Studies of New York Coliseum, Columbus Circle, Convention Center.] [Color study perspective 1950

Winold Reiss made this color study perspective of the New York Coliseum, Columbus Circle, Convention Center with colored pencils. The perspective is so interesting! It's like Reiss was trying to capture not just the building, but the feeling of space, the way light moves through the structure. I can almost imagine him there, squinting at the building, quickly laying down these marks, trying to get the essence of the place down on paper. Look at the rainbow columns holding up the heavy black ceiling; the red ovals seem to float above. Reiss is playing with geometric shapes and the interplay between light and shadow. The quick strokes give it this cool, slightly disorienting vibe. You know, this piece makes me think about other artists who were also fascinated by urban landscapes and geometric forms. It’s as if they were all in conversation. And I think that each artist builds on the ideas of those who came before, adding their own unique twist.