Hands' Private Life. Sudden
About the work
from my blog.valta.nl:
Turn off the lights
Back to hands! About a year ago I sketched a hand gesture used to protect against bright sunlight. Now I felt I was ready to paint it on canvas. I'm pleased that people who know me can recognise my self-portrait here. So that's in the pocket.
As for the gesture, the intention was to convey a reaction to sharp light, just like when someone suddenly opens the curtains and the bright sunlight blinds the subject or when the lights are turned on unexpectedly. Metaphorically, it may be seen as anything unexpected happening when one does not initially know how to react, instinctively trying to protect oneself.
This is another one in the series Hands' Private Life. Let's call it "Sudden".
Oil on canvas 40 x 30 cm, alla prima, limited palette.