Eyes by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
It might have been an ordinary Saturday: I awoke, at Corey’s place after a late night of arranging photo files and tweaking the occasional image. The photos were different, however; they bore faint hints of Seattle mist, differences in elevation, and a wonderful, relaxed mood. We’d spent the day with Bill and Tara, meandering around the city and finding two of the most interesting lobbies that Chicago has to offer: we’d eaten at Reza’s…actually we gorged ourselves on a full spread of stuffed grape leaves, Persian salad, hummus and pita bread, chicken in pomegranate and walnut sauce, grilled shrimp with artfully blackened tails, and a wonderful beef dish of elegant simplicity. After a night at Reza’s and a day meandering through Chicago’s historic heart, Tara posted an image of stunning, surprising elegance.
I’d planned on posting this image a bit later: at more of a gentleman’s hour, in terms of Chicago-time; but I’m posting it now. It’s not even an hour old. It was taken on the Brown Line from downtown to Albany Park. I was amazed by the light, the odd sense of color, the intense, unblinking stare of the person captured here. I’ve seen gray eyes before, but never have I seen eyes that appear—at least to me—see through. I rather like the concept of see-through eyes, and I’m amazed at the almost predatory intensity of the eyes shown here.
I’m off to bed, as I’ll be spending tomorrow with Corey and Tara and Bill, and also LovelyPoetess, as she’ll meet with us. I’m excited as all get-out; Kate (kateblack10) might join us as well. And as I see it, the upcoming day has the promise of all tomorrow’s parties. That, in my book is a good thing…and so moments before retiring for the night, in anticipation of a FUNRenderosity powwow, I’m offering moody, crystalline, see-thorough eyes captured late at night on a northbound Brown Line train. And I wonder who this stranger is and what stories his eyes may tell? Thanks to Tara and Bill, Corey and I were out, just in time for me to capture this image.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great weekend.

Comments (28)
great ambiance, awesome tone colors and expression, good effect with face on reflection too, really nice shot.
.........and there be demons outside the window......just sayin.
Looks like a male version of a modern Mona Lisa, just he is looking the other way and not smiling :) But it is a really excellent portrait. I am glad you are having such a great time with Bill, Tara and Corey :)
I think Helle nailed it...the male Mona Lisa! I am also struck by the opposite mood evident in the reflection. A great catch Chip. I wish I could be with all of you tomorrow...what fun! You could be a full-time photo tour guide in Chicago.
motionless but very expressive his face ,you wonder what he probably just thinks...and yes i agree with a modern mona lisa look !!excellent !! like the coloring too!!
Such a contrast with the other faces top right. I am made aware by this shot that in the past I have sometimes assumed such an expression in order to cut myself off from my fellow travellers. Glad all is going SO well, wonderful!!!
The thousand-yard stare. Wonderfully captured! The light is marvellous. Just think ... if you'd left here a few minutes earlier or later, you would have missed this shot. Doesn't it make you wonder? I mean ... you can't take pictures of EVERYthing. Cool stuff is happening all the time, probably on every block! (It's weird to think this shot hinged upon how much time we stood in the hallway yakking while you waited for Corey to be ready to leave. Such a prosaic moment, yet so important in terms of timing!) Such a great image.
The image struck me as being modern Christ-like. The counter-images demons/evil. Fantastic image whatever is extrapolated~!
Amazing!!!!
To me he seems more like Rasputin, with the intense seeing-through gaze...well spotted and captured, Chip!
Wonderfully candid shot! I, myself have assumed such a stare whenever I was deep in thought about something important/engrossing; and as durleybeachbum said, to tune out others and achieve that 'don't approach' attitude. So glad you were there to get this shot! It's brilliant!
Like all great art, it causes us to think and wonder. Very excellent!
This is an image worthy of display in a physical gallery of professional photography. Indeed, it is the type of picture one would single out within such a gallery to focus on and appreciate at greater length. The eyes actually are quite intense, but it is the ensemble of the ambiance, demeanor, pose, lighting and colors that strike me. I clearly see someone who is gone to some mental realm, the eyes vacant -not piercing- as if saying "I am not at home right now". One can't help but wonder what is happening inside the subject's mind. Great snapshot!
What an interesting face this young man has. His stare is blank, but in another way he looks haunted... Beautiful capture!
fantastic picture!!!!!
This is a superb character study, Chip. The young man's thoughts are obviously a million miles away from this train car. The juxtoposition of his faraway stare and the poster outside the window absolutely MAKES this photo! A brilliant capture, my friend!
This is incredible Chip. I so wish I knew what was going on behind those staring eyes. The light is mysterious and the whole image a winner! LOve it! I am SO sad that I cannot be there in Chicago with you all. Please have some Key Lime Cheesecake for me! Miss you lots! Hugs, C xx
Amazing capture my friend. God Bless.
Wonderful shot. Looking at the comments I gather that it's a poster on the other side of the window. It was certainly an intriguing image.
it almost seems as if you make these random folks pose for the camera -- that poster--DAMN scary--lol
His eyes are looking into him. He is not in the train, only the body is there. This photo is amazing, Chipka.
The eyes have it--all seeing, sometimes too much; moody foto, I wonder what he's thinking? FUN seeing all of you on my video cam tonite; closest I'll get to Chicago this time around. I WILL be back!!
stunning work!
Wonderful lighting. I love this staring pose, I am wondering what is in front of him
WOW - for one moment I thought I saw me sitting in a train. But then I saw he is much younger g - nice portrait.
an absolutely carried away stare... great moment capture. at such moments the mind switches off. wonder what he sees
Ok...my impression...looks eerily like Tom Cruise in his younger days. Great capture and intensity!
What an amazing moment you captured. Such inner turmoil.