I use one-point perspective to have the skyscrapers vanish into the distance, with a Bob Ross' tip for the sky, lighter at the bottom and more saturated at the top. I wanted the diamond storefront to stand out, so I distorted the composition just a bit. This whole oil painting is abstract, look at all that texture. Sparkles all down the street. We walked through the Diamond Exchange district window shopping to see all the gems. In the olden days, artists would grind down the gems to use as pigment in their oil paintings. Today, most pigments are synthetic equivilants, though you can still pick up the real thing, Lapis Lazuli has a retail list price of $682 USD for 225ml, now that would make for an uber-expensive painting.
 
This oil painting by Lisa Bisbee captures the energy and allure of the Diamond Exchange District in Manhattan, NYC, using her signature vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes. At the heart of the composition is the glowing storefront of a jewelry shop, prominently featuring a bold “DIAMOND” sign that draws immediate attention. The windows radiate a golden warmth, suggesting the sparkle of precious gems within, in contrast to the cool, shadowed tones of the surrounding buildings. The architecture is painted in striking pinks, purples, and blues, with light and reflection dancing across their surfaces, creating a sense of urban dynamism. The street scene is alive with movement, as distant car headlights shimmer in yellow and orange tones, leading the eye down the road into the depth of the cityscape. The perspective draws the viewer into the painting, giving the sense of walking through the bustling district at twilight or early evening. The sky, a blend of deep blues and purples, adds to the atmospheric intensity, enhancing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow. Lisa Bisbee’s expressive, thick impasto brushstrokes lend a textured, almost sculptural feel to the painting, making the lights appear to flicker and the streets pulse with energy. This piece brilliantly captures the magic and excitement of New York’s famed Diamond District, blending realism with an imaginative, dreamlike quality.