Rain, Rails, and Stairs

This shot

is not likely

to win any

contests or awards,

but

I find a lot

to ponder and examine

and appreciate

in this frame.

For one thing,

I remember

I was standing under an overpass

during a tremendous

rainstorm,

complete with

raucous thunder

and near-hit lightning.

I can still hear it when I look at this photo.

Taken 18 July 2010, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Springs Edifice

Clear summer day

in Colorado Springs.

The architectural detail,

the colors,

the contrast with newer buildings,

the flag on the roof,

the stunning blue sky,

and the size comparison

between the "Hibbard & Co." building

and the two smaller

two-story buildings next door.

Taken on 18 July 2010.

MorocColorado

This blonde brick building

is in downtown Colorado Springs.

I couldn't resist

the slightly Moroccan accents,

although it was tough to get a good angle.

If you zoom in,

you can catch some of the tile work

above the balcony.

The arched windows

on the top floor are intriguing...

...wonder what it looks like from the inside?

Taken 18 July 2010.

Chair #2: Colorado Springs

A solitary, empty chair

out of context

is just SO intriguing

to me.

Who put it there?

For what purpose?

How many different people have sat there?

Why?

Why this particular chair?

Where did it come from?

Did it have a mate and a little coffee table that went with it?

Taken in Colorado Springs, Colorado;

19 July 2010.

Street Art # 12: Colorado Springs

OK,

so I'm expanding the generally accepted

definition of "Street Art"

to include outdoor

"formal" art installations.

It's art.

It's on the street

(or at least visible from the street).

I found these two cowboys

beautiful and intriguing. 

I wanted to hear what the guy

in front was telling the other guy.

Forever caught in mid-conversation

in downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I like the photo above because there is little evidence

that you are not out in the wilderness somewhere.

The view below,

while not so great of the sculpture itself,

illustrates the context.

Staring at Stairs

Straight lines going this way and that,

squares and rectangles,

perpendiculars, diagonals,

steel, concrete, wire mesh,

bolts and brackets,

banisters and balconies,

verdigris vertigo,

a lamp post waiting at the summit,

and overcast sky lends a stark white cyclorama.

Taken in Colorado Springs, Colorado,

18 July 2010.

Street Art #9: Colorado Springs

This is the last of my pictures of Street Art from the Depot Arts District in Colorado Springs,

so I have included the "whole building" picture below

as punctuation.

I'm kind of amazed at the way the tin roof is painted.

Now I'll be posting "Street Art" from other locations...!

All of the Colorado Springs Street Art pictures were taken on 18 July 2010.

Clip-Art and Courthouse

Old courthouse framed by the arch of a modern structure

and in vertical line with giant paper-clip art installation.

The courthouse is also reflected in the tall glass entryway of the newer building.

This courthouse was also featured a few months ago in THIS POST.

Here is a closer look at The Clips from a different angle with a different background.

I didn't catch someone standing next to them for scale, but the nearby benches provide a clue.

I'd guess they are at least twenty feet tall.

Taken in Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 2010.

Street Art #8: Colorado Springs

The latest in the Colorado Springs Depot Arts District Street Art Series.

Street Art #7: Colorado Springs

The colors and the shapes are vibrant and exciting, but the real surprises are in the details.

I would have loved to watch this being created,

to see how the layers appeared from bottom to top.

Taken in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the Depot Art District.

18 July 2010.

Street Art #7: Colorado Springs

Another ponderous selection from the Depot Art District in Colorado Springs, CO.

Taken 18 July 2010.

Street Art #6: Colorado Springs

This is from the same western warehouse wall in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the first five Street Art posts - in the Depot Art District.

This is probably a self-portrait of the artist, but it also may be a tribute to a local hero or a memorial to a fallen friend.  In any case, it is a stunning demonstration of this painter's artistry.  This "bust" is probably at least 12 feet high.  The light-and-shadow technique used to create the features of the image are truly excellent.

This time around, for reference, I include a picture of most of the entire wall:

Taken in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 18 July 2010.

Team of one: Canon PowerShot A590

Here's Lookin' at Ya!

Taken in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 18 July 2010.

The new(er) "Judicial Complex" is directly across the street from the previous County Courthouse.

I found their face-off stance very imposing.

Here's a closer look at the older building:

The older edifice was rather seductive, and I took many pictures of various architectural details; but one of the main reasons I took this particular shot was because I saw a "frowny face" in the tower.

I think the stately old Courthouse is glaring disapprovingly at the square steel and glass boxes across the street, but I could be wrong.

The ever-faithful Canon PowerShot A590.

Street Art #4: Colorado Springs

Number 4 in the Street Art series.

Taken in the Depot Art District in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 18 July 2010.

Canon PowerShot A590

Street Art 3: Colorado Springs

More street art at the Depot Art District in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Taken 18 July 2010, with the reliable Canon PowerShot A590.

Stained Glass Nook

An artistic surprise in a hidden corner of Casa Bonita restaurant, Denver, Colorado.

(btw, if you've never been there the restaurant is a must-see)

The detail of creating this specially shaped nook to showcase the stained glass captivated me, and the history of how this "window" came to be here has got to be fascinating.  I suspect it was previously in someone's home - like from early in the previous century or late in the century before that (the 19th).  Stained glass was a common - nearly de rigeur - feature of Victorian style.

Taken in June 2010 with the ever-faithful Canon PowerShot A590.

Street Art 2 - Colorado Springs

Another selection from the Depot District Street Art warehouse in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Taken 18 July 2010.

Did I mention the Canon PowerShot A590?

Street Art 1, Colorado Springs

Part of a stunning series painted on the side of this warehouse in the "Depot Art District." This wall faces Interstate 25 in downtown Colorado Springs. Taken 18 July 2010 just before a spectacular thunderstorm arrived.

None other than the ever faithful Canon PowerShot A590.

Il Vicino, Colorado Springs

The 'Hood. Between the Ritz on the right and a sweet international wine shop on the left (from the camera's angle), and blue sky beyond, this irresistible stroke of retro demanded my attention. Taken 18 July 2010 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

None other than the trusty Canon PowerShot A590.