the citizens of Delaware. Between 1930 and 1940, he served on the State Highway Commission, eventually being elevated to Chairman of the Commission from 1938-1939. While he was Chairman, work was started on a new bridge to span the Indian River Inlet. In recognition for his service on the Commission, the bridge was dedicated on May 18, 1940, in his name for his advocacy for the proper opening of the inlet and the internal development of the Indian River. Two additional bridges bearing his name have spanned the inlet since that time. This, the fifth bridge to span the inlet waterway, is was also dedicated in his name. (Paraphrased from the bridge dedication plaque.)

Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Inlet Bridge Collection, including the four panoramas above.

Link to: Panorama Wall Art Print

Link to: Simulated Charcoal Print

Link to: Dramatic Black & White Print

Link to: Abstract Expressionism Print

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Pixels/FineArtAmerica

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Delmarva Farm Scene in Black and White or Color

This Delmarva Grain Elevator received positive comments in both presentations, color and B&W.

How does one choose which presentation to publish to one’s online gallery? Why, ask your followers on Social Media, of course – specifically on Facebook.

delmarve grain elevator in color
Delmarva Grain Elevator in Color

The steel-gray color of the sky seems to emulate the steel-color of the silos and transfer screws of this grain elevator on a Maryland farm. When asking friends and followers a piece of art, one must have a thick skin because some of the responses my be quite critical. Fortunately, most in this survey were complimentary.

delmarva grain elevator black and white
Delmarva Grain Elevator in Black and White

This was the question – simple and straightforward:

  • Does this work better in Color or in B&W? (It was also identified as a Delmarva Grain Elevator – photographed on 06/18/22.)

Here is a list of 18 unmodified responses – in the order received:

  • The color shot is FANTASTIC. !
  • Color. Love it.
  • I like the touch of blue in the color version.
  • Love the color with the blue sky peeking through.
  • Black and white photography for me, as your subject is mostly monochromatic and lends itself to that medium. The color version almost takes on a selective coloring look to it. But you should always go with what your vision is for the piece, speaking from your heArt.
  • Color wins…
  • I personally like the B&W more but it seems that the darkness of the clouds goes away in the above B&W version. I still like the second/B&W version more but would make it a bit darker.
  • I like the color shot.
  • Color for sure!
  • Both great. BW for me.
  • Color shot!
  • Black and white, more dramatic.
  • B & W
  • Rather ominous in BE. Pop of blue in color is interesting but overall BW
  • B&W
  • I like the black and white due to the detailed shown on the structure of the grain silos and transfer screws.
  • I’m usually a black and white fan but for this one I’ll go with color.
  • Just enough color in the sky enhances it…my opinion! Great picture!

The overall result is 10 prefer the color presentation and 8 prefer the black and white. While the color version appears to have won the poll, the margin is small, and I would not like to disappoint the 44% of my responders who chose the black and white version of my Delmarva Grain Elevator photograph – so I have uploaded BOTH versions to my online galleries.

Choose a link below to get a better look at YOUR choice…

Shop: Color version of Delmarva Grain Elevator

Shop: B&W version of Delmarva Grain Elevator

Shop: The Farm Collection in Bill’s Gallery

Shop: Bill’s Full Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

The chicken is in the heart of Delmarva.

The Delmarva Peninsula – home to a wide variety of grains, vegetables and livestock – has a long history of farming, but in the 1950s the peninsula began to focus on its poultry industry. Today, Delmarva is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation; it is also one of the largest chicken-producing regions in the world. The mainstay diet of a chicken is corn, followed by soybeans, wheat and to a lesser extent, other crops.