The Third District: Calm Among Urban Energy

After the artistic energy of the first work and the vertical dynamism of the second, the third work in my New York Districts series explores a completely different character. While the first two pieces capture the pulse and grandeur of Manhattan, this third piece evokes tranquility—horizontal layers, natural transitions, and a palette that breathes.

This is the story of a district that functions as an oasis among the skyscrapers, a place where the city pauses for a moment.

From Vertical to Horizontal

In my previous blog post , I wrote about the second work, with its intense colors and vertical tension. This third work is the opposite: horizontal calm, muted tones, and soft transitions. It's a deliberate choice to enhance the contrast within the series.

While the first two works represent the architectural energy of Manhattan, this work explores the natural elements that give the city balance – the open spaces, the greenery, the sky, the seasons.

The Color Palette: Natural Transitions

For this work I chose a palette that reflects the natural cycle of a day in an urban park:

• Dark brown and gray – the earth, the paths, the urban edges
• Soft yellow and beige – morning light, sand, dry grass
• Gray-blue – the sky, water, shadow
• Light green – fresh green, spring, new growth
• Soft coral and peach – sunset, warmth, the end of the day

These colors are more muted than the previous works, but no less powerful. They tell a story of tranquility, of natural rhythms, of a place where the city breathes for a moment.

Horizontal Composition: Peace and Space

While the first two works have a vertical dynamic, this one is composed entirely horizontally. Five broad layers flow over each other, each with subtle color transitions that suggest the transition from day to night, from season to season.

The format – 20x50 cm – reinforces this horizontality. The work is wide and low, like a horizon, like a landscape stretching out.

Technique: Layering and Gradients

As with the previous works in this series, I work layer by layer, but in this piece the focus was on soft transitions rather than straight lines. Each horizontal band has subtle color gradients that shift from left to right—from warm to cool, from light to dark.

This requires a different technique than the geometric precision of the first two works. Here, it's about blending, about patience, about finding the right balance between control and flow.

Materials and Method

I work with high-quality acrylic paint from renowned brands. The challenge for this piece was to create natural gradients without harsh transitions. Each layer received three to four coats of paint to achieve the desired depth and opacity.

The drying process between coats gives me time to reflect on the color choices and decide whether a shade needs to be slightly warmer or cooler. This work took about a week from first coat to completion.

Why This District?

New York is a city of contrasts. Amidst the skyscrapers, the bustle, the vertical energy, there are places of tranquility—green oases where the city pauses. This third work explores such a place.

I've been to New York twice, and what always stays with me is how the city breathes. There are moments of intense energy, but also moments of stillness. This work captures that stillness—the morning in a park, the sky above the trees, the seasons changing while the city continues to move around you.

The Series So Far: Three Characters

The New York Districts series begins to take shape with three works:

• Work I – Artistic, bohemian energy with earthy tones and horizontal tranquility
• Work II – Vertical dynamics, intense colours, architectural grandeur
• Work III – Horizontal calm, natural tones, an oasis of tranquility

Each work has its own identity, but together they tell the story of Manhattan – a city of contrasts, of energy and tranquility, of architecture and nature.

What's Next?

The New York Districts series is growing. Each work explores a different aspect of this fascinating city. I'll share the progress through my newsletter and social media, so stay tuned if you'd like to follow the progress.

And who knows which district will be next – perhaps back to urban energy, or perhaps further into tranquility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this work and the previous two in the series?

This third work has a horizontal composition with muted, natural tones, while the first two pieces have more vertical dynamism and more intense colors. It represents the tranquility and natural elements of Manhattan, in contrast to the urban energy of the other works.

How long does it take to create such a work with gradients?

This work took about two and a half weeks. The gradients require multiple layers and careful blending, which takes more time than straight geometric lines.

What size is this work?

The work is 20×50 cm – a horizontal format that enhances the tranquility and space of the subject.

Will there be more works in this series?

Yes, the New York Districts series is growing. Subscribe to my newsletter to stay up-to-date on new work and behind-the-scenes insights.

Can I buy this work or prints of it?

The works from the New York Districts series will be available soon. In the meantime, check out my Skyline series with NYC-inspired works that are already available.

Follow the series:
→ Read about the second work in the series
→ Watch the Skyline series with Dawn, Day and Night
→ Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new works