Distinction by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
There are taller buildings in Chicago, prettier buildings: but none so red. From a distance, the CAN Bank building is quite a garish, crimson color…an eye-searing rectangle of corporate real estate. As you approach the building along its lowermost, western flank (on Wabash Avenue) the redness you perceive from a distance is darkened and dusted by the grime and the grit of the elevated rail tracks and the shadows they cast like sullen, gridworked whimsies. Up close, the building seems to hover on the perpetual edge of oxidation. Its texture is rougher than you’d imagine and rust—or drying blood—springs easily to mind.
From a distance, the building is vivid, vibrant, and alive. It fits within the Chicago skyline, adding flare and flash to something largely angular, largely tall.
I took this picture on the way to Corey’s apartment, after a day of…you guessed it…moving dental equipment. I was fascinated by the light and the shadow, the repetition of rectangles, and so I captured what I could. I liked the modern lines of the CNA building, the clean lines of it in contrast to the more detailed architectural elements of the older buildings half-dwarfed in its shadow. For an instant, present day Chicago looked something like an older Chicago...something coherent, something a bit more organic and improvisational. I felt the extreme compulsion to capture this, to crystallize it, somehow.
I hope that you enjoy this image as much as I enjoyed capturing and tweaking this little piece of Chicago.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope that you’re all having a fantastic week.

Comments (30)
REALLY LIKE THIS!!
The lines are perfect, they make me feel like I am flying!
the red do set it off from the others. wonderful shot
They do set each other off quite well.
Stuning image, excellent work!
Stunning capture my friend.
Interesting capture, Chip. Excellent postwork - like this a lot!
Wonderful Capture
OH Yes, I like it alot, as I usually like most of your shots. There is always something special in them. This is the red building but also the awesome postwork. Beautiful style, Chip.
Great juxtaposition of the classical and modern (garish) architecture). Excellent postwork adds that extra special touch...
An outstanding composition!
great photo and POV!!
cool composition and lighting
Genial !!!!!. Maravilloso POV. Cool composition, very well done
Unfortunately I can't see the vIbrant red. However, this is a compelling capture, which really accentuates the grandeur of the buildings. To my eyes it has an almost sepia feel, with the effect you've created with the sky being particularly striking. This is also completely at odds with the bright sunlight and the stark shadows. Somewhow I'm reminded of Gotham City, as portrayed in the more recent movie franchise. Excellent work!
génial !
Chip, Excellent capture and I love the PW and the contrast of these building against each other.
What's black and white and read all over? Seriously though, this is beautiful! I love the limited palette! Wonderful POV, strong lines, and light! Excellent capture and postwork!
Gosh what stark contrast! Really makes for an excellent image! ^=^
How marvelous this is Chip. I really like the line and angles and your POV is spot on! Most wonderful dear friend!
I really like what you've done with this image. It has a sort of "Star Trek does temporal mechanics" vibe to it. Like the futuristic building is trying to hide amongst the locals. Sort of like Spock with his hat down over his ears ... you know what I mean! LOL! Wonderful use of color and line. Nicely done!
Fantastic image; your POV is superb, and the postwork is brilliant!
i like this great, amazing, gorgeous image!
What stunning contrasts--the red and the shadows; it all just works so well!!!
fabulous contrast of colors and picture!
Really nice work Chip! Finally got on and reading all your stuff. I have a ways to go but really like this piece! Kate
Really good POv and composition
great angles and colour toning !
red is a terrific color for grabbing the eye and creating a focal...used excellently here creating just the right mood...love it.
It is also a nice study between the clasic old architecture and the modern bright look to the newer style glass buildings. Super capture! Dana