The Adam's House, Deadwood, South Dakota

Plein Aire Painting of the Adams House

Marietehe'Salort painting The Adams House

Our group went two different directions for awhile today, before meeting up in Deadwood for a wonderful meal at The Deadwood Social Club, above the famous Saloon Number 10.

Mariethe’ Salort and I painted in Deadwood, SD  today.  Mariethe was interested in painting an old house, and liked the idea of a row of houses, so I showed her the beautiful Victorian houses in Deadwood. Ah, Yes… Deadwood, South Dakota.  I am so pleased that Marietehe’ and her husband Yves, both said it did not disappoint.  They  said Deadwood could be felt… there was a special feel to the town.

We chose the historic Adams House Museum.  We painted outside for about three hours, and the exciting thing was at the conclusion, seeing the two different results from the same painting!  Although they are not finished yet in these photos, it is evident how they are similar, yet quite different.  That is the magic of art!

While we were painting, quite a few people stopped to visit with us.  Of them all, one was particularly memorable, as he asked Mariethe’  for directions, and she told him she didn’t know… she was French.  To her surprise, so was he!  He was a French visitor, on his first full day in the United States!  That was a fun coincidence!

Grave of Wild Bill Hickok

Grave of Calamity Jane

After painting, we were consequently freezing, as a drizzle had moved in.  We took our lunch up the hill to the famous Mount Moriah Cemetery.  (Nothing but the cheeriest of picnic locations for my guests!)  This is where the good, the bad and the ugly of Deadwood fame are buried, including Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny.  (The last was a famous miner in Deadwood… his shoe was a novelty at a local restaurant, so if you are lucky, I may post a photo of it tomorrow!!!)    The mist made my photos of this place particularly striking – and spooky!

We followed lunch with a tour of the Adams House, followed by a walk along the streets of old Deadwood.  Deadwood is an entire photo opportunity at every turn.  Truly a fun experience, no matter how many times I go!  My mother, Millie Halsey, particularly loves Deadwood, so having someone to share it with was very rewarding.