I have always been attracted to the process of a painting. Please continue on for a step-by-step pictorial, illustrating the layers and steps involved in the creation of this painting of New York’s Flatiron building.

First, a view of the building (I was standing on the median, across from Madison Square Park.)

It all begins with an initial sketch to feel-out the composition.

I have always been a major fan of Sharpe Markers, and like most of my work, this image began with permanent marker.

Feeling out the rest of the image.

Inserting a yellow sky background color.

For some reason, this salmon color keeps re-appearing in my recent work.

Detailing the Flatiron building with a touch of red.

Further detailing the top of the building.

Finishing the building, and working on the foreground – I have used tape to mask straight lines in the past, but for this particular canvas a hand-drawn feel was the desired effect.

It’s rare to find someone in your life who has helped you out as much as this guy has.

A nice, ugly yellow wash to set the foundation of the Flatiron Building.

Foreground development begins with selective detailing.

Continued foreground development.

A nice, fat outline of the Flatiron building.

A blue sky finds its way into the painting.

Top-level building detailing marks the end of day one.

Day two begins, here, you can see me laying the groundwork for an intense “farmers tan.”

The building, almost completely outlined.

The sides of the Flatiron get the treatment.

Flatiron, nearly completed.

The Flatiron is now finished, all that remains is the background.

The background begins to find its place.

Woosh! Completed.

Palette from day two.