Capitol Hill Eastern Market, Washington DC
Color and shapes, color and shapes, color and shapes … that is what caught my eye here. As I looked at this scene, I squinted my eyes and a different image appeared. Below depicts what I visualized.
Capitol Hill Eastern Market, Washington DC
I enjoy strolling around various places just looking around. If something catches my eye, I stop, look, and try to determine what attracted my attention to the scene. I then try tp compose an image to display that spark of interest. The shapes of the displayed masks plus the bright reds and whites caught my eye here.
During the next several posts, I will try to present the diversity of the Washington DC, Capitol Hill East Market.
Abstract 1: Barnet Newman’s “Achilles” – National Gallery of Art
Abstract 2: National Gallery of Art – East Wing, Exterior
Simple lines of abstract art are intriguing. They can be found everywhere. Some are works created in art mediums (paintings, sculptures, etc.). Others are created by architectural forms. Still others are found in nature.
Abstract 1 is an oil painting created by Barnet Newman titled “Achilles”. I stood and looked at this piece for quite a long time. Rather than try to figure out “what it is meant to be”, I tried to focus on what feeling it brought out in me. The red made me feel a little anxious. I did not resonate with this piece.
Abstract 2 is a photograph of the exterior of the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art. I was walking along, looked up and saw these contrasting shapes of shadows and light. It just grabbed me.
Abstract 3 is a photograph of the sheer basalt cliffs cut by the Palouse River during the Ice Age Floods. Nature’s artwork stops me in my tracks. Sometimes I just do not want to leave. It instills me to think about how our would was formed and just enjoy the beauty of nature surrounding me.
Art is everywhere!
Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, Washington DC
It was a warm Saturday morning at Eastern Market. Ice cold Beer caught my eye … just what I needed! But alas, it was just an old sign.
I have been working with contrasts. This little scene had it all: hot day/cold beer, beer/artwork, old sign/modern art, red/yellow, orange/blue. What more could I ask for? It was a great day!
Every time I visit Washington DC and walk around the Capitol, chills run through my body. Being there gives me a perspective of our history and what our Nation represents. Looking at the Capitol reflecting on the water, caused me to reflect in turn about how our Nation has grown and changed over the years.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Capitol with my Aunt. It was her first trip. Visiting Washington DC was one thing that she wanted to do before she passed. Walking with her, I could see the sparkle in her eyes and the pride she had on her face. Her parting remark was that every child should visit Washington DC to gain a perspective of what our Nation is really about.
I have been lucky over the years to have had the opportunity to live in the Washington DC area and visit the Capitol many times. Prior to 911, access to the Senate and House chambers was not restricted. I recall sitting up in the galleries listening to various sessions. What a great experience that was.
I still try to visit Washington DC on a relatively frequent basis. I can never get enough!
Civil War Monument and Capitol, WDC
How lucky we are to live in such a great Nation! The current time is extremely challenging and full of discord. But it is not even close to the times our Nation bas persevered in the past. On a recent visit to Washington DC, I walked by this Civil War Memorial sculpture with the Capitol in the background. It stimulated me to think about what our Nation was going through over 150 years ago. So no matter how bad we may think things are now, lets have the strength and confidence that we all will survive together as a united Nation.
I can’t help myself. Â When I see RED, I have to shoot. Â It was 90+ degrees in Washington, DC. Â People were flocking around the fountain and pool of the Sculpture Garden across from the National Archives. Â I was having fun just people watching as I was sitting in the shade enjoying a cool glass of wine. Â What a wonderful way to spend a hot afternoon.
With this image, I will end my short series on Washington, DC. Â It was a great trip and a wonderful way to spend time with some of our family from the other Washington.
Like the Capitol, entering the Library of Congress makes your eyes pop and your jaw drop to the ground. Â I could spend hours, just photographically exploring the main room, its sculptures and artwork. Â This building will be a subject that I will explore on its own with additional posts sometime later.