"Organism" (8x16 oil on panel) painting process

When I lived in the Bay Area, I gathered many inspiring references that ended up being paintings. This cityscape was one of my favorites:

"Organism" (8x16 oil on panel, 2014)

When I paint cityscapes, I use a photo (usually multiple photos) as the starting point. Here is my raw photo:

From the raw photo, my goal is to elevate the ordinary to something interesting. I try to create dramatic focus in the painting.
First stage (over an old painting....a weird self portrait). Here I start with large masses and values to see if my concept will work:

Next stage:

Next stage:

Next stage:

I'm making focus by targeting the following in one area: higher detail, sharper edges, richer color, higher value contrast.

And the finished painting, "Organism" 8x16. This painting is creepy to me. There is something foreboding about it. The absence of human figures and the stillness is disturbing. I'm not sure if others will get the same feeling from this. I'm pleased with the effect:

Thanks for reading! -David

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