![west-market-street[1].jpg](/wp-content/uploads/image/west-market-street[1].jpg)
One of the most dramatic night scenes in downtown Indianapolis is the view looking west on Market Street. The Indiana State Capitol building is lit up. It is glowing white against the dark sky.
I’ve painted it white. I’ve tried to give the feeling of the spotlights on it by showing lighter blue streaks in the sky. Meanwhile, the buildings on either side are dark, giving a strong contrast. I’ve used linear and atmospheric perspective to give the feeling of looking down a street. The street goes from wide to narrow. The street lights are closer in the front, then smaller as they move to the rear. The same is true of the cars parked on the side of the road.
Comments on West Market Street
Tom, I love how you describe the specific techniques you use in your paintings. It is always enlightening for me. But it is the way you use these techniques to create a much greater whole that always excites me.
My wife and I have the special privilege of enjoying this painting every day in our home. When I "look" at it, I recognize the perspective and the colors. But when I "see" it, I am moved
It’s like listening with my eyes.
And that, my friend, is why you are an artist — an artist whose instruments just happen to be canvas, brush, and palette.
I think this painting is beautiful. I love the nighttime sky, the lights on the street, and the way they reflect off of the buildings.
I was just on Market street last night looking in this direction, and this painting came to mind. It is beautiful in person, and you definitely captured the mood.
What I like about this painting is the cool colors portraying the night, contrasted by the warm colors that come from the lights.
I love the sky.