This might look like an advanced lesson (perspective! cars! figures!) but instead the focus is on how to break it all down and simplify. We uncover what makes the painting work and try out merging references to get the best solution for the painting -- even when things start to go wrong (scrape and restate the sky).
Materials: 9x12" all-media primed panel. Traditional and water-mixable oils to start (shown in video with palette). See supply list for basic colors, plus I add Naples Yellow (a pale neutral yellow) but this color is optional.
1) Follow along with the demo. Photo inspiration is woven in to the video.
2) Try to pick a street scene that you like from your travels. (This lesson is best if you have been to the location.) Next choose an artwork of colors or shapes that you like. Try mixing the 2 references together. Try to understand what the artist wanted to emphasize or minimize. This is a great way to 'see with fresh eyes' and leave the ridged boundaries and extra details of a photo behind.
3) Make it your own, and play with it! The best results will be a combo of all 3 prompts here.