This is a modern lifting bridge in the Hague. I was attracted to the complex reflection, although it comes to life as a scene because of the two women crossing it, on their way somewhere.

I limited my palette to create an homogeneous feel to the painting. This is ultramarine, burnt and raw sienna, cerulean blue and a touch of sap green and al. crimson. Then I thought predominantly about the big shape - which in this case is admittedly very complex.

However the real challenge with this one for me was to really push back the background buildings while also giving them some detail. I ended up painting them and then pulling out a lot of paint to get a hazy feel, then I dropped a second wash of blues over them and the sky completely. That took a bit of courage, but I'm glad I did it, I think you need to take risks in order to learn.