R I P "Olivia" You are so loved and missed.

                      Picture of the Week #261 "A farewell to R. J."  Bel Air, California 2013

                        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adgxyQsUuK0&feature=youtu.be

I'm deviating from my usual picture of the week to post this short slide show. Our neighbor & friend Robert,  R. J. "Bob" Bandler was killed by the police last Sunday November 17th 2013. Bob was a tormented soul. He was also an alcoholic. We were awoken at 3:13 in the morning by a single gun shot. And soon learned Bob was dead. This is my tribute to this misunderstood soul who I have known for 38 years. He was the talk of the neighborhood and to many was known as "Crazy Bob". But not to me or my wife Ann. He was just Bob. 

Picture of the Week #260 "Monte Carlo Zoom" Monte Carlo, Monaco 1981 Signed & Stamped

The major drawback to photography is lack of sound. The roar of the engines and the whirring and screeching of tires and the cheer of the crowd are exhilarating. But when you see this photo you don't realize the excitement that is rampant in the air. Here was a hot but magnificent sun drenched day on the Riviera and yet it almost looks like a slow parade of fast cars nonchalantly going down the track. When in fact there was so much more. An event that must be experienced at least once in a life time.

Picture of the Week #259 "Bride & Groom" Tokyo, Japan 1989 Signed & Stamped

No, I am not a wedding photographer. Although I have taken pictures at weddings, but only for myself. when I had a Museum show in Tokyo during the Harajuku Arts festival I happen to pass a banquet room in the Okura Hotel where I was staying. A wedding was about to begin. I leaned in and they motioned for me to enter and to feel free to take pictures. I did. At first the couple were smiling and nodding their heads joyously. But the longer I stayed there the less they smiled. Finally when their faces were beginning to show the frustration of me not leaving I got this shot. I photoshopped them in to the overcast garden because I loved the color and the feeling. I also painted them but with the room as a background. Only yesterday I put the interior and exterior together to make this image.

Picture of the Week #258 " Under the Blue Eiffel Tower" Paris, France 2009 Signed & Stamped

Standing under one of the most iconic monuments and watching the color change is truly riveting. After visiting friends whose apartment feels like it is right under the tower I looked up to see this vision. I have taken countless pictures of the tower but few as mesmerizing as this. I have been told that the government lets artists create light shows and this was one of many. I have posted previously other interpretations, but this is one of my favorites.