Sculptures above the Observation Deck

Taking some narrow spiral steps up to the observation deck, one has a great panoramic view at 92 feet of the Madison city as well as the sculptures above. Sculpted by Karl Bitter, these Greek-inspired pieces symbolize faith, prosperity, abundance, and strength. Years ago, visitors were able to go up all the way to the lantern, but safety concerns put that to a halt. Still, it is a great view.

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Don't forget to Look UP!

Details abounding in the Madison State Capitol building, it's important to look up. I loved this circular 28' ceiling skylight made from toned leaded glass, found in the Senate Chamber. Clear blue skies from above helped intensify the colors from the glass, dancing at times in patterns.

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Touches of Wisconsin

Symbols reflecting the unique aspects of Wisconsin abound in the capitol. Fitting of the "Badger State," a statue of this feisty animal appears on guard above the entrance to the state's Supreme Court. 

Even the door handles include our furry friend and state seal. I love such attention to detail.

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Stairways and Doorways

The stairways and doorways found in the beautifully restored Capitol interior compliment the majestic finishings of the walls and floors. Metalwork designs on the railings echo the stenciled designs restored on the murals above. The warm wood on top of the stairways was beautifully finished and felt smooth to the touch. Although electrified, the light fixtures retain their timeless beauty. Stately granite columns frame each side of the main governmental doorways, with each covered with elaborate grillwork doors. Although the elevators have been upgraded to enable accessibility, they also retain much of their original charm.

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Mosaics in the State Capitol

Illuminated by the soft natural lighting from the rotunda, the four glass mosaics on each of the pendentives are worthy of attention. Representing the three branches of the state's branches of government as well as Liberty, each mosaic contains around 100,000 glass pieces. Recent restoration of the mosaics reveal the brilliant colors used by artist Kenyon Cox (1856-1919).

Read more about the mosaics and other details of the State Capitol.

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Madison Capitol Rotunda and Gallery

The interior of the world's largest granite dome is equally beautiful. Arched windows from the dome and four glassed arches let in plenty of natural light, illuminating the mosaics, granite, marble flooring, and stairways. The South Gallery contains a replica of the Liberty Bell.

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White Granite Beauty

Blue skies made a great backdrop for my morning visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison. Completed in 1917, the current building, now a National Historic Landmark, is a central dominating feature of downtown Madison. Between its height (city legislation prohibits any other building from being taller) and roads leading to the to it like spokes, it truly stands out amongst the bustling area. Its exterior is covered with 

Bethel White Granite from Vermont. Just three feet shorter than the nation's capitol, the building has the distinction of having the largest exterior granite dome in the world. With the well-kept landscaping, it makes a beautiful scene for the weekly summer Concerts on the Square.

Happy 4th!

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Concert on the Square

One of the traditions I look forward to during the summer is going to a Concert on the Square with my sister and family. Held on the Capitol grounds in Madison, the free Wednesday concerts are an enjoyable cultural event. People of all ages attend, making it a whole evening. Blankets can be set out starting at mid-afternoon to reserve one's spot. An hour or two before the concert starts, people begin arriving, toting picnic lunches that range from home-packed sandwiches to fancier takeout with wine. Even though the temperature was a bit cool, the patriotic-themed concert was a hit. What a great way to spend a summer evening!

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Fire Stormy Sky

This evening, right before nightfall, I happened to glance out of my condo window and spotted this beautiful sky. Courtesy of a thunderstorm, the warm fire sky was a sight to behold.

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Wisconsin Backyard

What better way than spending my first week back in Wisconsin, enjoying my family in such a beautiful setting. As you can see, my parents love being outside. They spend many hours making their woodsy backyard, gardens, and flower patches making everything so lush. There's never too many flowers for my mom! 

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There's a Tiger out the Window!

Lattice windows on Bongwonsa Temple in Seoul

I love visiting the Buddhist temples in Korea. Even the newer ones have beautifully painted beams and wooden lattice windows with carved nature scenes. The tiger is a popular motif in Korean culture and is seen as a symbol of courage and power. Cranes, seen in the panel next to the right tiger one, are a symbol of longevity. Roosters are a symbol of intelligence and trust, and carp are associated with reproduction. The lotus flower is a revered symbol of creation and prosperity, while chrysanthemums signify elegance. Bamboo signifies fidelity and the pine tree is associated with longevity.

Even more symbols can be found on the walls of the Buddhist temples. I'd love to have someone explain about their many stories and meanings.

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South India and South Korea Beaches

Although both of these beach photos contain similar colors, the contrasts couldn't be larger. Pricey, touristic well-developed beaches in South Korea, vs. the polluted fishing beaches of South India where its residents don't even have access to toilets.

Busan, South Korea

Chennai, south India

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Painted Trees and Beams

My last night in Seoul prior to heading back to Wisconsin for the summer. While it is the beauty of such painted (man-made and God-made) scenes I will hold on to visually, it is the lasting friendships I will cherish. Unlike the highly temporal beauty of the painted blossoms of spring, I pray that those human connections will last much longer. Until we meet again. 

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Little Buddhas

Some delightful little Buddha figurines at Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea. Their locations are quite playful as well. I'd love to hear the story about these child-like pieces I've seen at most temples in Korea.

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Flowers and Fruits

The offerings left at altars fascinate me. Amongst the many things here at Samgwangsa Temple in Busan for Buddha's birthday included items such as exotic and domestic flowers, exotic fruits, bags of rice, rice treats, and candles. I loved how glass bottles of Fanta and other soft drinks (with straws in them) adorned the small Buddhist altars in Thailand. What would you leave as  sign of your devotion?

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Point the Way, Fishie

When visiting the Gamcheon village in Busan (South Korea), these colorful folksy fish-themed signs cheerfully point the way for the many visitors eager to efficiently navigate through the narrow alleys of this hilly neighborhood. Personally, I love to wander, knowing that some of the most delightful scenes are off the beaten path. 

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A Maybe Wedding

While in Busan, I spotted this wedding hall. While wedding halls are common place to hold one's wedding in Korea, the name of this one bore a second look- Maybe? I wonder what the couple in the hanbok (traditional clothing) were thinking.

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Roses of Bukchon

Strolling through the older neighborhood of Seoul known as Bukchon is pleasant at any time. The rose bushes outside these homes added an extra touch of color and ornamentation to these already decorative buildings.

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Sewol: A Nation Still in Mourning

On April 16, 2014, a tragedy off the southern coast of South Korea sent the entire nation in mourning. In the Sewol ferry accident, 288 of the 476 passengers lost their lives. Particularly devastating was the fact that most of those who perished were from a high school. Nearly two months later, emotions still run deep. The images here are from a memorial still up outside City Hall in Seoul. Yellow dominated the scene in the form of ribbons, paper boats, post-it notes, and more. Original artwork, carefully framed, filled a large section. Under a tent, official-looking people stood near a beautiful display of flowers. The entire area had a very somber mood. Perhaps the tone was further darkened by the grim news that yet another diver in search of the 16 victims still unaccounted for had died. 

Since the tragedy, many events throughout the country (including our school) have been canceled. Others have been quite subdued and more somber. 

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Delicate carvings of Wontongjeon Panel

Just finished my latest artwork - a color pencil drawing of a Seonamsa Buddhist temple door of in Suncheon, South Korea.

See more of my South Korea Artwork on Flickr, Melissa Enderle Artwork Facebook page, and Melissa Enderle website,

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