Category Archives: R. Doug Wicker

May 12, 2014 · 5:35 am

Aviation Art — Part 1

A-7E Corsair II

We’ll get back to China next week with the start of a six-part series on one of the most photogenic spots during our entire China trip — Tongli, the Venice of the East. Yes, it really does take six whole installments of photographs to do this town justice.

Tupolev TU-2 Engine

Meanwhile, this week we’ll take a look at what I consider “Aviation Art.” The reason I’m bringing this up is because I recently received a request from the manager of El Paso Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) — Curtis Dowling — to supply him with aviation-related photographs suitable for framing for display in the facility.

F-84F Thunder Streak

So, heeding the call I dug up some of my more interesting shots as well as making a special trip out to the War Eagles Air Museum at the Doña Ana County at Santa Teresa Airport (5T6).

Super Guppy Turboprops

Some of the selected photos were chosen for color, others for interesting content. Some of these shots you’ll see processed in different ways such as Black & White conversions or the use of special effects to focus or enhance something of particular interest.

Tupolev TU-2 Gun

On Friday I’ll present my favorites of the bunch.

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Filed under Aircraft, Photography, R. Doug Wicker

Tagged as Aviation Art, F-84F, photography, R. Doug Wicker, Super Guppy, TU-2, vintage aircraft, War Eagles Air Museum, War Eagles Museum

May 9, 2014 · 5:35 am

Fun Photo Friday — Suzhou Favorites

Architectural Detail at the Master of the Nets Garden

Master of the Nets Garden

Intricate Mosaic Patio

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Filed under Fun Photo Friday, Photography, R. Doug Wicker

Tagged as China Spree, Fun Photo Friday, Jim Mao, Mao Gu’i Chen, Master of the Nets Gargden, photography, R. Doug Wicker, Shanghai, Suzhou, travel, Ursula Wicker

May 7, 2014 · 5:35 am

Suzhou — The Beauty Once You Get Past Deputy Fife

Master of the Nets Garden — Suzhou

After we successfully escaped the long arm of the law and got out from beneath the ominous shadows of Deputy Barney Fife and Officer Gomer Pyle we continued into the heart of the Master of the Nets Garden in Suzhou.

Master of the Nets Garden pottery collection

Suzhou is located west of Shanghai along the banks of both the Yangtze River and Lake Tai. It’s also one of many cities through which the Grand Canal of China runs. But the pearl of Suzhou is the Master of the (Fishing) Nets Garden — a magnificent 1.3-acre/5,400-meter complex of buildings, a pond, and associated gardens dating back to A.D. 1140.

Master of the (Fishing) Nets Garden — Art Collection

And while the buildings, pond, and gardens are indeed fun, so are the extensive collections of art, pottery, and furniture dating to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Master of the (Fishing) Nets Garden — Furniture Collection

Below is today’s photo gallery slide show of this unique example of a residential Chinese garden. If you get a chance to go there please say, “Hi,” for me to Deputy Fife and Officer Pyle.