Flatiron with Trees

In Flatiron with Trees, Lisa Bisbee frames one of New York’s most recognisable buildings with a flourish of greenery rarely seen in her city scenes. Painted in oil on canvas, the work is a fresh take on the Flatiron’s sharp geometry, softened by the organic sweep of branches and foliage. The palette pairs deep architectural neutrals with lush greens, accented by gentle blues and touches of warm light.

The interplay between the manmade and natural is heightened by Bisbee’s painterly touch. The architecture rises with steady precision, while the trees feel looser and more fluid, their leaves catching hints of sunlit colour. By giving the foliage equal prominence, the composition becomes as much about the city’s green spaces as its iconic skyline.

Artist statement: I’ve painted the Flatiron building before, but never like this. For a long time, I kept green out of my palette for my New York Series, but this time, I just had to do it. These trees are as important as the architecture of the Flatiron, so I wanted to highlight their presence.