Four – Tracey Capone Photography © 2012

pat . i . na   /pəˈtēnə/  - A green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period.

It’s one of my favorite words. So much so that I named one of my photographs after it. I have always been amazed by the beauty created by a “simple” oxidation process. Think about it, over a period of time, oxides, carbonates, sulfides and sulfates form on the surface of metal and, without any human intervention, and with Mother Nature throwing her own magic in to the mix, create some of the most beautiful colors and patterns ever seen.

Two – Tracey Capone Photography © 2012

When I am out and about in the city with the camera, I am not just taken in by the bounty of amazing architecture Chicago has to offer but also the age of many of the structures and, more specifically, what age and the elements have done to them. Being right on the water, and, frankly, having some of the nastiest weather around, I am hard pressed to come away from a day without at least three or four examples of nature’s works of art. The other day  was no exception as I captured many examples of the “art of science” in today’s Photo(s) of the Day: By the Numbers (oh and, well, some letters in there too. )

LTW – Tracey Capone Photography © 2012

Look at the beautiful copper and ochre tones in “LTW” and the firey crimson red of “Four.” I love how “Two” and “Five” (below) manage to combine complimentary colors, as if a painter mixed them by hand.

Five – Tracey Capone Photography © 2012

I share these to make the point that, sometimes, beauty can be seen in the most unexpected places. What might look old and worn at first glance might actually be beautiful seen in a certain light and when time is taken to frame it a certain way.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend! If you’re getting out with your camera and shooting, keep an eye out for the less obvious because you might be thrilled with the result!

Enjoy!
*tracey*

Nine – Tracey Capone Photography © 2012