Category: Photography

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King Neptune Guards the Beach at Cape Charles

The mythical guardian of Cape Charles stands tall along the Virginia shoreline.

When the sun sets on Cape Charles beach, a local legend comes alive. It is said that King Neptune, the ruler of the sea and protector of all marine life, rises from the depths to guard the sandy shores. As night falls and waves crash against the shoreline, those who know about his presence at Cape Charles feel comforted by his watchful eye.

King Neptune on the beach at Cape Charels
King Neptune guards the shore at Cape Charles, Virginia.

It is said that King Neptune, the ruler of the sea and protector of all marine life, can be seen guarding this Chesapeake Bay shoreline in his grand majesty. According to local folklore in this Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) town, King Neptune’s presence has been felt since ancient times when sailors used to visit this particular beach for protection from bad weather and unpredictable waves. But regardless of its origin, one thing remains certain – locals firmly believe that King Neptune watches over Cape Charles and Northampton County with divine power and strength.

king neptune jigsaw puzzle
King Neptune Jigsaw Puzzle

Visitors to Cape Charles have reported seeing an impressive figure in royal attire standing on top of a tall rock formation at the very edge of the shoreline. Some say they’ve heard him bellowing out orders as if commanding an army while others claim he’s simply gazing out into the horizon with a look of pride and determination in his eyes. The majestic King Neptune has been watching over the beach at Cape Charles for many years. As an unique area landmark, his presence is a reminder of the long-standing history of this scenic waterfront town located on a small peninsula jutting into the Chesapeake Bay. Every day, curious visitors flock to its sandy shores to get a glimpse of this grandiose statue that stands tall above everything else.

King Neptune is the mythical guardian of the beach at Cape Charles, Virginia. Every summer, tourists head to this pristine and picturesque stretch of shoreline for some fun in the sun and a chance to meet King Neptune himself! With his trident firmly in his grasp and a seaweed crown atop his head, King Neptune stands tall as he greets visitors with a smile.

The legendary figure has become an iconic presence on the beach since he first appeared at Cape Charles nearly two decades ago. His mission is simple: to protect this beautiful stretch of coastline from any harm while bringing joy to those who visit. He often spends time with vacationers, whether it’s posing for photos or teaching kids about maritime safety tips. He may even be seen with a dog at his side. Just kidding, really…but you never know.

King Neptune with Miss Hanna
King Neptune with his trusty sidekick, Miss Hannah.

Designed in 2004 by Paul DiPasquale, this statue of King Neptune at Cape Charles is actually the preliminary study, a seven foot tall prototype, for the large statue of King Neptune in Virginia Beach. The King Neptune Statue (2005) on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at Neptune Park is 24 feet tall, more than three times the size of “The King” at Cape Charles.

Shop for King Neptune Wall Art and Home Decor.

The images in this article are “clickable” if you would like to see more details about each photograph. You can also click the links below to browse and/or shop.

Link to: King Neptune Wall Art and more

Link to: Bill’s Private Gallery at Fine Art America

beach remaisn still like at cape charles virginia
Remains of an old Pier on the beach at Cape Charles, VA
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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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Morgantown – Home of WVU and a Lot More

by Guest Artist Steve Heap

As relative newcomers to Morgantown and West Virginia, our first drive down Main Street before we found a home was a little depressing. Like many towns, shopping has migrated out and the traditional main street shops have become dollar stores, it seems. So, although the scenery around this part of West Virginia is spectacular, I wasn’t sure the architecture of the town itself would interest me.

But then I discovered Woodburn Hall! Built in 1870 as one of the core buildings of West Virginia University, it has a warm and intriguing design and right from this first image taken in 2016, I knew I would be back!

Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV
Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV

And I was! I was down there in the early evening, hoping for an interesting sunset as the lights on the building provide a warm contrast:

Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University
Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University

I’ve been back after a fall of snow again in the late afternoon to get a winter view of the buildings surrounding the gardens here:

Sunset over snow covered Woodburn Hall
Sunset over snow covered Woodburn Hall

And I’ve done some compositing work to move the famous Mountaineer Statue, beloved of the football team, from its position across the road to a more pleasing artistic location!

Mountaineer Statue against Woodburn Hall
Mountaineer Statue against Woodburn Hall

Finally, as my technology improved, I decided to try for an aerial view to show how this centerpiece of WVU fits in with the town and the river winding its way across the plain.

Aerial Drone Panorama of Woodburn Hall at WVU
Aerial Drone Panorama of Woodburn Hall at WVU

CLICK the images above to browse/shop the available wall art.

What all this made me realize is that with an attractive and historic building such as this, there is never one great shot. There are so many possibilities, and I realize that I haven’t really got any spring or fall images, that you really need to spend as much time capturing its nuances as you do trying to get that perfect fall leaves photograph! Several of these images have proved popular with collectors – I am sure some of them are gracing the walls of the offices of WVU graduates as they start their careers!

Guest Artist Steve Heap

Steve Heap has a broad range of travel and landscape imagery available with free shipping and a 30-day money back guarantee in his Pictorem portfolio.

Steve writes about the stories behind his photographs at BackyardImage.com.