Alhambra is not a city that seems too interested in preserving its past. Sorry, Alhambra, but it's true. A city that was once known as the City of Homes, it has replaced thousands of single family dwellings and duplexes with large condominium developments. Alhambra's historical society is housed in a small 1980s building. An all-American Main Street that once boasted department stores, a Woolworths, a deli, an ice cream parlor, and the like is now lined with car dealers. And the car dealers bemoan the fact that they have no freeway to bring them customers who aren't local. In the Emery Park area of Alhambra, which I just learned was was originally part of the San Gabriel Vineyard and the town of Dolgeville (who knew?!!), there are remnants of industry. There is a foundry, some furniture factories, and an aluminum factory. Or there was. This stuff is all getting sold and torn down and developed. So my painter friends and I hightailed it over there on a couple of Saturdays to mark a moment in time. I chose these quieter themes, an alley and Rod's furniture, over the huge and marvelous heavy equipment. We hear it's all going to be a mall or a business park before long.
There is still one ice cream parlor on Main Street.
Both exquisite. That lone green cyprus really pulls it together for me. I share your opinion about Alhambra (and probably your memories). Alhambra is a city of rampant greed. And now they're bellyaching with that old chestnut "but what about the children"
ReplyDeleteThe little forgotten patches of nature are one of the interesting features of this area. I just don't get Alhambra.
DeleteThis sounds silly, but there's such a think as an industrial feel and the top picture has it. Both are pretty and believable.
ReplyDeleteI think the industrial feel is all about lines and edges, as opposed to more organic curves.
DeleteI really like both of these pieces, such great colors! Both fun painting days. We'll see what develops on those blocks.
ReplyDeleteI'm counting on you to write about the cyclone. We may be painting construction sites in the near future.
DeleteWow.. Great, interesting and informative blog with lots of wonderful paintings. I especially loved your alleyway with the telephone poles!! Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGlad I dropped by!!