My current work in progress is a city-scape. I have always loved paintings of cities (except those involving "matchstick men" - more on that later). If a canvas is able to capture the energy that comes from millions of people living in a small area, well it's a brilliant thing to behold. This painting was inspired by another work I had seen in a gallery not so very long ago, and thankfully it has taken on none of the energy of that canvas becoming something rather more unique. I'm so glad I can't copy well :)
It started as experimentation, the sky painted in with acrylic and blended with water, then a liberal coat of urethane and the buildings placed on top of that. All the work was done with a 3" brush so detail wasn't an option (which is a leap for me). I added the buildings in layers towards the foreground and then blended the structures together with woodstain, salt, and acrylic paint. It is still a work in progress (WIP), but thus far I am quite pleased with it.
What I like most about it is that it's not bright and sunny, but it isn't overly depressing nor jaded either. The warmth of the canvas doesn't detract from the grittiness that comes from an urban space.
Update: Jan. 22
I've attempted to take away the "stacked book" feel of the front row of buildings by building up a more complex texture, in this case wood shingles and brickwork and tinted the woodstain to bring in more colour. I've also added metallic silver paint to some of the buildings to contrast them a touch more from the sky. This canvas looks amazing in the evening but I can't quite get it to look right in the high noon sun. Sadly, still a work in progress.
2 comments:
A three inch brush is a brave instrument, and you've handled it exceedingly well. Love the color here!
tina
The 3" brush wasn't as intimidating as I thought it would be to be honest. The individual bricks.. now that was pure torture :)
I had a great deal of fun working on this canvas and I do have to say that I'm quite pleased with the results. There's still something to be done with the sky - but once I figure that out I will proudly put my signature on it!
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