Block Island Wall Art: Photography Prints

Block Island, Rhode Island wall art by Mike Dooley: photographs from Baby Beach on Block Island, taken on one birthday weekend visit. Prints from $75 on paper or metal. Orders are paused while I move to Florida.

A Lifelong Rhode Islander Who Had Never Been

I’ve lived in Rhode Island my whole life, and I had never been to Block Island. To be honest, I’m not a fan of the water, or of boats. But my son spent every summer out there for years, through college and into his early career as a teacher. Seven or eight summers, if I had to guess. One year he convinced us to come out, and it happened to be my birthday weekend.

Getting There (Boats and All)

Getting to the island means two things I’m not fond of: boats and water. (There’s a story there. Another day.) If you live in Rhode Island, you’re already singing the Block Island Ferry jingle, a staple of local TV and radio for more than 30 years. If you’re not from here, the ferry runs from the port village of Galilee, in Point Judith, to Old Harbor on Block Island. It’s a big boat, and plenty of cars and trucks ride across on every trip. The traditional ferry takes about 55 minutes, and a high-speed boat cuts that to about 30. You can also fly: the island has a small airport, with daily flights from Westerly that take about 12 minutes.

“Relax, Dad. People Here Are Just Nice.”

The island is different. On my birthday night we went to a local restaurant where my son knew the whole staff. Great meal, and of course cake, singing and much embarrassment. On the way to the car, several people waved and called over, “Happy Birthday, Mike!”

Strangers. Knew my name. I must have had a look on my face, because my son said, “Relax, Dad, it’s okay. People here are just nice.” I know, weird, right?

The Island

My son took us all over the island that weekend, including the Southeast Light on Mohegan Bluffs and all the good places to eat. We stayed at the National Hotel, right across from the water. I made all three of these at Baby Beach, with Block Island Wave further down the sand toward Town Beach. Different light, different mood, same island.

The sun rising over a quiet Block Island beach, Rhode Island

Powerful waves crashing against the rocky shore at Block Island, Rhode Island

The Winter Documentary I Haven’t Made

I always thought it would be fun to spend a week out there in the off season, when the place is a little more deserted. Life got in the way, and it never happened. I can still picture it: an entire winter documentary of island life. The town, the people, gorgeous sunrises, and winter’s toughest storms. Maybe someday.

Prints from this page: Dawn Greets Block Island, The Waves on Block Island, Block Island Wave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy fine art prints of Block Island, Rhode Island?

Every Block Island print shown on this page comes as a paper or metal print in sizes from 9×12 to 40×60, starting at $75. Print orders are paused while I move to Florida. Tell me which print you want and I’ll write you back when the shop reopens. Browse the full Seascape Collection or reach out directly for a custom size or framing request.

How do you get to Block Island?

Most people take the Block Island Ferry from Galilee, in Point Judith, to Old Harbor. The traditional ferry takes about 55 minutes and carries cars and trucks, and the high-speed boat takes about 30 minutes. There is also seasonal ferry service from Newport and New London, CT, and daily flights from Westerly, RI, reach the island’s airport in about 12 minutes. No car is needed once you’re there; a bike or moped covers most of it.

How long is the ferry ride to Block Island?

About 55 minutes on the traditional ferry from Galilee, in Point Judith, and about 30 minutes on the high-speed boat. The traditional ferry carries cars and trucks.