Back in 2007, I was working as a Creative Recruiter at Update Graphics. One day, my colleague Kimberly introduced me to Justin Brock Schantz, then the Managing Director at Fantasy Interactive. Over several months, we got to know one another, and eventually, I ended up joining Justin at FI.
Over the years, we’ve become close, first professionally, now, personally… in fact, I created one of my first cityscape paintings for Justin… the Flatiron Building (below).
This past summer, we discussed a second painting: a commission of the Space Needle in Seattle… after numerous meetings, we decided on painting the view from the apartment Justin shares with his handsome man Nick…
So, as Rack would say, it was wheels up, next stop — Seattle. Upon my arrival, I was instantly excited about the view from Capitol Hill… it featured a beautiful blend of architecture and a fine sense of scale and distance.
For those who want it all now, here is the entire creation process in just over a minute. The amazing soundtrack is a live performance of a selection from the piece “Truth and Dreams” by Kate Pittman. It features Josh D Reed on trumpet and Ben Thomas on bass. Thank you for the hook-up Keith.
And so, I began taking note of the scene at twilight, night and daytime to get the information required.
Now, it was time to get down to it… and paint.
Buying several bags of plastic wrap had me feeling like Dexter… I created a safe environment in which to kill it, versus a kill room.
It took me a while to draft the scene first in pencil, then ink… I used an architectural ruler to nail down the lines and gather a sense of perspective.
I’ve always been fond of the warm under painting for a night/twilight scene…
After my first day, things were laid out and I was on my way.
In light of the schedule, I was up and working at 7AM each day to ensure I didn’t have to rush the final phases of the painting.
This was the first major step toward shifting the picture from day to night…
I wanted to explore the trajectory of light from the Space Needle, with the three focal points clearly defined.
With each additional mid-to-dark tone, the picture begins to feel more like it should…
Getting down to the final day and a half, here was my to-do list… PS, disappointed in the dioxide purple… it was so watery.
Once the windows went in, things began to come together. The beam in the foreground was essential, and yes, that is the famous Winston in the window.
Oh so close… painting bricks, refining shapes and colors… it was here I noticed the water was too bright.
Much better on the water… windows starting to pop alive, the Needle now boasts the emerald green it deserves.
Justin caught this snap of yours truly slapping my Herbie Hancock on the painting.
And finished! A fabulous trip with terrific people. I want to send a huge thank you to Justin for commissioning this painting… I’d also like to thank both Justin and Nick for graciously providing me with their apartment for nearly a week to create this painting…
OK, here are a few behind-the-scenes shots….
Yours truly and the famous Winston… despite years of being at odds with canine’s, this fine pup took a liking to me.
Waving to Justin, who snapped this picture.
When you are an artist, sometimes you must look overly contemplative in social situations.
On my flight home, I spent a great deal of time with Glen. Unrelated to the picture, I was fortunate enough to be sitting next to a wonderful lady named Nancy… we chatted about art, NYC, business and travel the entire way…
Who said you can’t buy class? City Market is looking to go viral with their Oscar Pistorius advertisement.
Took this photo to share with my wife, an acupuncturist… “The Pin Cushion” — branding commentary not required.
When I was in Thailand, Singha was the soup dejour… so too, was it in Seattle.
Justin gives Nick a fine twirl at the outstanding opening party thrown by Bosworth Hoedemaker… not pictured, fire twirlers and a jazz band.
Justin on the grab…
I believe fog on the lens was responsible for the glassy eyes…
Yours truly and Justin Brock Schantz with the final painting.
Justin was walking Winston and I took his picture… as you saw earlier, he also took mine.
A fine Seattle sunset… what better way to end this recap? But wait… there’s more! Here are some similar paintings…
And SOHO…
The Woolworth from 2009.
Impressive work Jason! I like your interpretation of the view through vibrant colors and smooth lines.
Thank you Randy! I had such a wonderful time with Justin and Nick… appreciate the compliment.