Monday, April 27, 2015

Cityscape (part 1) - Deep Thoughts Over the Cafe

Title: Deep Thoughts Over the Cafe
Size: 4 by 6 inches
So here's what I've got so far on this cute little cityscape. You can't really tell in the above picture, but there's going to be someone standing on the roof, looking out to the hills. In direct contrast to all my recent pieces, this oil painting is pretty small. I must say though, I'm less worried about filling the entire canvas than I was on the landscape assignment. :)

I have to admit, I always have to roll my eyes at how funny I think it is to draw a "landscape" with the paper in the "portrait" position. I know it's not terribly clever, but the irony of it always makes me grin. Although I have to admit having the paper up and down made it easier to play with the 2-point perspective.

Here's my sketch:

To be honest, I'm not sure how that person got on the roof of the building. In the sketch I ended up drawing in hints of a ladder at the last second, just so I could explain how I ended up with someone on the roof. Originally, I was going to have a couple watching the sunset from the roof, and maybe a staircase and balcony, but then I realized I wanted something a little quieter. I don't think paintings just have to be about grand, colorful sunsets; I think they can just be about sneaking up to the roof for a minute alone in the still moments just after dusk.

I do feel like the picture means something entirely different looking at the softer, muted colors of night than the bold colors of sunset. So I'm glad that, for this painting, I was able to catch myself before putting in a setting sun and was able to make a piece that's hopefully a little more thoughtful.

2 comments:

  1. So far this looks really good. I like the shading on the building, and the detail in all of the different components. It's coming together great! I can't wait to see it when it's done!!

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  2. this looks really cool so far i like everything you have done so far. good job.

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