Manhattan Mornings is a captivating limited edition artwork by acclaimed contemporary painter Colin Brown, whose expressive and impressionistic style has made him one of the UK's most distinctive interpreters of urban life. Known for his energetic brushwork, bold use of colour, and ability to convey atmosphere rather than strict realism, Brown transforms everyday city scenes into vibrant, emotionally charged compositions. In Manhattan Mornings, he turns his attention to the unmistakable energy of New York City, capturing the pulse of Manhattan at the start of a new day with characteristic movement, light, and vitality.
In this limited edition giclée on canvas board, Brown transports the viewer straight to the bustling streets of Manhattan. The perspective is taken from street level, where towering angular buildings rise dramatically overhead, their sharp forms creating a sense of height and grandeur. The familiar sight of a bright yellow cab - a quintessential New York icon - dominates the foreground, driving away from the viewer and drawing the eye into the composition. Around it, the city hums with life: figures, lights, and textures suggested through expressive, gestural marks that capture the rhythm of a morning commute rather than depicting it in photographic detail.
Brown's artistic style is instantly recognisable. Working primarily in acrylics, he layers bold colour and dynamic brushwork to evoke both structure and atmosphere. Beneath the surface, flashes of fluorescent underpainting - often in pinks or oranges - subtly radiate through the layers of paint, infusing the piece with warmth and luminosity. His technique combines precision and spontaneity, creating a perfect balance between abstraction and realism. The result is a scene that feels alive - not static, but full of motion, energy, and the sense of a city awakening.
The colour palette in Manhattan Mornings reflects the unique light and tempo of New York. Cool tones of grey and blue suggest the steel and glass of skyscrapers, while warmer hues of yellow and ochre bring the taxi and street to life. The contrast between these tones captures the city's constant push and pull - the harmony and chaos that define Manhattan's character. Every brushstroke seems to vibrate with energy, embodying the sound and movement of traffic, footsteps, and morning light filtering through urban canyons.
Produced as a limited edition of 95, Manhattan Mornings is hand-signed and numbered by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity. The piece is a giclée on canvas board, with an image size of 40 cm x 40 cm and a framed size of 51 cm x 51 cm. It is framed in a black wooden frame with a white inner slip, a stylish and contemporary presentation that enhances the vibrancy of the artwork while ensuring a timeless finish suitable for any interior.
Manhattan Mornings is a testament to Colin Brown's remarkable ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. His expressive mark-making and confident use of colour capture not only what the city looks like, but how it feels - fast-paced, bright, and full of possibility. The piece is both a love letter to urban life and a celebration of the moments that make city living so dynamic and inspiring.
Edition Size: 95 - Hand signed and numbered by the artist
Image Size: 40 cm x 40 cm
Framed Size: 51 cm x 51 cm
Medium: Giclée on canvas board (Limited Edition)
Frame: Black wooden frame with white inner slip
Includes: Certificate of Authenticity
Manhattan Mornings captures the energy, colour, and optimism of a new day in New York City - a striking and expressive work that showcases Colin Brown's mastery of movement, light, and atmosphere. Whether added to an existing collection or chosen as a first introduction to his work, this piece is sure to bring vibrancy and sophistication to any space.
Looking for more by Colin Brown?
We are delighted to present a curated selection of his limited edition prints and original works. Please feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in finding the perfect addition to your collection.
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