AT DC: Iconic Landmarks from Local Washington Artists

This is from DC finalist, Sara. Comment away!

Choosing a first post for ATDC is a bit daunting. DC offers such a wide array of design stores, arts markets and unique architecture that picking just one item, frankly gave us a headache. So we decided to take our cue from the landscape of the city itself....

Washington is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in the country. It’s no surprise that these monuments are a theme among local artists. And while the iconic image of DC may be a stark photograph of the Washington Monument saluting the city in all its errrr... phallic glory, that isn’t exactly our cup of tea. Here are some local artists who feature well known landmarks in a more whimsical fashion.

We love these small colorful canvas prints from Joel E Traylor III.

Local photographer Steven L. Miller captures DC locales with a twist. That’s the Washington Monument behind the umbrella.

Winter Dance, shot on film, 2007

Photographer Cherie Lester features hand tinted photography on her Etsy store.

We also love local painter Zakhar Sasim's boldly colorful take on local cityscapes.

So let us know, which images of DC do you want hanging on your walls?

- Sara B.

(Thanks, Sara!)

Reader Vote:

>> To All DC & Boston Blogger Finalists

Comments (18)

good job sara! yay DC! You make our city proud.

posted by 335ktt on March 31st 2008 at 8:20am
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Good topic for your first post - and now I have a bunch of artists to check out, thanks!

posted by Erin K. on March 31st 2008 at 8:59am
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Can't believe "Winter Dance" is from 2007... I would have guessed Watergate or Camelot

posted by BudFox2 on March 31st 2008 at 9:03am
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I've been looking for a different sort of DC for my walls. love these!

posted by gnking on March 31st 2008 at 9:09am
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You're making this DC girl PROUD!!

posted by Sleek on March 31st 2008 at 10:16am
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Great job! Go DC! :-)

posted by ZAshtianipour on March 31st 2008 at 11:39am
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I met Steven Miller at Eastern Market (which itself would be a great post) - his work is truly amazing. Great pick.

posted by inkstainedwriter on March 31st 2008 at 12:34pm
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Yay! I live in DC and love this site! As a DC artist, I'm glad DC is getting some notice on AP.

posted by gvollrath on March 31st 2008 at 1:08pm
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This is great!! This post does an excellent job of showing how DC is one of the most beautiful cities out there. Even the simpliest of photographs turns out beautiful. The paintings are excellent your post is excellent. Great picks! Great taste! Great sense of style.

posted by JohnieMP on March 31st 2008 at 2:29pm
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Great variety in your selection of artists. Also, good topic for your first post. Rather than posting about local shops, which we want to see but not necessary for your audition, you took a creative route. I certainly want to see more.

posted by dcaries on March 31st 2008 at 2:37pm
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Alright Sara!! Love you!!!! By the way, Jake prefers (specifically) Zakhar Sasim's painting of the Jefferson memorial, while I like the hand-tinted photos best I think...I tend to prefer photos of landscapes over paintings of them. Weird, huh?

Good luck! thanks for recommending the site!

posted by noisyninja on March 31st 2008 at 6:03pm
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Thanks for the comments everyone!

I want to point out that all of the artists mentioned in the post do show at Eastern Market regularly. I was there on Saturday (after I wrote the post) and saw all of them.

noisyninja - Cherie Lester's work is beautiful in person. I really think that the photos here don't do it justice.

posted by saradc on March 31st 2008 at 7:13pm
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Woww who knew that DC had such awesome artists. I know what I want for my b-day or X-Mas!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love love love Winter Dance.
Great post.

posted by bradtwurst on April 1st 2008 at 2:24am
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excellent eye! the winter dance is striking picture. i'd love to have a little DC framed and hung on the walls.

good luck.

posted by SD913 on April 2nd 2008 at 4:50pm
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A great, interesting post - I'd love to see Cherie Lester's photography in person, especially after hearing that they look even better in person than in the photographs. Looks like I'll be making a trip to Eastern Market soon.

Good luck!

posted by rejazz on April 3rd 2008 at 5:36am
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Way to go, Sara!!! I love the insider look at DC artists. I lived there for 2 years and it's always surprising to me the different perspective that others bring to such a vibrant city.

posted by JPowers155 on April 3rd 2008 at 10:16am
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Awesome pictures.. a great eye...

posted by Jake_R8 on April 10th 2008 at 4:09pm
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Such an interesting and creative post- way to think outside the box Sara!

posted by annhenry on April 23rd 2008 at 5:50am
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