I like my buildings old for the most part, but I think I might like an integration of ages and styles most of all. A city like Chicago has a lot of visual energy, and I think that is why. I'm a huge preservationist, but I believe buildings and neighborhoods should be preserved for their uniqueness, rather than their uniformity. This is a picture of two residences adjacent to Vista Hermosa park in Los Angeles. This could be a pretty appealing place to live. Fortunately, I have a place to live (my forever home.) My neighborhood is also a bit of mixed bag - little houses, big houses, mid-century apartment buildings and newer townhomes jumbled together on a tree-shaded street in a corner of town. I read a while ago that certain social behaviors could help you live a long and happy life. One was having friends of all ages. Also periodic glasses of wine.
Really like this one Barbara, especially the wonderful palm tree.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jean. I think palm trees might be where my biggest improvement shows.
DeleteI was just scrolling through looking at your paintings -enjoyed looking at them. I especially love the rooster from a few days ago.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week-end!
Lea
Lea's Menagerie
Thanks for visiting Lea. Your photographs are lovely.
DeleteI think I read something similar also in regards to having a long life. Unfortunately, it's more usual for people to socialize with those who look & think like themselves. Some homogeneous nations I can understand that, but in a place like California there's no excuse for it.
ReplyDeleteYour painting gives a clear example of the benefits of variety.
California is pretty wonderful in its variety. People, places, food and wine.
DeleteI like mixed neighborhoods as well. I live in one. We actually have one vacant lot left on it. My pet peeve is the large faux crappola they plop on hillsides. Every real estate boom they show up and every real estate bust they stop production on them. This has happened for the last two periods on a hillside (Pasadena side) I look out on. boo ooh
ReplyDeleteoh yeah - I like your watercolor
I look up at other people's houses too. Fortunately most of them are pretty well hidden by trees, even at last, the newest one. We have a few vacant lots around thanks(?) to CalTrans. I hate it when people build ugly stuff.
DeleteI like the old and new in this painting, I think it's beautiful. I love the description of your neighborhood and that glass of wine. We walk a lot in both Upland and Claremont and I'm constantly taking photos of the houses I want to paint (some day).
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the post.