36. Unexpected New York: Random Encounters.

This is the third and the last in the short series of the posts about NYC. It is not a travel blog, but still a blog about an artist, so I was not intending to show where we went and what we saw. I selected a few pictures that are the most artistic and interesting, both in their form and content.

When we walked in Chinatown, I was surprised that Victor didn't take that many pictures. Then suddenly he grabbed his camera.

Chinatown

This is what he saw. Was he simply waiting for this color miracle? (This lady definitely should have carried a red bag, especially because this is the most common color of plastic bags in Chinese stores.  Or at least yellow. Or Victor should have photoshopped it!)

 

Then on a late train ride we saw another miracle, both of color and shape. The girl was sleeping, but, just in case, I had to stand between her and the camera to pretend that Victor was taking a picture of me and not her.

 

Rockefeller Park, Downtown Manhattan

I really like the "story" here, and the bright kite in the middle of the otherwise gray landscape looks so special!

 

World Financial Center

Again, a great combination of the plot and a color scheme! (Ha-ha! I am talking as an art critic!)

 Liberty Island

OK, enough colors! I (and most Americans) probably would not even stop here, but Victor was impressed by this view. He called it: "Free children in a free country." (Ironically - or not - this happened on the Liberty Island!) Yes, I remember from the times I lived in the former Soviet Union, one of the common rules was "No walking on lawns." And lying on a lawn was (and still is) simply unimaginable.

Central Park

This picture even better illustrates the "lawn" idea. But, as I've said, this  selection is based primarily on aesthetic principles, and it really is an amazing view.

A more complete report of our New York "tour" I posted on my Facebook.  

35. Unexpected New York: Reflections and Shadows

Bright sun, modern architecture and observant eyes of the artist provided many surprising and beautiful moments. I selected several of them.

 

The Freedom Tower (or, rather, its reflection)

After I selected this picture, I realized that not everyone who (hopefully) will look at it is from New York City, so I decided to add a more expanded view. Unfortunately, I still don't remember where it is and what building is reflected in what building.

This picture continues the theme of reflecting buildings in other buildings. I wonder, how many people have noticed it? I have passed this street many times and never noticed this effect.

Frederick Rose Hall - Jazz at Lincoln Center at Columbis Circle

I wonder if the architect of this building had invisioned how it would reflect clouds and the sky, so that you almost can't tell which is which. But it also takes an artist to notice this!

Brighton Beach at sunrise.

Thanks to Victor's jet leg, we caught a sunrise. These are our shadows (their length proves that it is very, very early).

This is the same sunrise. Well, it is not that much about reflections or shadows, but it still has to do with light, and is simply beautiful! By the way, who put this building here? It ruins the whole horizon line. And you cannot even cut it from the picture because that is where the sun rises!

The Cloisters

Metropolitan Museum of Arts

Once again, I was just looking at the sculpture, but Victor noticed three shadows right away, and then even found a spot with four shadows. They kind of allow you to see the statue from several points without walking around.

34. Unexpected New York: People and Statues.

Last week Victor spent in New York! Fortunately or not, there was no time for drawing, but, obviously, plenty of opportunities for taking pictures. We went to many places that I had visited and taken pictures of before, but, thanks to him, I have noticed so many things for the first time.

Tulips and blooming trees all over the city only added to its beauty, and people, it seems, were intentionally posing for him in all the right places.

 

 A, C, E Train Station 14th Street

When looking at this couple now, it is hard to believe that the guy did not sit there for the picture. Or did he? Everything: feet, bag, arms, turn of his head... Too bad he doesn't ware a hat..

 Metropolitan Museum Of Arts

Even though the poses here are not as matching as above (except their stillness, maybe), it still feels that these two are made for each other. I can easily imagine that the girl actually sits exactly as the statue. 

Guggenheim Museum

Herald Square

Battery Park

 

Liberty Island

This one is not about matching poses, but I simply love the enthusiastic face of the guide telling the kids about the history of the Statue of Liberty.

To be continued!