Tag: Capay Valley

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #228 Diagonals

Patti invites me to join her this week as I explore diagonals as a way to add visual interest and depth to my photos, and a sense of action. What diagonals can you find? A line of trees or stones, a series of lights or signs, tree branches or a row of hedges, or cupcakes in a bakery window?

Looking at my library of photographs, I see that “Leading Lines” pretty much tops my composition style. So with over 400 images classified as diagonals and leading lines, I decided to first process photographs I took recently in Indianapolis where we visited family.

Trip to Indianapolis

With no direct flight from Sacramento, I had time to photographically explore the Phoenix Airport

Waiting to take off on the second leg of our trip
Looking Up

We stayed in Plainfield, Indiana at the Courtyard by Marriott. This large building crane next door helped us locate our hotel.

Building another hotel next door
Firepit outside our hotel

For me, Newfields is the best of both worlds. “A Place for Nature & the Arts.” Walking through the museum the display of colors caught my attention.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

This is a wonderful little museum that engages both the young and old to really see and understand concepts of art. With the use of fun activities (puzzles to recreate paintings, beading activities) it engages the viewer.

View from a window of Eiteljorg Museum

We stopped at this diner for breakfast.

Oasis in Plainfield, Indiana

This is an authentic diner, but there was no room for a jukebox on the table. But the atmosphere was right. And there were cakes on the counter.

Almost a perfect reminder.
Indiana is the Hoosier State

Short trip and we wait at the Indianapolis Airport.

Lines and Curves

Finally got a window seat, and here we are leaving Phoenix, Arizona at a diagonal!

Phoenix at night

The rest of these images were taken in Northern California

Landscapes

Lake Berryessa, Ca
Michigan Bar, Ca
Capay Valley, Ca
Napa, Ca
Out and about with my photo friends

Street Photography – Tell a story

Winter Wonderland at Cal Expo many years ago

Architecture

Point Reyes, Ca
North Star Mining Museum in Grass Valley
Old Sacramento
Richmond, Ca
Richmond, Ca
Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, Ca.

My first image is from a day trip to Lake Berryessa, Ca. This is the largest man-made lake in California. The “Glory Hole” attracts many photographers. I wonder if it will make its appearance this year. We have been experiencing some rain lately. California certainly needs it!

I hope this post gives you a new slant on viewing the world around you.

Lens-Artists Challenge #170 Street Art

For this week’s challenge, we’re exploring art–outdoors, in the park, on the street–for all to enjoy. Thank you Patti for acknowledging all the art around us.

The last couple of years Sacramento has been encouraging creativity. Alley walls, sidewalks and dumpsters have provided the canvas. Artists of all ages come out to celebrate.

In 2016 alleyways and building throughout Sacramento became the canvas for Wide Open Walls (WOW). This annual event has brought art to all. This year my fellow photographers ventured out without me because Moxie’s puppy class is priority one.

WOW from 2020. One event that our group could enjoy safely.

Another annual event I usually enjoy is Chalk it Up. This artwork is not permanent, but fun to watch, and photograph. The sidewalks around Freemont Park serve as the location. Each square represents an organization, individual idea, or business venture. Again, I did not photograph it this year. Last year, CoVid protocols spread this event out throughout the city.

I came across the Art of the Dumpster in a vacant lot. Each dumpster had the artist’s statement displayed.

Glad I had my camera handy when I came across this dumpster art show in a vacant lot.

I am always on the lookout for murals that informs visitors about the town.

Stopped in Truckee, Ca. (Calif.) one winter day.
I learned something about the City of Livermore.
Lincoln pride is showing.
CCA Murals for Esparto. Their heritage is on display.

Learn about Carmichael’s roots at the Great Wall of Carmichael
If you have been to Old Fair Oaks you would know why this mural was
painted by 2 Bella Vista High School students Class of 2019.

How many of us have been stuck in an airport? I’m glad to find that these public spaces are now being adorned with art.

Leap by Lawrence Argent
Samson by Brian Goggin
I’m not sure in which airport I found this sculpture. It may be from the Indianapolis Airport.

The original Tower Records started in Sacramento and was located in the drug store that shared space with the Tower Theatre.

Murals found around Tower Records establishment on Broadway.

All types of music and musicians are displayed. Tower Records closed its doors in 2006. And the murals are gone.F
Mural at the Art Supply Warehouse in Southern Ca. It grabbed my attention!
Found this on a street in San Francisco with my granddaughter
A sad statement.
Paying respect closer to home in Capay at the Road Trip Bar & Grill
Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills, Ca.
“Portal to Big Sur” by Aaron Appel and Abe Toke.
Came across this natural display of public art at Half Moon Bay, Ca.

Making the most of the space that surrounds us with art. It is nice to find such “eye candy” where you least expected! Just be ready to experience beauty.

Virtual Living

“Stay at home” order is in effect. This is a good time to appreciate the good times. One way to do this is to look over my organized 40,000+ photographs I have on my computer.

Today, I will take you on a tour of the Capay Valley. Located in Yolo County, this rural valley is northwest of Sacramento. This was the last CTD event I participated in. Early February the almond trees come into blossom, and the Capay Valley hosts the Almond Festival. My photo group decided to avoid the rush and headed to the valley the week before.

My CTD (Camera Totin’ Days) friends head down the lane. Photo demonstrates “Leading Lines”

The almond trees blooming, and some farmers have fenced their trees in so they would not escape.

We found an unfenced orchard

No, so that the many photographers would not trample their fields and leave an unsightly mess. This has become a problem lately. Aware of this we parked along the fence and with the sun shining grabbed some shots.

Perfect day to pull out my new macro lens. Used the 80mm f2.8with my Fuji xt2.

  • Backlit blossom
  • Busy Bee!

We headed to Rumford and came across Hayes Longhorns Farm. Don Hayes, an owner/operator of heavy equipment invited our group to roam around the farm and encouraged us to photograph anything.

This barn has seen better days.

I found the No Parking sign ironic, the flatbed wagon a forerunner for a Ram Truck, some rusty parts that looked like cats, a face tilt, and a surry without the fringe on the top!

Plenty of photo opportunities, and listening to Don I learned that everyone in the area was getting ready for the Almond Festival.

Before leaving Rumford I checked out the post office. The postmaster pointed out many of the original fixtures inside.

Before leaving I grabbed a bag of freshly picked oranges and left $5.00 in the can.

We always end our day with lunch. This time we returned to a favorite spot of ours, Road Trip Bar & Grill. Great food, great service. And the name fits our day as we travel around our area.

Listening to the advice of medical professional I plan to be socially responsible and remain at home until advised otherwise. So stay safe, and enjoy my virtual journey.