Dramatic Heights: The Empire State Building from Below

Piece description from the artist

This artwork, "Dramatic Heights", was born out of a simple moment of awe. As I was walking by the Empire State Building, I found myself looking up and thinking, "Whoa". The sheer magnitude of the structure, coupled with the beautiful weather that day, inspired me to capture the scene.

For this photograph, I utilized the camera I had on hand, focusing on capturing the best possible shot in the moment. My intention was to accurately depict the dramatic lighting and immense scale of the building.

This piece fits seamlessly into my larger body of work, as I am continually inspired by and drawn to exploring my local landscape. In a way, my practice has become a sort of visual journal of my surroundings, with each piece telling a unique story about the city I call home.

The color palette for this artwork was inspired directly by the atmospheric conditions of the day. The weather was perfect, and the light dramatically highlighted the architectural details of the building. This dramatic lighting against the backdrop of a clear sky lends an air of majesty to the piece and enhances the viewer's sense of the building's grandeur.

My hope is that viewers not only appreciate the grandeur of the Empire State Building but also consider the remarkable fusion of architecture and nature in our everyday urban landscape. In essence, this piece is a snapshot of a day in New York City, dramatic and awe-inspiring, just as I experienced it.

Other works by Noel Hefele

About Noel Hefele

Bronx, NY

I paint New York City's wild edges – the parks, waterways, and forgotten green spaces where nature persists despite urban pressure.

Based in the Bronx, I'm currently exploring Van Cortlandt Park, one of NYC's largest and wildest parks. My work captures these landscapes in oil, focusing on the moments when light, water, and seasons transform familiar places into something unexpected.

I studied at Carnegie Mellon (BFA) and in England (MA in Arts and Ecology). My paintings are in private collections internationally.

See more at noelhefele.com

See Noel's portfolio here
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