Stefan Bleekrode
b.1986 | Dutch

Winter Shadows, New York

Black ink and watercolor on paper
Signed and dated "S. Bleekrode '18-'20" (upper right)

This birds-eye view of New York City was composed by the celebrated Dutch artist Stefan Bleekrode. Executed with an exquisite level of detail on an impressive scale, the work is a study in perspective and light, deftly using only shades of gray. Bleekrode captures the city near dusk, lit at a dramatic angle and casting long shadows over the landscape. Unlike any other artist of our age, Bleekrode offers a fascinating rumination on architecture and the urban space with a veracity and intricacy that few other artists could achieve. Winter Shadows, New York is a truly exceptional example of his highly original compositions.

The Dutch artist was born in 1986 and only recently pursued a full-time career as an artist. As a child around the age of 10, Bleekrode began his pursuit of perfecting the cityscape, creating birds-eye perspective drawings of architecture in pencil. In 2002, he traded pencil for ink, and around that same time fell under the influence of the works of American artist Edward Hopper. Hopper's desolate and thought-provoking artworks inspired Bleekrode's first full-scale cityscape. Shortly thereafter, he quickly gained renown for the exceptional level of detail and fascinating perspective imparted in his works.

Dated 2018-20

Paper: 22 1/4" high x 26 3/4" wide
Frame: 33" high x 36 1/2" wide