Thursday, May 7, 2009

Madison Avenue, NYC




Madison Ave. was a great photo that really inspired me, so I decided to up the scale, and try it on a black background. Karin paints this way, and when Cheryl Anderson said that she had tried it, I decided to give it a go myself, and really liked the dark ground. I've been blocking in with thinner dark paint, and then using medium values, establishing forms and shapes. This way the blocking is done with the medium to dark tones...kind of saves a step. I have to say though, I like both methods. 

 oil on masonite 

12" x 16"

NFS

30 comments:

  1. Great Vern! Living in NYC, I can add that you very successfully captured how tall the buildings feel when one walks thru Manhattan.

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  2. Wow Vern! You really upped the bar, this is fabulous. I really like the guy you added as well. The black underneath peaks through and is very effective...well done!

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  3. This is beautiful, Vern. Another painting that I thought was a photograph from my dashboard. A perfect depiction of Manhattan. Especially with all the cabs lined up like that. (A lot cleaner though:)

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  4. Wow! I love this! Great crop. You have captured the life of NYC. Wonderful!

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  5. Thanks Mona, I gotta get to NY, never been there, but it is on my top ten things to do list...okay, top three!

    Dana, you are too kind, I love adding figures and movement wherever I can.

    Thanks Nancy, it is a photograph...of a painting...ha!

    Akiko, I can hardly wait to check out NY life in person...thanks.

    Thank you Nancy, I "grounded" a few more boards in black, and hope to try, maybe a portrait ala Nancy Rhodes Harper, although that will be very tough to do.

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  6. Oh Yea, here's a Vern special ! So nice, I love the added figures .

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  7. Awesome take on the scene; the whole thing came out great. I have some black gesso that I haven't used in months, maybe I'll drag it out sometime soon and give it another go.

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  8. Wow, Vern, you nailed those buildings, and I love the figure you added! Thanks also for the link to my blog. :-)

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  9. Vern, if you do come to NYC you must give me a heads up if you have any time in your schedule to meet up in person it would be great, or if I can help in any way to make your visit more fun.

    Thanks so much for following both of my blogs and for your comments, I appreciate it.

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  10. Wow Vern! As always you 'wowed' me again. You're the tops, the cat's meow, the sparkle in the diamond.... (okay I'll stop now)

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  11. I love this renditition of the DSFDF challenge, one of my favourites,it's full of life and energy.

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  12. This is a great piece and the add on, the guy, is very nice.

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  13. Good gosh. Vern, you big show-off!!

    *turns pea green with envy*

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  14. This is truly awesome, Vern. One of my favorites. You upped the bar indeed, as Dana said.

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  15. Vern,
    I just have to say ditto to all that was said. I like how bold you got with the taxis and especially with the figure in front. Nice darks.

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  16. Howdy, Vern...got behind during my move from Costa Rica. I scrolled your blog, and you have been busy, and it looks super. Kudos. P.S.I thought I was on your follower list, but I disappeared..I'm on now...duh.

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  17. I LOVE your version of NYC, Vern. Apparently painting on a black ground really works for you. You nailed it.

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  18. You've made my day...thank you so very much to everyone for all the wonderful comments. This challenge was right up my alley of interest, so it is doubly rewarding to have my efforts validated by a fine group of artists such as yourselves.

    And, a tip of the old cowboy hat to James...great to see you rolling again.

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  19. Ok, it looks like architecture is your "thing". What a great entry, really brings you into the painting and makes you feel you are actually in the city.

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  20. Wow, Vern, quite stunning! So elegant and refined. One of your best yet!

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  21. Vern...1st thanks for the comments on my work. I enjoyed seeing yours and understand why you scaled up. A lot of info for the photo. I liked your addition of the man and the positioning. Great job!

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  22. Vern, Your submission really caught my eye. Nice work!

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  23. The buildings are so OZ-ish. Love the grayish haze on them! Putting the pedestrian in was a nice compositional perk! Very nice, Vern!

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  24. Beautiful job Vern, those building really recede nicely in the mist (smog!?!)

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  25. Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate all the great comments.

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  26. Fantastic Vern! I have been out of the loop for a few challenges but I have tried and tried to paint this one... very difficult! You make it look so easy! Congrats!

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  27. I really like the addition of the figure in the foreground. Nice!

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  28. Very nice Vern. I've tried grey background..hmm..Ill have to give black a try.

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  29. Very beautifully done, I like the soft focus on the background, gives an added sense of depth!

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