Been to the "Bean" lately?  You know....the big, silver bean sculpture in Millenium Park in downtown Chicago? Actually, it is named "Cloud Gate" and was created by world-renowned artist Anish Kapoor, but we Chicagoans like to have our nicknames for things...so..."The Bean" it is!

A couple of weeks ago I was on vacation, and for the first time, in a long time, we decided to stay home and do day trips around the area.  We took the train downtown (and I swear...I am going to paint a series of paintings about people on the train!  You just never know what will happen sometimes!  Talk about people watching! What characters!).  We arrived and I noticed I was seeing things just a bit differently on my "vacation", than when I rode the bus everyday for years down to the Sears Tower, I mean Willis Tower. (See what I mean?  I think that tower will always be called "Sears" tower by anyone who has lived here forever!)

I have always loved the architecture of the city. Such intricate designs edge the doorways and facings on so many of the old buidings, and then you have the new, contemporary styles.  I was like a regular tourist that day, snapping shots here and there.  Standing in the street to get just the right angles.  I did, however, refrain from laying down on the ground to get the best shot of the Willis tower, though I was pretty close to it!  The sky was such a beautiful blue, and the clouds were like fluffy marshmallows so it made for a gorgeous backdrop.  It was a great day for taking pictures of our little visit.

Well...we enjoyed our day there, and I am sharing with you some of my photos and paintings that were inspired by them.

Chicago has many sites and goings on to enjoy.  Here is a great link for artists and art lovers who want to see the "artsy" side of Chicago!  It is for The Chicago Gallery News ....check it out!

Inside the bean!

REFLECTIONS FROM THE BEAN, 10"W x 8"H

Acrylic on canvas

City View Through the Trees, 12"W x 12"H

Acrylic on canvas

Have a great day!