Hands holding a stone
 

My friend Egon presenting a stone that he found on the beach.

Oil on linen, 25 x 30 cm

Allan I never cease to be impressed by your ability to see what would work as a painting, and to make it work by the decisions you make while painting (detail or lack of detail, color, focus, brushstrokes, edges, etc.). As always, you have chosen a subject that is intensely personal and meaningful to you. I can relate to your desire to paint aspects of the people you know well--as you know I'm always painting my family and friends. When I see that you have posted something, I never know what to expect, but I know it will be a delight and a surprise.

Egon's hands are so alive. I love how you have captured the color and texture of an older person's fair skin. The fingernails are particularly well done. His left forefinger has just a thin edge of nail which is beautifully rendered.

To me the background seems just right!

Alex, thank you for your, as always, thoughtful response.
I had a litttle doubt if this painting would qualify for the portrait forum, but concluded that it could be a detail from a possible portrait, so........ hands are figurative, for sure.

I think that painting people I know is interesting because I sometimes know of certain habits that can be focused. Egon, the old bricklayer, has a keen eye for stone materials and he find human expressions in many of them. This small stone was found when we were on Anholt, he had it in his pocket and showd it to me when we sat on the ferry going back home.
I did the painting with only four colors; Golden Ochre, Indian Red, Ivory Black and Titanium White.

Egon, I love your paintings of this friend of yours! This is a great study of hands and a nice painting. I like the composition and you have really captured the deft way he is holding the rock. As always, I enjoy studying your brushwork. Very nice.

Thank you, Patty,
I will keep it a secret until we open this years exhibition on Anholt, if I can.

Alan, another beautiful piece. Well done!