Watercolor with Pedestrians: well not really by Chipka
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Description
I took this photo—yes, with Corey—a few weeks ago and saw something in it that deserved notice. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it until I’d started postworking the image and simply playing around. As many pictures in my gallery might indicate, I rather enjoy postwork! There’s a particular joy in taking a perfectly normal photograph and turning it into something else. This began as a perfectly normal photograph, and through the sort of digital Voodoo that is postwork, a normal scene on the northern stretch of Broadway became something…more impressionistic.
It was my understanding that I was to attend the start of a family reunion today, but it would seem that the information I got was far more subject to change than I’d been led to understand, and so rather that mingle with people I don’t know, I’m actually at home, wondering if I should continue my family reunion preparations, or just call it a day and do something else. Posting a picture isn’t so time consuming, and so rather than do something else completely, I’m just making use of my ill-defined time and enjoying something of a walk down Broadway Avenue on a day not nearly as hot as today has proven to be.
I took this photo about two city blocks away from the ladybug larva I’d posted in honor of Andrea’s birthday…unfortunately, there are no ladybug larvae here. At least not physically, but then again, there’s no real knowing what might have been squashed underfoot by the pedestrians in this shot.
As I’d said, this began as a perfectly normal shot, and—in my estimation—a boring one. I liked it, however, and as I examined it, I noticed the lines of sight, the unexpected number of human beings featured, and the colors of the background. I was also thinking of all of those “fine art” paintings often purchased by US-American suburban housewives at art parties or whatever they’re called—they’re like Tupperware Parties, only rather than fast-breeding plastic food containers that completely overpopulate cupboards if you don’t cull them back, oil paintings are the object of focus. I remember such parties from my youth; my mom hosted one, and I raided the elegant refreshment platters, when no one was looking. As a result of that party, my mom and a number of her friends and family members acquired a number of oil paintings that resembled budget knockoffs of French Masterworks. It was all perfectly “safe” artwork; things fit for living room walls above a sofa with complimentary colors. From an anthropological viewpoint, I suspect that such paintings serve as achievement markers—signs to potential visitors that the Middle Class has impeccable taste…after all, if it looks as if some French guy made it, it is impeccable—at least vaguely!
I was shocked, and amused to see that through post-working, a perfectly decent (if unexciting) photograph could be turned into something…vaguely impressionistic. As for its Frenchness, I make no claims, but I do think that if the scene had women with parasols in it, and the Eiffel Tower looming in some hazy distance, I could sell it at an art party with dinky little sandwiches on an ornate, silver platter. Of course I didn’t stop with a single layer of postwork, and as this picture mutated before my eyes, I was shocked to see that it went from impressionistic painting to…well…washed, as if it phase-shifted from oils to watercolors. Various pedestrians melted and faded like ghosts deciding that it’s a really bad idea to cross a particular river. I laughed out loud. (In modern terms would I be correct in saying that I LOLed?”) I decided that this bit of digital tweaking deserved a place, somewhere in my gallery, and thanks to haphazard plans, it’s finding a niche in my gallery today.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope that you’re all on the verge of a fantastic weekend. I also wonder of cooler temperatures are on the way! Probably not, but it’s always nice to have hope.
Comments (20)
Sepiasiren
the movement in this is wonderful, capturing a casual slice of life mood, which is your forte--very nice.
kgb224
Outstanding work my friend.
NefariousDrO
I find your ruminations on the art parties particularly amusing, as I know a number of artists who's work has been the center of such parties. They all seem to view it as something like being "pimped" to prospective "John's" if you'll pardon the crassness of that phrase. I am also struck by something very interesting about this shot that reminds me of my art history classes. Look at those three figures closest to the camera: They are all carrying towels, like they'd been to the beach or something, but the girl is significantly ahead of the two guys, who are walking in a nearly perfect tandem. They're almost exactly in step with each other, even. There's a fascinating dynamic or even storyline implied by this composition. I remember my art history teachers offering no end of speculations about family dynamics and such when we looked at an endless array of family portraits or scenes in the park. You're right, this IS very reminiscent of those paintings.
jac204
That's the first I've ever heard of "art parties". Great narrative and image.
mbz2662
I really like what you ended up with here :) I've never heard of "art parties" either.
Sea_Dog
Dang, now the image of art parties like tupperware soirees are going to haunt my mind. I can picture the hostess saying "and if you buy two pseudo-Monets while throw in a faux-Renoir" Anyway, the image is captivating and excellent.
jocko500
real good job you did too
bmac62
Your postwork is inspiring. I have never successfully gone this far. Instead of morphing into fascinating pieces of art, mine usually turn to #@*! if I venture this far. LOL. I can visualize you slipping around the end of a sofa and deftly palming a couple of canapes before anyone notices. The art party certainly made an impression upon you...and from your memories I'd say it wasn't all bad either:-) Great result...just digifiddling your time away.
MrsLubner
families are what you make of them. There is the blood link... and the heart link. I have so many blood relations and I have no idea who they are. We share a name and that's about it. Some of them I haven't spoken to in over 40 years and yet, I am now "friends" with them on Facebook. Imagine that. Then there are people I actually have been linked to for the past 40 years that share no blood connection but are more family than any I was born into. Never lose the blood connection but call your family those who make you feel wanted and loved. Oh, and this is a very unique and creative shot.
MrsRatbag
I like what you did with this...an ephemeral neo-masterpiece!
auntietk
Oh man. This kicks a$$! I love the postwork. You make me want to go through my files looking for things I liked but wasn't sure why. :D
lick.a.witch
You not only have a great eye for what is, you also have that elusive gift of seeing what could be. Before even reading your words, I saw parasols, ladies in long dresses and men with top hats!! Wonderful narrative. Both funny and poignant. ^=^
minos_6
The image is full of movement too, either towards or away from the viewer. I like how your subjects appear unaware they are being captured, and so the whole thing has a very natural air. Not a boring shot at all! Excellent post work! Whilst I can see what you mean about an amusing resemblance to that unique form of art intended for hotel rooms, or to match furniture, your effort has far more merit than that, I'm afraid!
Meglaurel
like the perspective focus in this one....not centered and clear path to move around the work.
helanker
You are right Chip. This looks like a painting from an impressionist. You really made an interesting and beautiful "painting" out of your photo :-) and of course I understand what you feel, when you discover what you have done. It is so much fu to play with ones shots :-) And ... Well done.
sandra46
this one is so beautiful, it looks like some painting by a French painter of last century. I love the delicate watercolor effect which gives the mood, half dreaming, half real, the former enhanced by the girl with the frilly dress, the latter by the two California-style guys. Great shot, Chip!
tizjezzme
I absolutely Love how this turned out! Post work is not only fun for me, but i love the endless possibilities .. its overwhelming with each photograph I want to play with. You can capture many different moods in one picture .. and that is what is so great. I just went back in my gallery and found such a wonderful comment you made, I had to pay you a visit, and am most pleased to find you are still posting here. I have been away for so long!
flavia49
very beautiful!!! love your postworks!!!
lucindawind
wonderful photo and work on it !
praep
That looks great - well done postwork my friend.