Painting Process: Street Cars

Thinking of the upcoming Northshore Art Market and the fact that I didn't really have many New Orleans scenes in my paintings, I came across this photo among my reference photos and thought I'd give it a try. As the painting came together (over a day and a half period of time), I could tell it was going to work, that I was going to like this painting. So, with an eye toward my sometimes under-utilized blog, I took a series of photos at each step of the process for all to enjoy.

Above is a quick sketch up with a China marker [which is like a combination of crayon and charcoal]. I do this of course to get the placement right, or close enough to begin with.

Then I just started laying in paint. Early on, I was pleased with the look of it; I even thought about leaving the background unfinished. I am a fan of mixed media and since I enjoyed the spontaneity of the China markers, I decided from the beginning that I would carry that through to the finished piece.

Above, I have just finished blocking in the background with paint.

Started adding more detail. Also shaped up the street car in the foreground [it was looking a little chunky].

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="New Orleans Street Cars - 24x36" - sold"][/caption]

*click to see a larger version

I'm very happy with the finished piece. Most of the detail work went into the foreground car; it's still a loose interpretation, but at the same time, a very specific street car. Not sure what the banners/flags were announcing or celebrating - I know they said something about Loyola. I really like how the shadows of the overhead cables play over the street car. Let me know what you think - leave me a comment, please! And see this painting in person at the Northshore Art Market in Covington, LA - all day Saturday, October 11th.

Comments

[Wess Foreman | Open Studio &ra]

[...] Painting Process: Street Cars, in which I paint a New Orleans scene [...]