The basketmaker
 

This is Sys, an artist in many ways and also a renowned basket maker.
70 x 50 CM, oil on canvas

Allan

Let me be the first to say that this is just stunning.

Allan, this is just gorgeous! I especially like how you've handled the basket, reeds (with those reds and greens!) and her hands!

Allan,

As always, how original and refreshing! I love your portraits of ordinary and interesting folks. You are much like a modern Courbet exalting the real everyday treasured people among us. Kudos.

Garth

Allan,

This is magnificent! Now that it is finished I am amazed by the variety of texture, from her soft hair to the velour sweater to the basket! It is all so tactile, but done with an economy of brushstrokes and your superbly expressive style. It makes me want to meet her. I almost feel as though she could be someone I know.

Alex

Kim and Terri,
Thank you.

The basket is made from willow and a sort of grass that grows in freshwater ( not actually reeds like those I use for roofing ).

The basket is now exhibited in the show that we are both participating in.

Allan

I didn't think 'reeds' was the right word, but couldn't figure out what else to call them! I do especially like how you've painted them. . . The color and texture.

How neat that the basket is in the show too. Looks like a marvelous success all around!

Garth,
Thanks, I believe that every human have a story worth telling and I am going to look for them. Then later in the combination with money shhhhhhhh. ;)

Allan

Alex,
I love your brushwork and I will show you mine

Allan

Great work over again.

Thank you buddy :)

Allan

Terri,
The original photo of the finished painting was not that sharp, taken with my handhold camera, Early in the morning, the day after celebrating the opening with the remaining white and red wines having Mikael Melbye as the toastmaster............you know.
But here are the shaking details.

Allan

Allan,

There is movement, there is life, there is color. That elegant brushwork! My favorite of yours! I am SO HAPPY for you! It is a real triumph.

It is a good thing the wine was finished AFTER the painting was done!

Actually, there was another famous Dane who was not really a bundle of laughs, Hamlet brooding in Elsinore.

But then again there was that very funny pianist, Victor Borge.

What a vibrant painting, full of color and strong brushwork! And at the same time you have captured her mood of intense concentration. It's wonderful, Allan!

Allan I just knew it would be stunning! Bravo!

Allan,
I first saw this in a picture of your gallery show. This is smashing. I have seen those hands on other hard woking craftspeople like potters and wood workers. My Dad was a craftsman and had those hands. What a great painting!

Allan,
I used to watch this with interrest in the WIP section, and the result is stunning!
I especially love the details of the basket , the very graceful brushwork and those delicate colours...

Thank you Sharon,

Shakespeare had a vivid fantasy and Hamlet probably never were on the castle Kronborg. The paintings are made by a Golden Age painter named Eckersberg who belonged to the generation just before the impressionists.

When I was younger I could never understand how those painters could paint such realistic light. But now I know : values.

Linda, Beth, Richard and Marina thank you for your support.

Allan

Allan,
What a nice way for one artist to pay homage to another, no? You have an enviable way of handling paint.
So, what was her preference (in the photo), red or white?
I join her in toasting to this painting. Congratulations!

Carlos

Thank you Carlos,
I believe it was white, but I