Inspired by Chicago Architecture

As you might know, a couple of weeks ago, I meet some dear old friends in Chicago and we had a fun weekend. One of the repeated recommendations to do in Chicago had been the Architecture River Cruise and since this is one of the few “touristy” things that even my friend A. who lives in Chicago loves – we were in!

It was pretty pretty awesome! I am interested in architecture but there is a lot of mid century and more modern building where I am a bit at loss as to the initial appeal. Hearing a lot of background motivations and ideas for buildings was a total eyeopener. It started with this building which was in my “love it without much explanation” range. The Wrigley Building built in 1924 shining in it’s white terra cotta facade inspired by Seville’s Cathedral.

333 West Wacker built in 1983 – I love the reflection and the fact that the curved facade is mimicking the curve of the river as well as it’s color. That I can see and it made me kind of like it more :)

Chicago Avenue Bridge Tender House- can I have my art studio in there? Love this!!!

One of the many draw bridges

Lake Point Tower – 1968 – by John Heinrich and George Schipporeit, two students of Mies van der Rohe. It looks elegant with it’s curves. It probably has the most stunning views in all directions -but I still wouldn’t wanna live there, I think.

Marina City 1967 – by Goldberg (another Mies van der Rohe student) who believed since no right angles exist in nature, none should exist in architecture. I looked at some floor plans of those corncobs and found them super intriguing. Think living in flower petals.

Finished in the 80s is this River City building also by Goldberg. While I found the windows fascinating and they reminded me of some Gaudi buildings in Barcelona – this one looked like a nightmare to live in especially upon coming closer with the boat. I don’t know – but the shapes – intriguing again and inspiring.

Gorgeous reflection – I would love to paint this!

And more gorgeous reflections- the reflection that changes everyday is making the building interesting for me.

This was actually the view from our hotel room.

After the river tour we walked to The Rookery 1888/1907 – Frank Lloyd Wright – which was unfortunately closed already -but boy did I love all the details on the facade. It contains decorative elements reminiscent of late Roman, Venetian, Moorish and medieval-European architecture

Stunning!

I see border stamps ….

This building is the Chicago Board of Trade – 1930 – a breathtaking art deco building which makes me think of old Chicago Gangster Movies and Gotham City :)

My favorite door – can I take this home, please?

And the famous Chicago Theatre built in 1921.

All in all I felt pretty inspired by the architecture of Chicago – the shapes, patterns, reflections and I am sure some of them will move into future artwork :) Time to get into the studio. I hope you enjoyed the little tour. Have a gorgeous day!

P.S.

My friend Julie Fei Fan Balzer and her Mom and I had a conversation about

At the Museum With a Friend

tune in and listen to the podcast –

I hope you enjoy it. Do you like going to a museum with a friend?

Nat

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Stroll Through The Hood – September 2015

Inspiration Jersey City Stroll Through The Hood

I did some nice bicycle strolls through the hood this month – although I have to admit – I am still a bit scared riding my bike in this city. The streets are insanely bad and are pot hole traps and the car drivers basically never watch out for bicyclists. But anyway …let’s go!

I loooooveee this- here it is still in progress. Mural by Hellbent close to Journal Square in Jersey City.

This was taken at the Historic Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery. Prior to it’s creation in 1829 it was the site of multiple Revolutionary War skirmishes and an ammunition storage during the War in 1812. Now it is inhabited by goats and maybe ghosts? :) Apparently there is a Halloween Candle Light Crawl scheduled on Halloween – you won’t find me there- I would probably pee my pants- LOL

Dylon Egon ‘The Evolution of Modern American Man’ – love his work!

The last couple months we had dinner almost every evening on our deck enjoying the city view -I will miss this for sure as it is getting colder.

Have I mentioned before that EVERYTHING is bigger in America? Well …I am not the tallest person, I admit , but I took a photo of this sunflower looking up, it is like a huge shower head- LOL. FUN

Another bike tour through the Liberty State Park – sneaking up from behind on Lady Liberty :)

Fascinating lines and lights – the old Railway Station where immigrants coming from Ellis Island would head out to all other places but NYC in the States.

just loved this view Jersey City,The World Trade Center and Manhattan…and look at the heron …I am amazed that these places exist – little oases in buzzing cities ….

Another view of Manhattan … now…who has the best views of Manhattan? Yes ….we in Jersey City have ;)

And things like this make my day :) Hope you have a beautiful day too! Thanks for strolling with me through my hood!

Nat

Comments (6)

Barb J

September 28, 2015 at 1:14 pm | #

These are terrific pictures. You have a fabulous view of many fantastic places right outside your door. Thanks for sharing.
Barb

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 7, 2015 at 5:18 pm | #
  
  thank you Barb! And thank you for coming by :)
  
  Reply
Audrey

September 27, 2015 at 1:08 pm | #

I really enjoyed the cemetery. It would be sooooo cool to do the Halloween Candlelight Crawl.

Thanks for sharing your adventures and your inspiration.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 7, 2015 at 5:18 pm | #
  
  hehehe- yeah the Halloween Candlelight Crawl – still don’t think I could do that. Thanks for visiting!
  
  Reply
Sue Clarke

September 27, 2015 at 8:45 am | #

Wonderful stroll to see while eating my cereal this morning!
Love that first colorful mural. And the view from your place is incredible.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  October 7, 2015 at 5:17 pm | #
  
  So glad you enjoyed it Sue!
  
  Reply

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Inspired by Jean-Michel Basquait

Art Journal Inspiration Jean-Michel Basquiat

You might have read about my Art Stroll to the Basquiat: Unknown Notebooks Exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. It was a very inspiring Art Stroll and so I started to try to implement some of Basquiat’s elements into my art journaling since I saw this substrate as the best fit for it.

– State of Mind –

Prominent in his work is the use of figures or heads …something I usually not do and though this really turned out weird and hilarious- it made me laugh in a good way and I like it a LOT. And hey, anything that puts a smile later on your face was well worth doing it – so this wasn’t wasted time.

I also used Basquiat’s way of layering paint on top of drawn or written areas, highlighting or hiding elements.

I was super intrigued by Basquiat’s way of writing the letter E with just three horizontal lines – I shamelessly copied that and love it a lot :)

– Full Circle –

Then one day I was really really unmotivated and as we say in German “bocklos” which doesn’t translate well – but kind of means” not being in the mood for anything”. I thought of Basquiat’s way of jotting down overheard conversations and/or thoughts and I used snippets of my thoughts while working on the spread. It was actually quite fun and freeing.

While this is not a spread that I find particularly beautiful – LOL -I can read this as a diary entry and it got me over my uninspired mood. I might do this more often and will gave this particular way of art journaling the name “Visual Brain Farts” . No worries- I won’t share all my visual brain farts with you ;)

– Coulda Woulda –

Ok …maybe I lied about not showing more visual brain farts ;) But I actually combined the thought-jotting with my usual art journaling style. And I like the outcome a lot.

I also incorporated more collage elements as I saw with Basquiat’s work.

And repeated patterns and marks. And I might have “stolen” his signature crown.

I enjoyed this process – I was inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work and translated what inspired me into my own art work and I am keen on taking it further. I love how this rejuiced my Mojo!

Which artist do you think fits your style and could you take as an inspiration to get a new kickstart?

Nat

Comments (5)

padkins

January 10, 2016 at 10:51 am | #

I think this is one of my new favorites. I am loving the symbology and mark making. Thanks.

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florenceturnour

January 9, 2016 at 4:18 am | #

I like scary orange face guy. He looks maniacally happy.

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gloz

January 8, 2016 at 12:24 am | #

Okay, I looked and was a little scared! His work seems angry to me. I like the written areas, but not sure how I am going to handle the scary faces! But I will give it a try. I like many of the mixed media with warm and cool colors and text partially hidden multiple layers peaking through and I usually like things with a theme. I also like Western landscape paintings by current artists Lorenzo Chavez and Frank Serrano.

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Terisa

September 18, 2015 at 10:29 am | #

Impressionism – Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Cezanne
Natural settings, brilliant colors, purposeful brush strokes

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  September 19, 2015 at 2:59 pm | #
  
  Very inspiring indeed!
  
  Reply

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Stroll Through The Hood – August 2015

Inspiration Jersey City Stroll Through The Hood

What a beautiful summer this is – perfect to stroll through the hood :)

Graffiti by Emilio Florentine – love the energy!

Pedestrian Area down town – someone started painting those ugly planters – YES . so much better and making me really happy!

Beautiful window display by one of my favorite stores in Jersey City – Beekman Lane . It’s even prettier from inside with the light coming through the glassware into the store !

Loved the colors of the boarded windows against the brick – would love to have a studio in this building.

Another awesome brick house – I love the details of the the windows and around the window as well as the alcove.

Not sure what this frame around a porch is called in english – but look at the gorgeous cut outs – super inspiring as a pattern for an Art Journal Spread.

Loving the colors, the lines, the font, the face – everything – about this by Christina Angelina aka @starfightera

And for the first time while waiting for my trainer in our community room of the building I realized these awesome textures -loving the brick, copper, wood, ceramic and textile mixture and the color scheme is speaking to me for fall.

Since I am a sucker for sunflowers, this makes me happy. I love those little community garden oases all over Jersey City.

Hope you enjoyed the stroll through the hood this month – until next time!

Nat

Comments (5)

Roberta S

August 31, 2015 at 4:35 pm | #

I love reading your posts because they are always so upbeat and positive. I am a country girl through and through, but I enjoy your insight into the beauty that can be found in an urban setting. I find street art to be totally amazing, and I love seeing all the buildings you find on your strolls. Thank you for showing us the beauty to be found in our older cities if only one is willing to make the effort to find it.

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Sue Clarke

August 30, 2015 at 9:26 am | #

I especially love that first photo of the black and purple design.
I always enjoy your strolls thru the neighborhood.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  August 31, 2015 at 9:13 am | #
  
  Sue, glad you like the strolls! I love that black and purple design too – so striking!
  
  Reply
Kathy P

August 30, 2015 at 8:02 am | #

Wow—living here would be such a delight! A feast for the eyes everywhere you look! Thanks for sharing, Nat—Jersey City is now on my bucket list of places to see.

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- nathalie-kalbach
  
  August 31, 2015 at 9:12 am | #
  
  It is fun to live here- and if you are visiting the Big Apple a great place to stay as it is so close by and way cheaper.
  
  Reply

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Artist Quote of the Week – Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol Artist Inspiration Quote

Nat

Comments (2)

Denise

July 30, 2015 at 12:29 pm | #

Love this quote. Thanks Nat.

Reply
- nathalie-kalbach
  
  July 31, 2015 at 2:29 pm | #
  
  thank you Denise! Hope you have a great weekend!
  
  Reply

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Stroll Through The Hood – November 2014

Inspiration Jersey City

Always fun to take a stroll through the hood here in New Jersey- here is what inspired me since my last post :)

Bathroom humor …good one ;)

beautiful new street art- this one is by faith47

And another one that I love by Sean Lugo .

spent a fun afternoon at Mana Contemporary- awesome the building

and dreaming of spending an afternoon in the silk screen room

getting all over those amazing colors (I stink, I lost the paper that has the name of the artist scribbled on – and I couldn’t find the information on Mana either )

Indulging seen colors by cooking a stew with American fall veggies …because…I don’t wanna be a starving artist- you know ;)

spending every possible but rare moment in the last couple weeks in my studio and on the deck !

Sometimes though just taking a bike tour to a close by secret beach in JC

Learning of the existence of Horseshoe Crabs

and starting to dread the coming winter already …

But as long as artists like Mr. Mustart bring some color to my hood – like here changing the look of an ugly construction wall- I will be good and see lots of inspiring things on my strolls :)

Have an inspiring day

Nat

Comments (4)

Sandi Miaskoff

November 13, 2014 at 10:27 pm | #

Nat, don’t let the winter deprive us of your beautiful pictures, it will only bring another view of the same sites – just as beautiful

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Sue Clarke

November 13, 2014 at 8:31 am | #

Love your studio and so much natural light!
Horseshoe crabs were a part of my childhood growing up in Gloucester, MA and finding them on the beach. Nice photo.

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Jackie P Neal

November 13, 2014 at 8:31 am | #

Nat, Your strolls are always inspiring! I love your colorful veggies and your photo of studio and deck- oh beauty! All of the art on the walls, so nice to see, art and not just random scribbles and unsightly words-
and as for the impending winter- my hub thinks it will be an easy one- he is usually right. We live upstate close to Lake Ontario, so right in the snowbelt-, we’ll check back on this in the spring! heehee xo

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Kathy P

November 13, 2014 at 8:22 am | #

WOW! How awesome is all this! You are truly one artist with the camera, too! And I have always been fascinated with horseshoe crabs! TFS, Nat! Started my day off happy seeing this post!

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Inspired by Brooklyn – Brooklyn Museum Swoon Exhibition

Inspiration New York City

NatKalbach_Brooklyn14

I am a little bit behind with posting my stuff, so this exhibition meanwhile closed. But: Last month I went to the Brooklyn Museum for Swoon‘s Submerged Motherlands Exhibition. I admire her work and I wanted to see this exhibition ever since it opened .

In the middle of the rotunda of the museum was this amazing tree – the trunk made of dyed fabric and the branches holding intricate paper cut pieces. Swoon engaged with climate change in the installation as a response to the catastrophic Hurricane Sandy.

NatKalbach_Brooklyn16

The exhibition touched me – not only was I in awe by all the tiny details and the obvious love and work in putting it all together- it also made me think, feel, and smell (the rafting boats made out of garbage and that had concurred some international rivers, left some traces ocean smell in the exhibition).

I wanted to live in this place. It was beautiful and calm.

NatKalbach_Brooklyn18

Where ever you looked you saw tiny pieces of repurposed every day materials into pieces of art.

NatKalbach_Brooklyn19

on the walls, on the floor, in air

NatKalbach_Brooklyn20

The drawings and colors – strong and breathtaking . It was an exhibition that made you want to explore, to stay there forever, to lay down on the floor, to just let it work it’s magic.

NatKalbach_Brooklyn21

I am sad the exhibition is over and not there to go back- but it makes me happy to know that the rafts found a final resting place in a forest. What a beautiful idea.

If you have the chance to see art work by this amazing artist- go and see it Follow her amazing projects – she is one inspiring and amazing person! I have a little swoon crush, I admit!

You can find Swoon on her website here, on FB, instagram and twitter.

What was the last art exhibition that made you all emotional?

Nat

Comments (1)

Michelle Salazar

September 14, 2014 at 2:14 pm | #

This is amazing thank you for showing me her work I will keep my eye out to see if I can catch her exhibit live sometime!

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Diana Trout

September 13, 2014 at 10:13 am | #

Thanks for introducing me to this artist, Nat! I’ve had a nice little visit with you this morning ;)

Reply
- nathalie-kalbach
  
  September 14, 2014 at 10:40 am | #
  
  Thank you Diana :) Can’t wait to catch up via email :)
  
  Reply

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Inspired by San Francisco – Part II

Inspiration San Francisco Street Art Traveling Artist

DISCLAIMER: This Blog Post contains quotes or art with political meaning. I might strongly agree with it or I might not… – some might think of it as totally inappropriate to post. If you have a problem with this, you might be better off looking at something else . Don’t email me to complain, don’t visit my blog anymore because I might post things like this again and that might get you in a grumpy mood..

This is part II of my San Francisco trip full of inspirations- you can find part I here. This part is dedicated to the amazing murals and street art I found while walking around.

I was just blown away by this one- the details and colors, shadows- awesome. This was on a side street of Height.

The hair….so fluffy – you can almost touch it- seriously cool and I love the colors again. This was in the Mission – where I found the most during my trip.

It is creepy cool and i love the collage feel to it.

“Bending over Backwards” – amazing and beautiful painted wood piece mounted on this wood wall- but with so much more meaning, it is about political prisoners and gentrification – you can read a bit about it here. I think it is interesting to see something just as is and like it but then if you hear more of the intention you see the piece with different and new eyes.

This was just gorgeous – around Castro – I loved the colors and the mosaic pieces and dimension…I just wish…it had a tree hair top coming from the background.

loving this – just a little corner of the house – boom – makes you stop and smile and look at the environment a bit more.

This is The Women’s Building – fascinating and strong!

This little alley in the mission is a gem for finding street art. Clarion Alley, between Mission and Valencia Streets and 17th and 18th Streets. If you like street art and planning a visit to San Francisco, put it on your list. A bit smelly in the summer…like…you don’t wanna know smelly- but hey…

you see a wooden shingle wall like this -gosh- I love this!

cool …color combo

love the statement, love the flowers, the colors and the font – pretty cool

I love the quote- it is taken out of the context- but as it is – I love it. And I do love the lettering – so cool.

This make me gasp…and want to go back to my studio – the color combination and the marks -AWESOME – I mean…swoon.

I love this painted door and the figure- it reminds me of cubism – if I write cool again – I bet my friend J.K. will write me an email to learn more adjectives ;) …so how about …amazing ;)

And last…FUN, a modern funky version of Catrina (it is Catrina, right?).

I hope these pictures inspired you as much as me – I had a great time and I hope I will be back in S.F. soon again.

Have a gorgeous day

Nat

Comments (10)

stephanie

July 29, 2014 at 1:42 pm | #

i did not see any political statements, just some fab street art. Nice!

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Diana Trout

July 28, 2014 at 8:49 pm | #

Amazing ! You did a great job of getting the street art vibe of San Fran. I love that city !

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Heidi

July 27, 2014 at 1:40 pm | #

Love this post! Thank you for sharing this street art – very inspirational.

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Laura Strack

July 27, 2014 at 1:10 pm | #

This Post makes me want to book a trip to San Fran right away! I would love getting a dose of inspiration every day, just by walking down the street! Glad I get a dose reading your Blog :) Thanks, Nat.

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Kathy P

July 27, 2014 at 12:23 pm | #

AWESOME! Makes me want to go back to SF and look at it in a different light! Awesome street art—thanks for sharing it with us, Nat!

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Michelle

July 27, 2014 at 11:48 am | #

I am highly offended by that “believe” graffitti. How dare people be inspirational and positive in their street art? :) love these posts,

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Kimmie Hogan

July 27, 2014 at 11:43 am | #

When my hubby and I first got married, which almost seems like another lifetime, we lived in the San Fran area. I LOVED LOVED LOVED living there. We were there 3 yrs. There is always something to do that will please any of your 5 senses. And though you can’t beat the weather, the hills will definitely give you a work out. One of my favorite places to go and hang out was the piers. Great food, lots of great shops, and never a lack of something to do.Thanks for sharing the pics and for the trip back into the past. Hope you had a great weekend!! (((HUGS)))

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Sue Clarke

July 27, 2014 at 11:32 am | #

LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!
The third pic from the bottom looks like it could have been created using some of your stencils.

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Carolyn S

July 27, 2014 at 10:53 am | #

That is some seriously cool art. The Women’s Building is stunning.

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Jackie P Neal

July 27, 2014 at 7:13 am | #

One of the Coolest posts I have seen in a long time- thanks for sharing Nat!!
We are heading out to California late Aug to stay with my sons- hope to get to the Mission District to check out for myself! xo

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Inspired by San Francisco – Part I

Inspiration San Francisco Traveling Artist

I just love San Francisco – it is one of my favorite cities in the world and I have been there many times- and yet it never tires me and I always see something new and come home super inspired.

NatKalbach_SF03

This trip has been my birthday present by my husband (he is the best!) and it included seeing loads of my friends that live in San Francisco and the Bay Area – insert super happy Nat smile here. It also meant loads of good food….insert super happy smile again…:)

Now, if you eat so much you have to work it off …and what better way to walk a city and look down and up and sideways for inspirations

I so love the colors, texture and the fonts of this – yum! Makes me want to stencil and then cut out corrugated card board letters right away.

And yes- I did say to look down…isn’t that tree grate amazing – in the mission ! And oh man- what an amazing stencil this would be :)

or just some amazing intricate design in the pavement

or the trace of an artist in the pavement…better than the usual hands or pet traces ;)

I also love the color inspirations in SF – mainly on the painted houses – dark blue, white and dark purple with a hint of mustard yellow- YUM

And the patterns – LOVE

and this yells City Canvas to me ….I am tempted…who knows maybe you will see it in a couple weeks ;)

And here in Chinatown- what is not to love about this sign- the colors, the design, the brick wall behind it- the fonts, the patina – ahhhhhh

And since San Francisco is a really tiring city to walk …up and down …up and down …it is time for some food and start all over again ;)

NatKalbach_SF06

Next up will be all photos of street art and murals in San Francisco – so much fun!

What is your favorite food btw? Come on …make me hungry;)

Have a gorgeous day

Nat

Comments (7)

Ursula

July 26, 2014 at 8:00 am | #

Jaaaa, Frisco ist auch eine meiner absoluten Lieblingsstädte, schön, das ich vor 2 Jahren mal wieder dort war. Mal sehen, ob NY dann auch was taugt ;) LG Ursula

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Laura Weed

July 24, 2014 at 2:41 pm | #

Wow, Nathalie! Looks like a fabulous trip. Cannot WAIT to see the art you make from this inspiration. I love so much that you share the processes with us and help us learn to see our world the way you do. Thanks for your sharing spirit!! And Happy Birthday, of course.

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Joyce C.

July 24, 2014 at 12:36 pm | #

Hi Nat! Thanks for your delightful email. It’s just what I needed today. San Francisco is my favorite city in the US. I’ve traveled there many, many times enjoying the very same sites and the most wonderful food. My sister lived and worked there as a chef so I had the opportunity to dine at numerous restaurants trying various cuisines. (And her name is the same as yours!) Of course, nothing can compare to the visual splendor of the city. Your photos are breathtaking, imaginative, and absolutely inspiring. Thank you for sharing them with us. I can’t wait to see more! All the best to you and your husband.

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Sue Clarke

July 24, 2014 at 10:19 am | #

My favorite food would be hard to say…steak, chocolate, asparagus, smashed potatoes. Love the pics as usual, especially the one of the two tall buildings side by side.

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Tracy

July 23, 2014 at 10:50 pm | #

I’ve never been to the West Coast, but I love brightly colored houses! So much happier than the usual. A few years ago, I had a happy house (as I termed it) that was a fab shade of blue/purple with touch of bright yellow. Yum! I love corrugated cardboard too, I’m trying to incorporate more of it in my projects :)

Such a sweet hubby!

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Gloria S

July 23, 2014 at 10:37 am | #

Wow…..you REALLY have a great eye. These pictures are Amazing. I admire all or your work and talent, but, these blew me away. Thanks for sharing them. PS – can’t wait to see what you create with this inspiration.

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Laura Strack

July 23, 2014 at 8:35 am | #

I was fortunate as a child to get to travel to many lovely towns, including San Francisco and I remember eating some wonderful food – the best Asian Food I can ever remember! I wish my Dad was still with us so that I could ask him where we had dined, oh so many years ago. That gorgeous patina is only achieved in time – unless you are a creative artist, such as yourself :) Have a beautiful day, Nat, and thanks for sharing your awesome trip with your hubby.

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What is your favorite food btw? Come on …make me hungry;)

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