Architecture – Page 2 – U.S. Pictures – Bill Swartwout Photography

June 19, 2022

Delmarva Farm Scene in Black and White or Color

This Delmarva Grain Elevator received positive comments in both presentations, color and B&W.

How does one choose which presentation to publish to one’s online gallery? Why, ask your followers on Social Media, of course – specifically on Facebook.

delmarve grain elevator in color — Delmarva Grain Elevator in Color

The steel-gray color of the sky seems to emulate the steel-color of the silos and transfer screws of this grain elevator on a Maryland farm. When asking friends and followers a piece of art, one must have a thick skin because some of the responses my be quite critical. Fortunately, most in this survey were complimentary.

delmarva grain elevator black and white — Delmarva Grain Elevator in Black and White

This was the question – simple and straightforward:

Does this work better in Color or in B&W? (It was also identified as a Delmarva Grain Elevator – photographed on 06/18/22.)

Here is a list of 18 unmodified responses – in the order received:

The color shot is FANTASTIC. !
Color. Love it.
I like the touch of blue in the color version.
Love the color with the blue sky peeking through.
Black and white photography for me, as your subject is mostly monochromatic and lends itself to that medium. The color version almost takes on a selective coloring look to it. But you should always go with what your vision is for the piece, speaking from your heArt.
Color wins…
I personally like the B&W more but it seems that the darkness of the clouds goes away in the above B&W version. I still like the second/B&W version more but would make it a bit darker.
I like the color shot.
Color for sure!
Both great. BW for me.
Color shot!
Black and white, more dramatic.
B & W
Rather ominous in BE. Pop of blue in color is interesting but overall BW
B&W
I like the black and white due to the detailed shown on the structure of the grain silos and transfer screws.
I’m usually a black and white fan but for this one I’ll go with color.
Just enough color in the sky enhances it…my opinion! Great picture!

The overall result is 10 prefer the color presentation and 8 prefer the black and white. While the color version appears to have won the poll, the margin is small, and I would not like to disappoint the 44% of my responders who chose the black and white version of my Delmarva Grain Elevator photograph – so I have uploaded BOTH versions to my online galleries.

Choose a link below to get a better look at YOUR choice…

Shop: Color version of Delmarva Grain Elevator

Shop: B&W version of Delmarva Grain Elevator

Shop: The Farm Collection in Bill’s Gallery

Shop: Bill’s Full Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

The chicken is in the heart of Delmarva.

The Delmarva Peninsula – home to a wide variety of grains, vegetables and livestock – has a long history of farming, but in the 1950s the peninsula began to focus on its poultry industry. Today, Delmarva is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation; it is also one of the largest chicken-producing regions in the world. The mainstay diet of a chicken is corn, followed by soybeans, wheat and to a lesser extent, other crops.

May 11, 2022

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Wall Art

Framed by palm trees, this picturesque bridge photograph will look wonderful in your home or office.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an architectural wonder. Designed by the renowned firm of Cline Design Associates, this cable-stayed bridge spans the Cooper River and connects Charleston to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This bridge was opened on July 16, 2005 and replaced two older bridges, the Silas N. Pearman Bridge and the John P. Grace Memorial Bridge (built in 1929 and 1966).

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Charleston, SC — An architectural wonder, the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge crosses the Cooper River at Charleston, South Carolina.

At a total length of 13,200 feet this is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the western hemisphere with a main span of 1,546 feet and a clearance of 187 feet. In 2006, it won an Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award from ASCE for its innovative design and materials. The bridge has eight lanes for vehicular travel and two bicycle/pedestrian lanes so you can see it up close!

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 3:1

An infrastructure wonder, it is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the western hemisphere and offers panoramic views that are especially striking at sunset.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 2:1

The Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge (sometimes referred to as the New Cooper River Bridge) is a cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper River in South Carolina. Opened to traffic nearly two decades ago, the 1,546 foot long bridge carries eight travel lanes and two wide outside shoulders. It is held aloft by two 600-foot concrete pylons that support a 650-foot center span and a pair of 350-foot side spans. Total length of the bridge is 13,200 feet or 2.5 miles. With its main span rising only 187 feet above mean high water, the bridge carries Interstate 526 across Charleston Harbor from Patriots Point to U.S. Highway 17 at Mount Pleasant.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper River in South Carolina, connecting Charleston to Mount Pleasant. It replaced two obsolete cantilever truss bridges. Its eight lanes carry U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 52, and South Carolina Highway 7 as it crosses the river, with a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lane along the northern side of the bridge.

Imagine if a bridge could talk: “I am the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in South Carolina, named after a politician who served as state senator and member of the United States House of Representatives. I am a cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Cooper River at Charleston, South Carolina. I opened on July 16, 2005, and was built to replace two aging bridges: one which carried U.S. Route 17 over the Cooper River and another which carried U.S. Route 17 over the Wando River. I connect Charleston to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Link: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in the Palms (free shipping)

Link: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 3:1 (free shipping)

Link: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 2:1 (free shipping)

Link to: Bill’s Pictorem Gallery

Link to: Bill’s FineArtAmerica/Pixels Gallery

January 29, 2022

Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge

This historic Bridge in Conway, South Carolina carries travelers across the Waccamaw River.

Built in 1937, the Waccamaw Memorial Bridge (also referred to as the Conway Memorial Bridge) is a historic plate-girder bridge in Conway, Horry County, South Carolina. This plate deck girder bridge, with Gothic-style arches is designated a memorial to Horry County soldiers who served in America’s wars from the Revolution to World War I. This bridge was built to relieve the traffic congestion of the original one-lane bridge as popularity grew for the Grand Strand resort of Myrtle Beach. It was listed under National Register of Historic Places on October 12, 1999.

Conway Memorial Bridge over the Waccamaw River in Conway, Horry County, South Carolina.

This photograph was taken while enjoying a walk along part of the Conway Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a sculpted boardwalk with railings along much of the town’s waterfront on the Waccamaw River. If you, one day, get to visit Conway, be sure not to miss a stroll along the river.

Conceived a the height of the Great Depression and at a cost of $370,000, Horry County’s fifth bridge across the Waccamaw River was constructed just prior to the years of World War II. The Waccamaw River Bridge carries Business Route U.S. Highway 501 over top of the Waccamaw River connecting North Conway to Aynor/Yauhannah, South Carolina.

Waccamau River Memorial Bridge in Black and White — The Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge in a Black and White Presentation

Click the photo above or the links below to see wall art with this image along with an assortment of home decor items.

Link: Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge at Conway, SC

Link: Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge at Conway in Black and White

Link to: Bills Full Gallery at Pictorem (Free Shipping)

Link to: Bill’s Gallery with Fine Art America

What’s that, Myrtle Beach? You’ve been under stress from the lack of a second bridge crossing the Waccamaw River for half a century? Well, we’ve got just the thing to lift your spirits: The Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge! This historic bridge is located in Conway, South Carolina, and carries travelers over the Waccamaw River. It was built in 1937 as a replacement for the original bridge (built in 1921), which could not accommodate all of the travelers to and from Grand Strand resorts. The new bridge was designed as a plate deck girder bridge in a Gothic-style arch with reinforced concrete piers, abutments and wing walls. In 1998, the State of South Carolina designated the bridge as a memorial to Horry County soldiers who served in America’s wars from the Revolution to World War I. This made it one of two bridges in South Carolina with such designation (the other is located near Kingstree). The bridge spans 1,024 feet (312 m) across the river, including approach spans. It measures 16 feet (4.9 m) wide and 8 feet (2.4 m) high.

January 20, 2022

Indian River Bridge Clouds Wall Art

The Indian River Inlet Bridge near Bethany Beach, DE appears different every time we are there.

These clouds predict the onset of a storm but, in this case it was just an illusion. It was 40 degrees and windy, up from a low of 19, when this photograph was captured.

The George W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet is located between the coastal towns of Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach , Delaware. It is surrounded by the public beach, marina and campground facilities of the Delaware Seashore State Park.

In addition to the full color version, this is the black and white presentation “Indian River Bridge Clouds” and is unique in its own right.

Indian River Bridge Clouds in Black and White

Use the links below to see larger versions of the Indian River Bridge Clouds and to browse or shop the variety of wall art and home decor items available.

Link: Indian River Bridge Clouds

Link: Indian River Bridge Clouds in Black and White

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Bridge Gallery at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Bridge Gallery at Pictorem (w/ Free Shipping)

When I wanted to photograph the Indian River Inlet Bridge near Bethany Beach, DE I knew that weather could be an obstacle. Sure enough, before sunset a warm front arrived, with at layers of clouds moving in from the west. But this time Mother Nature played a trick on me. The sky was filled with these ominous clouds and snow flurries started to fall, much like in this photograph. Even though it was cold and the wind was blowing, I had to wait until everything came together. I was hoping for a bit more color. But this cloudy scene doesn’t lack interest – in my opinion. Toned sky, ragged clouds and stark and empty rocky jetty on the north side of the Indian River Inlet are what makes this scene so striking!

January 17, 2022

Baltimore Inner Harbor Panorama Wall Art

How Downtown Baltimore looked nearly two decades ago.

This Baltimore Inner Harbor photograph is one of the most popular, as being one of the first images to be sold multiple times over the nearly 20 years since the Baltimore City skyline looked this way. What differences could you see today – if you were to trek to the top of Federal Hill Park in South Baltimore to view this vista in person?

Baltimore Inner Harbor Panorama Original

The same image is also available in a black and white presentation. This view emphasized the lines and shape of the city skyline as opposed to making an overall statement in color. A lot can be said for black and white images in a contemporary setting, such as a modern home or an office. Especially an office in one of the buildings in this nearly two decade old photograph

Baltimore Inner Harbor Panorama Black and White

This image has appeared in countless conference pamphlets over the years, it is in print in a book on Urban Geography by the Harvard University Press and was even used by the City of Baltimore at a “sister cities” conference in The Netherlands.

Links to larger images and to browse or buy.

Link: Baltimore Inner Harbor Panorama Photograph

Link: Baltimore Inner Harbor Panorama in Black and White

Link to: Baltimore Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: Baltimore Collection at Pictorem (w/ Free Shipping)

Notes: The decade-old photograph of the famous Baltimore Inner Harbor is a compilation of four images “stitched” together, yet is still relevant today. There are some differences over the last dozen or so years. Can you spot them? Imagine the differences from the time Fort McHenry defended Baltimore during the War of 1812. Imagine how this city might appear if the British Invasion was not thwarted.

January 16, 2022

Ocean City Boardwalk Arch Wall Art

This iconic boardwalk sign greets visitors to Ocean City, Maryland as they enter town from Route 50.

The iconic Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk Arch greets visitors as they enter Ocean City from the west, along Route 50 and North Division Street. This welcoming sign greets visitors to the beach and boardwalk, just as a print of this can greet visitors in your home or office.

Beach and boardwalk greetings are a tradition no matter where in the world you live, but in Ocean City, Maryland, it is THE tradition.

Here is a black and white presentation of the Boardwalk Arch for those of you who prefer monochrome images as home or office decor.

Ocean City Boardwalk Arch Black and White

Where to find prints and home decor featuring one of these photographs…

Link: Ocean City Boardwalk Arch

Link: Boardwalk in Ocean City – Enhanced

Link: Ocean City Boardwalk Arch Black and White

Link to: Bill’s Fine Art America Gallery

Link to: Bill’s Pictorem Gallery (w/ Free Shipping)

The Boardwalk sign was built in 2000 but The Boardwalk, officially known as Atlantic Avenue, dates back to 1902, when several oceanfront hotel owners got together and constructed a wooden walkway for the convenience of their guests. At high tide, it was rolled up and stored on hotel porches. Around 1910, a permanent promenade was built.

Welcoming visitors to the beach and sands of Ocean City, the iconic Arch greets cars along Route 50 and North Division Street. This work of art has stood tall since 2000 and brings joy to beachgoers with every visit.

For more than two decades, visitors to beautiful Ocean City, Maryland have been greeted by this historic structure on the Atlantic coast. Our beautiful interpretation is a perfect accent for your home or office.

January 14, 2022

Baltimore World Trade Center and USS Constellation

Photographs of an iconic skyscraper and an historical ship in the Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Baltimore’s World Trade Center on Pratt Street in downtown Baltimore stands tall above the historic USS Constellation, the only surviving ship from the Civil War era, in the famous Inner Harbor.

Baltimore World trade Center and USS Constellation

This photograph of two of Baltimore’s best-known landmarks is also available in a black and white presentation.

Baltimore World trade Center and USS Constellation in Black and White

Here is where to see larger images and browse wall art and home decor items.

Link: Baltimore World Trade Center and Constellation

Link: Baltimore World Trade Center and USS Constellation Monochrome

Link to: The Baltimore and the Inner Harbor Wall Art Collection.

The Baltimore World Trade Center stands tall above the historic Constellation in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. It offers stunning views of the harbor, downtown Baltimore and beyond.

What do you see? In this image, the Baltimore World Trade Center stands tall above the historic USS Constellation. The Baltimore’s WTC stands 400 feet above this Maryland city’s waterfront promenade.

At the top of the Baltimore World Trade Center is an observation deck. While you’re there, you might want to check out the nearby USS Constellation, a former Navy ship that later became a museum and attraction in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Both are excellent photo opportunities–the former for a picture-perfect view of Baltimore and the latter because it’s way cool.

You’ve been burning the midnight oil but now it’s time to take a break. After grabbing a quick snack, you decide to take the elevator up to the observation deck of Baltimore’s World Trade Center. Wow, what a view! It almost seems like you are floating above the city in some kind of tall ship. Below you can see the historic Constellation and the Domino Sugars sign off in the distance. Across the water, on the south shore, you can see the tall and grassy Federal Hill Park that overlooks the Inner Harbor. You head back down to your hotel room (office, apartment) and smile as you notice everyone seems to be smiling as well.

The World Trade Center, designed by architectural firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, is the crown jewel of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The juxtaposition between this contemporary building and the adjacent historic buildings—including the National Aquarium—adds to its grandeur. The World Trade Center was featured in the 2014 movie The Fault in Our Stars.

The Baltimore World Trade Center and USS Constellation wall art is a must-have piece of Baltimore memorabilia. Our photo print is available as a ready to hang poster, a photo blanket, a travel mug and more.

Dramatic and graceful, the wonderful work of architecture is one of Baltimore’s most beloved landmarks. Its unique spherical observation deck is located a third of the way up the building, with windows that offer extraordinary views of the harbor, city, and surrounding areas.

Link: Baltimore World Trade Center and Constellation

Link: Baltimore World Trade Center and USS Constellation Monochrome

Link to: The Baltimore and the Inner Harbor Wall Art Collection.