“When you’re in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend  will be in the cell next to you saying: ‘Damn, that was fun!’”

—Groucho Marx 

The Old Chatham County Jail 

In my job, every week there are at least two or three ‘take your dog to work days.’ I love it. They do, too. 

So, more often than not, you’ll find me walking my three Jack Russells all over the Historic District of Savannah — let’s see: first there is my short-hair ‘JJ’ (8), the happiest mama’s boy on the planet; then there is my long-hair ‘Bubbles’ (6), a bitter-sweet and often angry girl who generally gets her way; and then there is my rough-coat Ashkii (2), the most excitable puppy in all of Savannah.  

Generally, it’s during our long walks together that I find the best scenes in downtown Savannah to paint. 

I usually carry along a pad and pencil to make a sketch or two, which I’ll also use to take some quick notes. Then, I will soon after return, but without my Jacks, to paint the scene in oil en plein air.  

If I can’t quite catch what initially attracted my eye to the scene, I’ll come back and try again. 

On one of our recent walks, I stopped to draw this sketch of the Old Chatham County Jail. Also known as SCAD’s Habersham Hall, the building currently houses a small private Christian high school. 

Another in a long line of architectural restorations by the Savannah College of Art & Design, the Old Chatham County Jail was originally built in 1887 and began operations in 1888.  It was a model jail in its day, and continuously housed prisoners in its 117 cells, each measuring five-by ten feet, until 1978.  

A fire destroyed its original Byzantine-dome in 1898, which was quickly replaced with the existing Moorish-turret that included four small cast-iron balconies. 

What attracted me to this scene was the variety of green tones found in the trees, the dome, the fence and the bushes — together they formed a wonderful harmonious ensemble.; similar to my pack of three Jack Russells as they march together throughout Savannah. 

Frankly, it wasn’t just the unique green dome that stood out so much to me, but also the lighter green fence that seemingly stood there to express: “Hey, just look at how cute I am!”  

The entire scene was very fun and carefree to paint; taking less than 90-minutes from start to finish. And, of course, it was also great fun playing with all the greens, from the cooler to the warmer tones.