New York

Description

Inspired by the poem New York by young writer Jimena Muñiz of PS 98, this painting is my translation of her words into atmosphere—the rush, the noise, the dreams in the air, and the quiet pride of simply loving this place. I wanted to capture the city in its most intimate, hopeful hour: 7 a.m., when the streets are waking up, the train station hums alive, and the first line forms at the neighborhood bagel shop.

From there, I let my own language take over. I used my palette knife to carve the buildings, giving them texture, grit, and that layered feeling New York always carries. Those knife strokes let the architecture feel alive—imperfect, weathered, and full of movement. My color choices were intentional: warm golds to hold the morning light, cool blues and grays to ground the shadows, and small sparks of saturated color to echo the city’s constant pulse.

The balance between sharp palette‑knife edges and soft atmospheric glow mirrors how I experience New York—gritty and tender at the same time. This painting is my love letter to the city’s rhythm.