Thursday, August 29, 2013

Big Brother in Velvet...


Two white-tailed bucks' attention are simultaneously drawn to the noise made from approaching wild turkeys. They aren't alarmed given their tails are tucked normally. Notice the velvet still on their antlers. You can also see their 'battle scars' from scuffling with other bucks.

Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # KS3_1064-65.

Monday, August 26, 2013

"View from the Bedroom"


"View from the Bedroom"

This is another from my recent series of the 'dogtrot' homestead built in 1913. To give you perspective, you are standing in the middle bedroom, looking through the doorway into the family room. To the left, out of sight, is another bedroom. Behind you, is another doorway which leads to the breezeway between the two sections of the home. The sun is setting, so there's a warm, red glow coming from the breezeway.

From this perspective, you can see a lot of the character of these old homesteads. Here are some random things you may notice: the wonderful wood texture throughout, the five-panel door with original knob and keyhole, simple window panes with the window 'shades' that were often used in that period, the interior of the fireplace in the family room is all brick, the layered-woodwork of the mantle, and the warm, red sunlight glow from the setting sun outside.

I really like the light and shadows, which seems to add even more to the character of this place. If only these walls and doors could talk...

Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # KS3_1383-92h3.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

"Storefront"


A storm approaches this peaceful, country scene in southwest Arkansas. The building nearest is an old, country store. You may notice the primitive, horizontal bars on the windows. Not much is known about this store. The building in the background is likely the residence of the store owner. Out of site, to the right of the old home, are remains of an outhouse and wellhouse. The old homestead may look familiar as I posted a panorama of it several weeks ago. This looks best full-screen.

You can order a print here: http://kellyshipp.zenfolio.com/p82003648/h6D89FF09#h6d89ff09

Location: southwest Arkansas. 06/2013.
Photo # IM3_0052-66bw.

Friday, August 23, 2013

"Tree of Light"...



You can order prints here: http://kellyshipp.zenfolio.com/p82003648/h6066E3AA#h6066e3aa
Location: central Arkansas.
Photo # IM3_3540bw2.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

"Dogtrot at Sunset"...


A dogtrot homestead, also known as a 'breezeway', was common in the late 1800's and early 1900's. One side was generally used for dining and cooking, while the other side were bedrooms.
This homestead was built in 1913. It only has one chimney in the right-front room, whereas the left-front had a stove pipe in the ceiling, likely for a stove in the center of that room. The right side has three rooms, with the front room likely a guest area that included the fireplace. The back two rooms were bedrooms. The left side had one large and one small, which suggests the left side was the cooking/dining areas. This home also had an underground storm shelter, located behind the shed (far right), with enough room for a large family.

Photo # KS3_1282-1311ks2a.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

"Town Square"...


In Madison County, there's a quaint, small town with two, intersecting highways and a town square that still has the flavor of what once was. The town square includes the general store, "Grandpa's Flea Market", a public library, bank, fire department and more. In this photograph, you see the west side of the town square, and in the distance you see where the highways lead you - into the rolling hills, valleys and clouds.

I took extra time on this composition. Notice all the leading lines: the building's lines on the left, the hand rail, the telephone lines, the double-stripe highway lines and roof lines. :)

Location: Kingston, Arkansas.
You can purchase this print here: kellyshipp.zenfolio.com/p315378808/h6123aeec#h6123aeec

Photo reference # IM3_2086-93hbws2. Aug/2013.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

"A Sunset Experience"...


This is what it was like in the "dogtrot" homestead, watching the sunset in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The design of these dogtrot (breezeway) houses were that each room opened to a common breezeway (hallway). This breezeway offers a considerably cooler, covered area for sitting and visiting. When you combine this with opening the windows to the rooms, even more air can be drawn through the house. One side was generally used for dining and cooking, while the other side were bedrooms. This house has full-width, front and back porches.

The setting sun came straight-through the center of the hallway, giving the wood a fire-red glow. In this photo, you're looking down the center hallway toward the front porch. More photos to come as I get time.
Location: Arkansas.
Photo # KS3_1397-1430a.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

"Generations"


If these cars could talk, they could tell several generations of stories. In the foreground is a 1965 Buick Riviera, and in the background is a 1950 Studebaker Champion.

Photo # IM3_1744h3bws.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Homemade Knives


Paul V. is an interesting fellow who makes knives, among many things, in his old shop. Everywhere you looked, there was a story waiting to be told.

If you look in the floorboard of the old truck, you'll see fiddle and banjo cases. The story on those coming soon.
By the way, this is the owner of the 1930 Ford Model A that I posted a photo recently.

Photo # IM3_1633b

The Referee


The female Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) looks like a small referee with wings. These small birds creep along branches and tree trunks looking for insects. I don't see these too often, so when I am able to find one to photograph, it's a treasure.
Photo # KS3_0443-44.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

"Midnight Cascades"


"Midnight Cascades"
I was drawn to the multiple, independent streams falling from the upper rocks, then to the smoothing cascades below. The textures of the rock in the foreground adds depth and dimension to the photograph. This is one of those prints which the more you study, the more you may appreciate.
Woolly Hollow State Park, Arkansas. May, 2009.
Photo # _KS10069-72abw.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Standing the test of time...


A 1930 Ford Model A sits ready to drive in a front yard, in the backroads of Arkansas. I had the pleasure of speaking with the owner, who had many stories to tell. More stories and photos coming soon.

Most of everything still works, including the crank for the single windshield wiper. The original headlights have been replaced with the newer sealed-beam headlights. The wheels were replaced with wheels from the 40's for a smoother ride. The seat has been recovered, etc.
Photo # IM3_1719-1726a.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

A street back in time...



Some say it's good to stop and smell the roses. For others, it may be a fun drive around Arkansas, looking for fun locations to dine. I found this street scene in Jasper, Arkansas, almost a step back in time.

Hope you enjoy.
Photo # IM3_1001-3-9hbws.

Friday, August 2, 2013

"Hay is in the Barn"...



"Hay is in the Barn"

Each of the elements in this photograph have so much character, they could easily have their own narrative. If you've ever lived on a farm, you can relate to most of what you see here.
Hope you enjoy. Comments welcome.
Photo # IM3_1089-95h2bws.