Park Slope | Shannon Kaye Color in the City

Still a Decorative Painter at heart, I can’t help but smile at the amazing creations that can come from these three basic elements- paint, brush, imagination. And soon as we hit the street, I’m smiling from ear to ear. Of course, there are shops, restaurants, etc. But it’s the art on the buildings that catches my eye…

The streets are still very much singular in their brick and stone structure, but that hasn’t held anyone back from making their own unique statement.

Even simple touches like the hand painted transom windows in this coffee shop add a comfy touch

Next is the Flea Market in the Fort Greene area…

where the vendors are as colorful as their wares…

Under a bright blue sky, everything looks like it could work in my house!

Old and new, what I like about this Flea Market is that the creativity and presentation reigned supreme. From the organic foods to original art and unusual collections, the overall feeling is pride of ownership and creative expression. That’s so nice!

And as I stroll away I’m thinking about the predominant colors I’ve seen today. Then notice this rare empty space…

and my next color for Brooklyn (see yesterday’s post for the first!):

The adventure continues tomorrow as I explore the Williamsburg area…

As I pull up to my friend, Ariella’s, building in Park Slope- a quiet little borough in western Brooklyn- I can’t help but feel like I’m walking onto the set of Sesame Street with it’s rows of brownstones and corner shops. The classic kid show is set on a fictitious street in Manhattan, but still, I wonder as I climb the steps and ring my friend’s doorbell, if Big Bird and Gordon will come singing around the corner, “Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood?…”

At first glance , the monochromatic blocks of brick and stone seem strict and static, but I quickly notice bold bursts of color emerging from the sameness of it all…

Shadowed by stone steps and bay windows, vibrant front door colors, casings and all, reach out to welcome visitors…

Some neighbors have banded together pledging, “Color for bay windows- Everyone!

A brave few have decided to go for it and paint everything…

This freshly painted Peach will no doubt encourage others to go for it with color.

Even sedate color schemes like sandy cream and black with a natural wood door stand out against dusty red and gray neighbors.

hm, why do I start humming, “I left my heart… in San Francisco…” as I pass this abode? I wouldn’t call this beautiful, but I have to admit, I do appreciate the unabashed approach.

And then one of my favorite a moments... a color combination that surprises and delights me like this warm inviting cream house with black windows and three values of teal to define the details. Who knew it could be so gorgeous?!

The ornate crown is dressed in pale aqua against a clear blue sky while the foundation block in a strong medium tone grounds the building and dresses up the gray steps and black railing. The windows are painted simply with matte black, and the surprising front door and transom are coated in a deep velvety teal- almost spruce- that shows off the carved keystone detail, arched window, and gilded street numbers. Stunning.

I’m just becoming accustomed to this residential view when we turn the corner onto a street full of commerce- restaurants, shops and services- old and new. Something altogether different is happening here. Tune in tomorrow to see more!