What about the hand

[Allan Rahbek]

Jan,
Yes, I think that the shape of the hand is fine, it don't bother me that the shape of the fingers, in the shadow , is only suggested and not fully drawn. In that way you add to the light effect ( "you can't see what is in the shadow because the light is to bright, effect").

I did not notice your link to the reference at first, but felt that the ridge of the nose looks too wide, the shadow should be more to the right. After reading Stevens comments I found the link and got verification that the placement was off. Then, of cause I began scrutinizing the whole thing.
I do not want to pick on you but think that you would want to know how it affects me. I feel insecure on how the shape is when the main key's to the understanding is not in the right place.
What I don't see won't confuse me, only what I do see!

[Jan Verhulst]

Thanks Allan!

[Alexandra Tyng]

Originally Posted by Allan Rahbek

What I don't see won't confuse me, only what I do see!

Jan, I think all the advice you've been getting is excellent, so I don't have much to add, but Allan's comment here really sums it up. I would go over the entire portrait, including the hand, correcting all drawing problems. The areas of hands and face are, as you know, simply areas of smaller-scale shapes and edges that need smaller-scale attention, as described above. The first and third fingers of the hand read incorrectly to me, but I think when you reaccess the forms, edges, values, etc., you will correct the way they read. It's a lovely painting and I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[Jan Verhulst]

Thanks Alexandra. I let it rest for a while and start again with a fresh eye.

[Chris Saper]

Dear Jan,

I do agree with all that has been said regarding drawing and accuracy - and for a commission piece, very critical. I would not choose this hand position for a portrait.

However, I have to say also that I love this little painting the way it is - as a painting. I love the color harmony, your unmistakable style, the composition, and even the weird hand position. I even love those quirky little dark hard- edged strands of hair - they remind me of calligraphy.

[Jan Verhulst]

Chris, thank you for your kind feedback. I understand that you would not choose this hand position for a portrait For me it was a challenge, I love this artificial pose. Ofcourse it is not a commission piece ( no one asked me for a commission so far ) Anyway the piece is resting now, I changed again to watercolors. One day I start again with it with all this feedback in mind.
Regards
Jan

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