Manhattan inspiration found me once again… And, so, before I move to Idaho — I’d like to share my depiction of The World Famous Apollo Theater.
Here’s the entire process, with a rather droll narration by yours truly.
This was my source image… a shot I took years ago during an evening stroll through Harlem. A day/twilight shot is helpful when looking to articulate the sign structure in a night painting.
A single line, a blank canvas and a dream.
Sky, Apollo = essential form.
Drawing the secondary shapes, and immediately painting the words in two tones… deep red, and pure cadmium red medium.
As soon as it was done, I knew the sky required darkening… but that could wait until later.
Ah, the trusty shadows… where would I be without you? Drawing those letters on the marquee took forever.
An unusual, green-tinted ochre for the sign’s background… a subtle complementary play, with none of the Christmas.
I cut most of the bristles from a brush past it’s prime, and used it to stipple a few hundred bulbs on the white sign. And, of course, I painted the brownstone… which was essential in establishing tonal balance.
Nothing more thrilling than free-style painting neon tubes. Actually, I’m not joking.
Getting down to the final details… had to polish the windows, add some red flare to the tall Apollo sign…
Boom! A night at The Apollo, by yours truly. See you soon Manhattan, I’m sure.
It’s a beautiful painting, you should be proud💙💙
Thank you Gloria!