Long Shadows and Bridges

When we lived on Capitol Hill we walked every day rain or shine. Our wardrobe covered about every case scenario, but I still hated rainy weather. When we moved to northern Virginia, we drove to the mall whenever it was too hot, too cold, rainy or otherwise unpleasant. Since that is no longer an option over the last nine months - we haven’t stepped inside any building for anything - except for blood work. So our walks are outside again. Although if it is really rainy we will walk the parking garage eight to ten times around. It’s not the most pleasant experience but it gets the job done. Walking is like a pill on some days. You just need to swallow it whether you like it or not. This morning was exceptionally bright and beautiful - the kind of fall weather that one wishes could be like it for the rest of the season. So we went over to the the park in our neighborhood for a lovely promenade. Along the way the our shadows were long across the several bridges, trees, benches, and paths we passed through. Some of the shadows were crisper in the clear blue sky. All the beautiful leaves have long since fallen and everything had a golden hue. Sometimes I forget the miserable isolation we find ourselves in. It could be worse but it’s still annoying. When I think of the golden years this is not what I had in mind. 

Shadow Art

When we were looking for a condo to move in to in northern Virginia last year, we wanted a unit on the west side of the building. I love sunset over sunrise any day and sitting on the balcony in the late afternoon is relaxing. I’m a night owl but my husband is an early riser. Having the sun hit me first thing in the morning isn’t my idea of a good time. Our little 500 square foot condo on Capitol Hill faced south, so we had light until three in the afternoon when the sun went behind the building, but living on the first floor with a high fence blocked the view to the street; the other 450 square foot studio unit faced north - harsh winds - and rare afternoon sun. So when the light comes in now, it casts interesting shadows on objects in the house. Since we haven’t left home since March 13, one needs to be creative in coming up with blog topics. Since we don’t drive in to DC anymore, the subject matter is limiting. Nevertheless, the shadows are great for photos and a story. The plant console stand in the dining room is coming to life after the winter months. I’m hoping to get another orchid bloom. The bromeliad shadow on the Persian carpet was interesting. The leaf shapes against the wall were soft and crisp while the architectural shadows were hard and well defined. It’s very pleasant to spend the day in our 1000 square foot living space. So glad we downsized in 2006. It makes everything so much easier. 

Shadow Art on the Streets of DC Using the Instagram Layout App

The options are limitless. I love creating things and stumbled upon the Instagram app that allows you to combine several photos in to one portrait. I was organizing my photos on my iPad and noticed I had collected several shadow shots of my husband and myself over the years, in all seasons, walking along the streets of DC. So I started playing around with the options - and they are limitless. You can flip, mirror, widen, shorten, extend, and manipulate the images - essentially creating a work of art out of photos taken off the cuff. I have also used this app to show the progression of portraits I paint from sketch to final product and show the same image in four different ways. The technology is great and it allows your imagination to swirl with possibilities. I often think about how things have changed so much even within the last five years. I always loved taking photos - starting with my swinger Polaroid  - and now exclusively depend on my iPhone for all things artsy. I just wish I had more time in the day to play around with it. 

 

Taking Photos From a Different Perspective

Not that my husband is shy, he just doesn't like to have his photo taken. So I need to be creative if I want to get some snapshots of him. This is particularly true if I post anything on line. So over the years I find that some of the more interesting backgrounds make some of the most memorable photos. I love the shadows of us just walking along the sidewalks of DC. The other day on our Monday morning walk, we passed by the American Indian Museum. It's very quiet at that time of the day. There is a wall of windows that face a man made stream. Once you pass by, it gives a carninal windows feel. It also reminds me of the famous Orson Wells movie "The Lady From Shanghai" with the hall of mirrors scene at the end. I pulled that trick in France and England - or whenever there are walls of glass with reflections. Sometimes he knows what I am up to and plays along. Sometimes he doesn't know and that makes it even better. I always need to tell him that if I take a photo of him it's just for me. And most of the time that is true. But every once in awhile I do share it with a few other folks.

A Change in Routine Includes Pete's Diner?

I am not an early riser but my husband is. When I am working he walks with me to the Library and then heads on to the Mall. On my most recent day off, I decided to get up early and join in - partly to keep him company - but also to avoid the afternoon heat. I wore a big brimmed hat and sunglasses to avoid any recognition without make up, and to protect myself against the sun. I grew up in Florida and didn't bother much when I was young to wear a hat and am certainly paying for it now with all the sun related skin blemishes. So we made our way by the Capitol, along the Mall past the Natural History Museum and to the Washington Monument where we took in a bit of the re opening ceremony following earthquake repairs. On the way home we decided a visit to Pete's Diner was a good idea. It's located right across from the Library. We usually go out for lunch/brunch when I am off and haven't been to Pete's since before we moved here. It may become a Monday mid morning habit. The Spanish omelet was excellent and the service couldn't be better. And the timing was great. It was just busy enough. The best part was we walked a couple more blocks to get home and I had the rest of the day to hang another ten pet portraits at the Wagtime Shop and complete another custom cat portrait. It was a really nice day off. I just wish I liked getting up early!