After three days in Times Square, my ESPN Zone NYC picture has been completed. About a month ago, I was painting Elaine’s on 2nd Avenue, when ESPN Zone’s Marketing Manager stopped by. She inquired about my painting their storefront in honor of ESPN Zone NYC‘s ten year anniversary.

A few emails later, I found myself in the heart of Times Square, recreating everyone’s favorite sports lounge. After the jump, the full painting process. Thank you to everyone who came out to visit over the past few days, including, Erin, Pat, Justin, Rob, Dan, Wendy, Liza, Eegan, Paul for stopping by – as well as Ari and Jim for the nightcap(s). As always, thank you people of, and visitors to, New York City – you make my day 100x better with your conversation.

Setting up shop on the Great White Way.

Beginning with the green Sharpie, to define the basic compositional elements.

A touch of orange means I have found my composition.

The basic layout is in place – and here comes the sun.

Moving on to the final drafting stage with a black outline.

Drawing nearly complete, and I am three iced coffee’s in – thank you for the Grande Mr. Leavy.

While the shadows moved wildly throughout the day (as they always do), I decided on a high-noon layout for the sidewalk – far more interesting than static slabs.

The sidewalk is playing the blues.

Getting into the reflections in the curved window with the same palette from the sidewalk.

It was at this point I realized – two day canvas. Additionally, cartoonist extraordinaire Justin gave me some futuristic hockey tape when he stopped by – good ones.

Being a true cadmium red fiend, I couldn’t wait to add the Zone.

With a derivative orange red, I began to outline the colors in the building in the background.

Adding the grey, soon to be silver, awning – window reflections – check.

The action going on behind me – you will notice, this would have been a record crowd for me if they were facing the other way.

Little brush, biggish canvas, stained tank top, SPF 50.

It is always around here the quest to eliminate the white space becomes maddening.

As the sun sets, so too does my hope to finish this thing in one day. Thankfully, ESPN Zone provided a delicious late lunch for Erin and I – thank you Susan.

Getting in there, trying to get some closure on the top window reflection.

Getting detailed, background almost covered.

And here is where it ended after day one. Thank you to everyone for the coffees, food, conversation and photographs.

Finally, a trip to the Corner Bistro with Ari and Sam for a beer or eight.

Day two begins, working towards a white-free canvas, and adding some yellow light on the sidewalk.

As I continued to shape the building above the “Fit” sign in the background, it began to bother me – so, yellowish white wash time.

Paneling on the storefront and mood-lighting on the marquee.

Getting close, but there is much detail to add. The windows are starting to pop – hopefully, one more session.

Day three begins with the flames above the ESPN Zone marquee.

Flames added, metal patterns swirling, reflections reflecting, swatch lights now exist.

Polishing the picture, trying to make little improvements throughout with equal color and highlight distribution.

Bring the stipple back on the neon sign.

And we are finished – the final piece in context with the reality of the scene.

Here it is, ESPN Zone NYC in Times Square. Up next – get this picture to Sportscenter for a mention and shameless promotion – a Holiday Ham to anyone who can make this happen. Let me know.