Apollo Theater Painting by Borbay

The Apollo Theater Painting by Borbay

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.

Apollo Theater Photo by Borbay

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.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

A single line, a blank canvas and a dream.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

Sky, Apollo = essential form.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

Drawing the secondary shapes, and immediately painting the words in two tones… deep red, and pure cadmium red medium.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

As soon as it was done, I knew the sky required darkening… but that could wait until later.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

Ah, the trusty shadows… where would I be without you? Drawing those letters on the marquee took forever.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

An unusual, green-tinted ochre for the sign’s background… a subtle complementary play, with none of the Christmas.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

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.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

Nothing more thrilling than free-style painting neon tubes. Actually, I’m not joking.

The Apollo Theater Painting Process by Borbay

Getting down to the final details… had to polish the windows, add some red flare to the tall Apollo sign…

The Apollo Theater Painting by Borbay

Boom! A night at The Apollo, by yours truly. See you soon Manhattan, I’m sure.

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