PAINTING THE TOWN - URBAN SCENE

 Click here to Buy for $50 – 4x6 oil on cardboard

City scenes offer artists a wonderful variety of interesting shapes and colors. Architecture, cars and trucks, and people, as well as natural elements like trees and shrubs. But many artists feel overwhelmed by too much information in urban subjects. I think the answer to is to simplify, and include only enough detail to communicate the essence of the subject. I like to look for the “big shapes” of color, form and value. After all, those are the elements that usually catch my eye. Capture those aspects of the scene first, then decide how much detail is needed. That’s the approach I used here; hope you like it.

 

URBAN PLEIN AIR ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by TOM

"A HIDDEN SIDE OF BALBOA ISLAND"
5x7 inch Plein Air Urban Landscape
by Tom Brown
To purchase email: tombrownstudio@cox.net
SOLD

For a change of pace I decided to paint an urban plein air scene. I set up my compact little pochade easel along the streets of Balboa Island in Newport Beach. This view actually looks down a back alley of this charming little island beach town.

The variety of architecture and sparkling bits of color that were interlocked throughout the scene caught my eye. The phone poles and power lines created additional interest.

While I painted I took a photo for comparison with the finished painting. The amount of detail was a challenge to paint without losing the sense of freshness I wanted to maintain. But I feel I succeeded and I was very pleased with the results. Click on the detail image for a better look.

I have decided this painting will be included in the book of my art due to be released later this year. If you would like to purchase this little jewel at "pre-gallery" prices email me for details. tombrownstudio@cox.net

Later this year I will again be represented by brisk-and-mortar galleries, which will cause a rise in prices. Until then I can still release my paintings at online prices.

Hope you like this one. It was a pleasure to paint. Thanks for stopping to look.
-- Tom Brown

SMALL AFFORDABLE IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“SUNLIGHT & SHADOWS”
6X8 inch California impressionist
plein air oil painting by Tom Brown

Trees swayed in the gentle breeze, and their shadows danced lightly across this walking path and bridge. Sometimes a subject grabs me so strongly that I have no choice but to put it on canvas.

If this little jewel speaks to you grab it while you can! Email me for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Sharing these visual treats with others is my goal. For a while I can still offer these little treasures at very affordable prices until I resume gallery affiliations late next year.

SMALL AFFORDABLE IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“A MOMENT CAPTURED”
5x7 inch California impressionist
plein air oil painting by Tom Brown
SOLD

The subject is sometimes 1/10th the idea and emotion is 9/10ths of it.

This unusual piece was painted at the edge of the abandoned El Toro military base as I waited for a TV crew to arrive. They were coming to film another segment of my TV show.

I had arrived early and as I looked around I felt a sense of sadness at this disappearing era. Soon there would be no trace of this entire chapter of history. Countless lives and stories had been intertwined here over the decades, and now it was vanishing forever.

Weeds have pushed through the cracked pavement. Palm trees have sprouted uninvited and engulfed a utility pole. Phone wires crisscross in every direction. In the distance a few vehicles are parked beside an abandoned warehouse as workers prepare to demolish the building.

Something compelled me to capture this final glimpse of history before it was gone forever.

Sharing these visual treats with others is my goal. For a while I can still offer these little treasures at very affordable prices until I resume gallery affiliations late next year.

I realize that this painting will not appeal to everyone, but it was painted because the subject moved me. If this little jewel speaks to you grab it while you can! Email me for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

FULL MOON OVER THE CITY Original Oil Painting (click here to bid)

“FULL MOON OVER THE CITY”
by Tom Brown
6x6 inch original oil painting

SOLD

Here is another in my recent series of skyline paintings that were created on location in the big city. This one has very subtle color and brushwork that cannot be clearly displayed on a computer screen. The actual art must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. To bid on this painting click the headline above the image. Thanks for looking.

Today’s thought to smile about:
A moonlight stroll with someone special

Urban Skyline Landscape Painting (click here to bid)

“JET TRAILS” by Tom Brown
CONTEMPORARY URBAN PAINTING
6x6 ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
SOLD

As I painted this city skyline and palm trees at twilight I noticed a jet passing far overhead. It left a delicate trail that was glowing in the sun, adding a magic touch to this scene.

This painting is available on eBay. To bid, click the headline above the image. And please keep an eye on my blog for more in this series of city skylines and other subject matter, plus interesting stories and other features.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Vacation plans

Urban Skyline Landscape Painting (click here to bid)

“BIRDS ON A WIRE” by Tom Brown
CONTEMPORARY URBAN PAINTING
6x6 ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
$45, available on eBay

Look closely at the painting and you’ll see the inspiration for the title. This painting is available on eBay. To bid, click the headline above the image.

Since I was painting in a busy urban area I used my compact “laptop” paintbox and worked in the comfort of my car. I thought that would help avoid interruptions. I was wrong.

A local gentleman parked his shopping cart full of worldly possessions next to my car and informed me that he and his one-eyed dog would hang out and keep people from bothering me. As I painted he kept up a running monologue and educated me about everything there is to know in life. True to his word, he DID keep other people from bothering me.

My new-found best friend spotted my camera and even offered to shoot my photo in case I “became famous.” When I finished I thanked him with a bit of cash to buy a good meal or whatever he and his dog needed and we parted, each a bit richer for the experience.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Hot and cold running water

Original Oil, "Big City Landscape" Skyline (click here to bid)

“BIG CITY SKYLINE AT SUNSET” by Tom Brown
CONTEMPORARY URBAN PAINTING
6x6 ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING

SOLD

As with yesterday’s painting, I used my compact “laptop” paintbox and worked in the comfort of my car, which I thought would help avoid interruptions. But I was wrong; check back tomorrow for an interesting story that happened while I was painting one of these!

Today’s thought to smile about:
Pies, still warm from the oven

City Landscape– Ready to Hang (click to see my eBay art)

“BIRDS ON A WIRE” by Tom Brown

CONTEMPORARY URBAN PAINTING
6x6 – READY TO HANG

SOLD

This one was purchased as I was posting this blog, but I wanted to show it anyway. It’s another in my new City Series. As with yesterday’s painting, I used my compact “laptop” paintbox and painted this while sitting in the comfort of my car. That enabled me to work in the hustle and bustle of the city without interruptions from onlookers (most of the time).

Watch for others in coming days, along with some interesting stories that happened while I was painting them.

Today’s thought to smile about:

Children’s chalk drawings on the sidewalk

Urban Landscape– Ready to Hang (click to see my eBay art)

“PERIWINKLE SKY” by Tom Brown
CONTEMPORARY URBAN PAINTING
6x6 – READY TO HANG

SOLD

Here is another in my City Series. As with yesterday’s painting, I used my compact “laptop” paintbox and painted this while sitting in the comfort of my car.

The subject matter in this series of urban paintings is a bit different from my usual landscapes, and I really enjoyed creating this series. Watch for more of these paintings on my blog in coming days.

This painting comes ready to hang. I’m offering it here at a lower-than-usual price for a limited time only. If you are interested in buying this painting, please email me at: tombrownart@gmail.com.

Today’s thought to smile about:
The word “periwinkle”

City Landscape At Sunset - Ready to Hang

“CITY SUNSET” by Tom Brown
CONTEMPORARY URBAN PAINTING
6x6 – READY TO HANG

SOLD

This is a bit different subject matter from my usual paintings, and it’s a real beauty! I had my “laptop” paintbox with me during a trip into the city and did a series of interesting 6x6 inch city paintings. This is one of the series. I couldn’t resist recording this unique skyline as the sun set. Watch my blog for more in this series!

This painting comes ready to hang. I’m offering it here at a lower-than-usual price for a limited time only. If you are interested in buying this painting, please email me at: tombrownart@gmail.com.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Truck stop cafes

LARGE URBAN SCENE, PEOPLE, FIGURATIVE DAILY PAINTING (click here to see my eBay art)

“THE HUM OF THE CITY” by Tom Brown
LARGE IMPRESSIONIST DAILY PAINTING
24X18 OIL/CANVAS
(MAKE ME A REASONABLE OFFER AND THIS COULD BE YOURS)

This large urban scene is filled with interesting detail to explore. A man leans against the antique town clock checking his wristwatch. Couples stroll past carrying shopping bags, holding hands or immersed in conversation. Businessmen with briefcases are involved in animated discussion. A young boy holds hands with his father. A senior couple walks with a younger man (possibly their son) who is carrying his jacket over his shoulder, while another figure pauses to observe something beyond our sight. Sunlight caresses their shoulders and creates long graceful shadows across the foreground.

Click the picture to see a larger image. I have included a detail photo of a few figures as well as the complete painting. This is a large painting, 24x18 inches and it is loaded with interesting details and hidden stories. It will grow on you, as you discover new details in it day after day.

I have had this painting on my own walls to enjoy since painting it, and now I am finally willing to let it find another good home. If you are interested in it, make me a reasonable offer and perhaps it can be yours. You can email me at:
tombrownart@gmail.com

I accept PayPal, Money Orders or personal checks. I ship to US only. To see my paintings that are offered on eBay click the headline above this photo. Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day.

Today’s thought to smile about:
People-watching

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST URBAN PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING (click here for my eBay auctions)

“END OF A PERFECT DAY” by Tom Brown
8”x10” Original Oil on Canvas Panel

SOLD

Office buildings shimmer in the final rays of golden sunlight with picturesque mountains in the background. This scene is in Irvine, California near the 405 Freeway and John Wayne Airport.

This painting was done on location (en plein air) as rush hour was under way. It’s a bit of a change from my usual scenes of pristine landscapes. I felt drawn to these monolithic office structures and the myriad buildings in the distance sparkling in the setting sun, and felt they made a worthy subject for a painting. Hope you like it too. Thanks for looking.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting please email me at:
tombrownart@gmail.com

I accept PayPal, Money Orders or personal checks. I ship to US only. To see my paintings that are offered on eBay click the headline above this photo. Thanks for looking.