Painting of the Week

Painting of the Week – New York Times

Painting a Night Scene

Painting a Night Scene

New York Times by Fargo Artist Ellen Jean Diederich

Paul and I walked through Times Square in 2012 when we were there for his first board meeting as National President of the Associated General Contractors. So entranced by the lights, I decided to paint my first night painting. Returning after I painted this, I noticed that the beard I added to the statue really wasn’t there…but it looked good. Perhaps a statue could grow a beard. It is amazing what you can see and experience just within walking distance of our hotel and it was fun to be there.

In New York Times, I painted all of the lights first and surrounded them with darks. Placing (bright orange against the dark blue), (bright reds agains the dull green) or (bright yellow against the dark violets) creates the natural vibration of complimentary colors side by side, enhancing the halo effect. Currently, I am working on a painting of a beautiful sunset in Acrylic which is a totally different experience from watercolor because you start with the darks first. I call it the dark period. Unlike watercolor, you don’t get that beautiful light feeling right away, however, it makes for a very joyful finish at the end. Warning: the dark period when painting a night scene often creates a mood you are not looking for and can cause anxiety. It is good to be patient at that stage, and know soon the highlights will bring your painting to life.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

New York Times is available as a Giclée

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The Downtown Street Fair in Fargo has been cancelled. Please mark your calendar for my Masked Art Sale July 15-17 at my studio!

 

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