I started with the simple stuff. The blue is a simple gradient and the window frames are simply lines on a separate layer. The trees took a little time to do. In between the blue and the window frames I made a layer for the reflection. I first tried to do all the black/dark details like windows and paint the stone under it and the lighter details but it really did not work. I tried the opposite, painting the buildings with masses of colour thinking that I would build up the details in layers and that wasn't any better. The third and final attempt was just treating each window frame almost a separate painting, only doing one and sometimes 2 of those panels at a time. This is likely the most tedious way to go about it but after doing a few hours at 200-300% magnification over a couple of days and then pulling back I liked what I saw, even though I had only actually painted a couple of square inches in all that time. I also decided not to blend colours and just let solid colours make the demarcation between light and shadow. Because the reflected elements in the final piece are quite tiny, even a 20x20 print didn't need to be totally detailed to the 8th degree and in fact would made it look muddy. I don't thing working at 300% was really necessary either but I can't help myself and I think that the details do make the piece better.
Below: 200% detail
2 comments:
I think both the Hancock tower paintings are stunning and, on first glance, are easy to mistake for photos. I love that things look so squiggly up close, almost abstract. They're really strong pieces, both. Excellent work. You could easily do more. Well, not easily but they'd be cool!
No not easily! LOL I have an idea to do more architectural paintings like this but I want and need inspiring subjects if I am going to put the work in. I was inspired by some photos my friend George took recently of Bay windows in Boston. I didn't have time to take some reference photos of my own while we were there but I will find stuff here .
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