Out the Window

4

My favorite things to paint are people, cars, and buildings. Recently I was eating lunch with my daughter in a restaurant in Northville, Michigan. As I casually chewed my sandwich, I was struck by the interesting view out the window – the silhouettes of the window frames and tables inside the restaurant. A lady was seated at a table carrying on a very animated conversation with her friend. The wind blew her hair. At the same time, cars passed by. The shops across the road made an interesting background. I was so excited! I knew I needed to try to paint this scene!

The first technique I used is atmospheric perspective. It is done in layers. First I show the interior of the restaurant. You see the silhouettes of window frames and tables. Words are painted on the window. The next layer is the woman. Between her and the cars is the umbrella. The last layer shows the shops across the street. The items in each layer get smaller than the previous, giving a feeling of depth.

I have portrayed reflected light on the window sills, the tables, the cars and the woman’s face and hair. Finally, I have divided everything into shapes and colors.

Comments on Out the Window Leave a Comment

July 15, 2011

Jennifer @ 7:11 am #

That is a fun painting, with wonderful color, depth and a very interesting perspective!

July 16, 2011

Susie @ 9:51 am #

I am amazed that you can “see” a painting everywhere you go. What an eye you have! I’ve enjoyed looking at all of the layers and the shadows each makes. Such pretty colors, too!

Sarah @ 8:16 pm #

This is a fun painting to look at for a while and see all of the layers and action going on.

July 30, 2011

Ashley @ 6:58 pm #

I was there! I was excited to see a paiting that I remembered and witnessed:)
I love what you did with the painting, Grandpa! All the reflections and layers
make the painting very interesting to look at!

Leave a Comment

Fields marked by an asterisk (*) are required.