Remembering Capitol Hill Watercolor Artist Virginia Warren

Remembering Capitol Hill Watercolor Artist Virginia Warren

by Ron Tomasso FAIA

Capitol Hill watercolor artist Virginia Warren – who died a few years ago at nearly 100 – lived for many years on the 600 block of D Street, SE. 

She was an exquisite watercolor artist, and I expect many of her drawings survive in households throughout Capitol Hill, including mine.  She preceded the internet age; sadly, I cannot find anything about her or her accomplishments there.  It’s an interesting lesson about the mark we leave in life.  I knew her in life but had not spoken to her for more than 10 years due to her illness and aging but I have fond memories of her from the time I first moved to the Hill in the early 1980’s.  In remembering her I have only those memories and the art she left behind. 

Her daughter, Cindy Warren, was the primary caregiver to her mother and I just learned that she recently died.  I have not found an obituary for her or for Virginia Warren.  Her mother would have been 107 years old this year.  Many residents of the Hill will recall Virginia’s watercolor paintings including many scenes of Eastern Market (above) and other Hill landmarks such as Friendship House.  I believe Virginia also did house portraits around the Hill (there are other artists doing that now) – she was one of the first. 

Virginia and Cindy are survived by Cindy’s son Leo.