A few days ago two friends and I toured downtown Seattle. Even though the city has been our home for many years, we still found new sights to see:  for one, the newly renovated Smith Tower. Walking south, there were ample times to view the skyscrapers, and I took several street scene photos. We entered the Tower, rode up the 100-year-old elevator, and walked out onto the balcony overlooking the city. It was windy, and being wary of heights, I did not stay out long, but enough to appreciate the view over Seattle.

Back home, inspired to paint,  I chose a picture with the Smith Tower in the distance. I sketched in a rough drawing, then brushed in a fairly wet sky, bringing the paint down past the level of the buildings. Waiting just a short time, I painted in the Tower with slightly thicker paint, allowing for soft edges. Then as the painting began to dry, I painted the other nearer buildings with thick paint, all the way down to figures on the street. I saved a little white around their heads and shoulders to simulate back-lighting. Lastly I painted the people with some brighter colors.

Recommendation:  try being a tourist in your own town!

KC