The Old Bricklayer

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi, this is Egon, out for a walk to meet old friends on Anholt.

Oil on Linen 40 x 30 cm

[Carlos Ygoa]

Allan,

Very good to see your work again. I always look forward to your unveilings.
Another beautiful piece this one...your model

[Allan Rahbek]

Carlos,
Yes, I like very much to paint Egon, he is an easy model, nothing can go wrong.
I am working up to this years exhibition on Anholt, though it is mostly landscapes, I want
to have him into it too.
The white background is a whitewash wall, I liked the clean black and white contrast against his healthy skin color and the cap is a traditional bricklayers cap... so.

The stretchers are available in all sizes at intervals of 1 cm, but I usually buy them at intervals of 5 cm. I stretced and primed the canvas my self and usually make a lot of them at a time. Lately I have bought a roll of Classens double primed no. 13, that's nice.

Thank you for your reply, hope that you are busy too.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Allan, I love this one! It is a very charming portrait, full of life and character. Really lovely!

[Allan Rahbek]

Thank you, Enzie, for the kind words.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Allan,

Another wonderful one of Egon--the lucky man! I wonder if you feel as I do about Nan, that no single portrait would describe him fully. Each time you post one of Egon, I see a whole new aspect of him, though it is clearly the same person.

The paint texture and feeling are wonderful as usual. I am so impressed by your daring to paint white on a white background. You have done a beautiful job of differentiating the textures and brushstrokes. It is so unusual to see a darker, more intensely colored figure emerging from a light background. Traditionally the face is the light element emerging from darkness--with dark hair reading as part of the background. Your reversal is so successful. He is wonderful to look at. Your painting is direct and honest; his personality shines right out. Good luck on your exhibit on Anholt this year!