The Second District in My New York Series

After the first work in my New York Districts series, I've begun the second painting. While the first work represents the artistic, bohemian energy of downtown New York, this second piece explores a completely different character—the vertical dynamics, the business pulse, the architectural grandeur of Manhattan's heart.

New York has long inspired me. In my previous Skyline series , I explored the city through the lens of time with Dawn , Day , and Night —three works that capture the transformation of the NYC skyline. With the New York Districts series, I delve deeper into the individual neighborhoods that together shape the character of this city.

From Digital Design to Canvas

Each work in this series begins digitally. In Canva, I experiment with color palettes, proportions, and compositions until the essence of a district becomes tangible. For this second work, I chose a palette that reflects the energy and diversity of this area: bright turquoise and soft coral pink alongside deep navy, interspersed with warm yellow and rich purple hues.

The digital design serves as a blueprint, but the real work begins on canvas. The first layer is crucial—it lays the foundation for texture, color depth, and the subtle transitions that bring a geometric work to life.

The First Layer: Construction and Technique

The photos show the transition from digital concept to physical paint. The first layer consists of broad, stylized planes that define the composition.

Materials and Method

I work with high-quality acrylic paint from renowned brands – reliable quality that offers good coverage and color intensity. Consistency is essential for geometric abstraction.

Layer construction and drying technology

My working method is layer by layer: an average of three to four layers per surface to achieve the desired depth and opacity. This gives me the control to refine transitions and achieve the desired color intensity—essential for geometric art where precision is key.

The drying process requires patience, but I can speed it up with a hairdryer when necessary. This flexibility in work pace allows me to efficiently complete multiple surfaces in a single day.

Precision in Geometry

For clean lines, I use professional tape, which I apply to surfaces I've first outlined with a pencil. This creates sharp edges – essential for geometric precision.

Why This District?

I've been to New York twice, and this particular district continues to fascinate me. Everything is tall, modern, and massive—skyscrapers dominating the skyline, alongside buildings that have been standing for a hundred years. That mix of old and new, of vertical grandeur and historic architecture, is what makes this neighborhood so special.

I've been there many times and I especially love the museums, shops, and architecture, as well as the theaters and iconic squares. One moment that stays with me: standing before iconic Art Deco architecture, looking up, surrounded by the energy of thousands of people—that's the essence I try to capture.

What I want to convey with this work is the grandeur of NYC—the massiveness and solidity that the city exudes. The colors and composition should make that energy and scale palpable, even on a 50x60cm canvas.

Contrast in Color and Character

While the first work plays with muted, earthy tones and a horizontal calm, this second piece brings more contrast and vertical tension. The colors are more intense, the transitions sharper – a reflection of the skyline, the bustle, the energy of this iconic district.

Both works share the same grid structure, but tell different stories. That's exactly what I want to achieve with this series: each district has its own identity, but together they form a coherent whole – just as the neighborhoods of New York together make up the city.

What's Next?

Over the next few weeks, I'll continue working on the next layers of this second work. I'll add depth, refine transitions, and add details that complete the piece. The process is slow and deliberate—each layer needs to dry, and every color choice is carefully considered.

Meanwhile, I've already started the third piece in the series – a completely different character with horizontal tranquility and natural tones. While the first two pieces capture the urban energy, this third explores the oases of calm that give Manhattan its balance.

I'll be sharing the progress through my newsletter and social media, so if you'd like to follow the process, stay tuned. And who knows which New York district will be next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a geometric painting?

With 3 to 4 coats per surface and drying time between coats, a piece typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete. This depends on the complexity of the composition and the number of surfaces.

What paint do you use for geometric art?

I work with high-quality acrylic paint from renowned brands. For geometric abstraction, consistency and opacity are essential for the best results.

How many works are in the New York Districts series?

The series is still in development. Subscribe to my newsletter to stay informed about new works.

Can I buy art prints from this series?

Once the pieces are completed, the originals and various art prints will be available. In the meantime, check out my Skyline series of NYC-inspired pieces, which are already available as prints.

Follow the series:
→ Check out the Skyline series featuring Dawn, Day, and Night – my previous NYC-inspired works
→ Read about the third work with its horizontal calm and natural tones
→ Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new works and behind-the-scenes insights