The dusk lighting in this painting was a fun challenge to try and capture. Unlike many of my cityscapes, there was no rain on this particular evening. The fading sunlight played off the glass buildings, while the growing intensity of streetlights and headlights cast a warm, reddish glow on the street.

On this particular Friday evening, I was involved in an art show in the Crossroads district of Kansas City. I had taken a break to step outside to chat with a collector, and then lingered for awhile afterward to enjoy the fresh air. As I looked toward downtown, this scene struck me, as the city was transitioning from day to night, and from workweek to weekend. I wished I had my paints, to capture it live, but had to settle for shooting several photos to work from later in the studio.

One of the advantages of being a painter rather than a photographer is the freedom to diverge from reality. So, while I used my photos as reference points, this studio piece relies more on memory with a large dose of creative independence.

This painting was done alla prima (working wet paint into wet paint in a single session). My color palette was limited to Payne’s grey, transparent red oxide, cadmium red light, and cadmium yellow light, in addition to black and white. I find that by limiting my color palette and relying on mixing colors forces me to focus on value (dark versus light), which I think results in a more dramatic effect.

These smaller studies are often a “trial run” for me as I think about developing larger pieces. I like the way this one turned out, and so it will likely be the inspiration for a larger piece at some point.

This piece measures 9” tall and 12” wide. It sells in a black wood frame (frame size approximately 14” by 17”) and ready to hang. Price includes frame and free shipping in the U.S.