Morten finally

[Allan Rahbek]

Morten,

Those of you who have seen this painting of Morten in the WIP section will know that there was an interlude of a burning roof and delay of painting it.
The remaining part at that time was mainly the lower half with the arms and table. I also decided to widen the painting by 5 CM on both sides.

The painting is now in a show where I had a few shots at it today.

I add some details too. There were some glares on the top of the pictures from today so I used a detail of the head from an earlier state where only the collar is changed a bit.

70 x 55 CM oil on canvas.

Allan

[Mary Pedini]

Allan,
This is terrific. I admire the way you handle the paint and love your colors.

Mary

[Alexandra Tyng]

Oh, Allan! I love everything about this portrait and seeing it finished is a real treat for the eyes.

Conceptually it really grabs me. His intense eyes would be enough by themselves, but combine them with his mixture of sensuous and slightly aescetic face and body language (arm position) and you get a really powerful portrait that appeals on many levels. Many women will love this (hey, I'm 52 but that doesn't make me immune to his charms) but men will love it, too, because it is so much more than a portrait of a good-looking man. He is totally an individual. The fact that you have captured all this is remarkable.

In other words, it has "retina-burn" galore. I hope you enter this in a BIG competition.

Now on to the technical level. This is also a winner because of your total command of composition and mood, as well as edges, color temperature, value, etc. I especially love your big, broad brushstrokes. Thanks for posting those closeups.

Okay,enough already! You get the idea.

Alex

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Hi buddy...

That's great!
I liked it very, very much. I liked the composition and the rythym, and also the way you inserted that table, when I saw the reference photo I wondered how you would portray the arms, and that was a good idea.
Your impasto is great!

[Allan Rahbek]

Thank you Mary, Alex and Bonfim for your appraisals.

Alex,
Your very generous analyze totally humbled me so I had to go out into my garden to think of something else to say, than "I agree".

When I was younger I used to be almost paralyzed in the company of beautiful people, but now I merely think "good for you" and try to look at my models as they are in the whole, body and mind. Actually I find that beauty is more and more a psychological thing.

One of the visitors, at the varnishing day, said that I seems to like my models. I am glad that it shows.

Thanks again, Allan

[Claudemir Bonfim]

The way you did his hands reminds me of Shanks.

[Allan Rahbek]

Bonfim,
This is the hands of Pavarotti. I have once met his double. He lives in Mehamn in the northern of Norway and is a fantastic singer too.

Notice how Shanks crosshatch his lines rather than draw along them.

Allan

[Mischa Milosevic]

Allan, this is awesome! I really enjoy looking at your work. Thank you for posting.

Sincere regards,

mischa

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng

......In other words, it has "retina-burn" galore. I hope you enter this in a BIG competition.

Now on to the technical level. This is also a winner because of your total command of composition and mood, as well as edges, color temperature, value, etc. I especially love your big, broad brushstrokes.

Well said Alex; I couldn't agree more.

Allan this portrait is astonishing to behold! In my mind, this is among the very strongest portraits yet posted. The energy, conviction, and implied animation in Morten is breathtaking through the virtuosity of your brushwork. I defy anyone to do better.

You better win something BIG with this portrait! Congratulations, you do inspire us!

Garth

[Julie Deane]

I don't have any extra to add to what has already been said, but I love how you have done this painting. Your work is an inspiration...