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Le Chevalier Bayard

This sculpture by Marochetti (dated 1871) is another sculpture at the Albany Institute of History & Art. It was a bit of an experiment with over exposing the window behind the dark bronze to create a high-key background.

With this my second post from the museum you would think that sculpture is an important part of the collection. Although there are a number of 3D art pieces there are far more framed paintings. It just seems to make more sense to photograph statuary rather than simply coping flat canvases to create inferior copies.

Albany Institute of History & Art

The Albany Institute of History & Art is a rather small regional museum and art gallery that is worth checking out. Located in the New York State capital city of Albany, it has an interesting mix of objects, some mostly of local interest, but also there is a number of paintings from the Hudson River School. The facility is a combination of two historic buildings tied together by a modern addition. It was a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

Lyft-stash

So maybe this is where Lyft got the idea?

Shaker bench

I am not sure if this is truly a Shaker bench, but it is sitting by a workshop in the Shaker Heritage Society historic site and museum. It is located in it what is now known as the Town of Colonie, New York and very near the Albany airport.

The Shakers created an interesting society that is, for the most part, nonexistent today. They believed the second coming of Christ was near and saw no reason to procreate. They practiced a celibate and communal lifestyle, which of course means that with no children to inherit the faith, it slowly disappeared.

Cold water

Snow beside liquid water conjures a particularly cold impression, but blue sky and warm refections add a bit of contradiction.

Outside / Inside

Through the magic of reflective thermal window film, the same tree apparently is centered in both the outside and inside windows.

Tracks in fresh wet snow

Reflection and shadows

Diagonals are always good. Reflections and shadows are good too. Even in unexpected places.

AC, rain pipe and broken light

Most people will not see the attraction here, or think it strange that I would take this photo at all. But I find the image quite satisfying. In fact, it really is in keeping with my original idea for this blog: "Observations of the trivial and unnoticed".  I think I have gotten too far away from this notion and should endeavor to return.

Colorful tilted tables

Focus

It is said that you should not bring attention to your faults, but even though this image is not in focus, I still like it.

I was sitting at a traffic light and saw the composition, the colors, the light, the contrails. I unzipped my bag and grabbed my camera. By the time I had the shot more-or-less framed the car behind me was blowing his horn. No time to check the focus.

Anyway, I think the image is still strong enough to post... but maybe not.

Or maybe I was just happy to see the returning morning light during my morning commute.

Niagara SkyWheel

Tasteful

Christmas decorations run the gamut of simple to extreme, and from tacky to elegant. To me, they all have their charms, but it would be hard to not acknowledge that this is a pretty tasteful example.

The Owl and the Pussycat

Gallery closed

We recently visited Niagara-on-the-Lake, a nice little town that caters to tourism and charm. Just a few hours from home, but in another country.

I have posted images before and always enjoy an early morning walk though the historic district. I will have more to show over the next few days.

Corner mirror

Cottage