Written by Today is apparently Skyscraper Day, which is meant to pay homage to those wildly tall man-made structures that have the audacity to burst through the clouds at over 40 stories tall. Since I typically sketch close-up things, this one was a bit of a challenge. I chose Shanghai simply because I think it’s a cool skyline and then quickly doodled and washed it in a far looser style than usual hoping enough bits would come through to create a recognizable cityscape. I also chose this particular view because, as an adult, I’m actually rather terrified of heights. I go a bit weak in the knees and get a little woozy when standing at the top of a skyscraper. Though I’ve always had dreams of flying, since I don’t have wings, the whole experience of being that high in the air becomes a bit daunting. Philippe has no fear of tall buildings, so when we visited New York a few years ago there are photos of us where we’re standing atop one and he’s smiling perfectly and my smile is visibly strained. Though I like to believe this is something only I can notice and everyone else thinks I’m perfectly composed. But one does have to marvel at man’s ability to create buildings taller than some mountains.
Despite man’s marvels, nature does still win out as Mount Everest is 8,848 meters high while the world’s current tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, is a mere 828 meters high. Yep, you could stack 10 Burj Khalifas and Everest would still come out on top. But, I’m still impressed and love city skylines. Our own skyline here in Kansas City isn’t very famous, but it always manages to make my heart smile each time I see it when heading back from the airport. It’s the first thing I see in the distance to let me know that soon, I’ll be happily back at home again. Our tallest building is a mere 624 meters and is only one of two in the city that would qualify as an actual skyscraper. The other, with a few more floors, but lower ceilings, is a hotel. And yet, our tallest building is still the tallest in the state, even beating out St. Louis, so that, I guess, is something to engender a bit of pride. As our little city continues to grow and thrive, more buildings are being built along the way. It will be interesting to see what everything looks like a decade from now.
I’m actually quite happy to live in a city where skyscrapers aren’t abundant. While amazing and cool, it’s also a sign of far too many people inhabiting the same space. My own city is a good size that feels energetic and exciting without that added bit of claustrophobia. When Philippe and I visited New York it was also to see if something like that would be more appealing to someone coming from Paris. It wasn’t. He didn’t like it at all and thought it was far too congested and cramped for him. I was so relieved as I didn’t really want to move to New York, but would have done so if that were a requirement. One never thinks that after spending their life in Paris they might end up in the middle of the United States instead. I’m sure there are many days that Philippe still marvels at that turn of events. Yet today, we’re quite happy with our little location. And if we head up to our rooftop deck we can even get a view of our little city’s tallest building and take a brief moment to celebrate the wonders of fate and enjoy Skyscraper Day.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Quinacridone Red, Cobalt Turquoise, and Indigo. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop! |
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I love the energy in your Shanghai painting! I’m not terribly afraid of heights, but this week-end we drove to Crater Lake and on parts of the road you have only a foot or two on the side and then a terrifying sheer drop. Have to admit every time we met a motor home coming the other way, I hyperventilated a little. Hubby laughed at me, but he wasn’t on the outside where he could see the edge!
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 Trying a faster and looser style… glad you liked it! And oh my goodness! I would have fainted and missed the rest of the trip! lol You were much braver than I my friend!
You did a great job of the city scape. It looks like a fun city, however, like you, I am not real fond of cities. Mostly due to all the people and a huge fear of getting lost in the hustle and bustle and ending up on the wrong side of the city.
Thanks, June! 😃💕 Yeah, our own city is growing fast and each day Philippe and I wonder if we might need to move out. There’s a fine line between something exciting and something that just sort of sucks the fun out of everything.
I love your take on Shanghai – wonderful use of color.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 So happy you liked this!
I love your skyline painting. I lived in suburban Chicago for a while and I loved going into the city on the train and seeing the skyline burst into view. Still, it’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there. In spite of this never-ending rain we are having here, there is nothing quite so freeing as a trip around our two acres to see what’s growing, what’s coming to an end, and making plans for next year.
Thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 Yeah, I’m rather certain that our next house will be outside the city. hehe… there’s something lovely about having a bit of barrier to enjoy without anyone else around.
Beautiful 🥀 work done ,clear n clean, super colours .Charlie.
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕 This one was a bit of an experiment! Glad you liked it!
Charlie says ” you could stack 10 Burj Khalifas and Everest would still come out on top.”
Now THAT is what you call perspective! I love it.
This one is exceptionally grand from beginning to end!
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕 hehe… yeah it certainly puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? No matter how much man accomplishes, nature is always several meters ahead. 😉
Wonderful skyscraper cityscape and story. Give me a small city any day; just standing next to a skyscraper makes me dizzy :-).
Thanks, Mary! 😃💕 hehe… you and me both! I love that my city only really has two… easier to avoid! lol
This is a brilliant drawing. I love the wild outdoors but have a lust for the city as well!
Thanks so much, Katy! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed this! And I agree! I need BOTH! Nature and the city close by. The best of it all!