08 November 2008

civil right hand


11x14 oil on canvas

I often dream up ideas or solve problems in the dawn of the day, while my head is still on the pillow and I can let stream of pre-consciousness do its thing. I've nearly convinced my family that I should not be disturbed at this time, because one of these days I'm bound to solve something major, like poverty or Middle East issues. Usually, though, it's about groceries or what color to paint the bathroom.

I woke up Wednesday, elated, my mind spinning. I composed half a letter to the president elect that I'm sure I will never finish. But I also pictured a portrait of my hand and the title. The background was not part of the original plan, but came about when I scraped my palette from a previous painting. I did not begin with a drawing, so I was happy to be able to get a likeness of my little raccoon paw right away, which only needed to be tweaked a little.

With My Own Two Hands, Ben Harper
 Everyone is Good, the Roches
Beautiful City, from Godspell

19 comments:

Nava said...

Great title for a great painting! Love the contrast between the accurate (and wonderful) rendition of the hand and brush, and the absolutely wild background!

Dar Presto said...

Thank you Nava!
After debating with myself I added text to the post. I'm never sure if people want their donuts plain or with sprinkles.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Hello! I always love to read whatever you write, Dar! Both writing and painting seem to be things you do very easily! Keep up the great work!! (On a side note, I linked to you!)

Dar Presto said...

Thanks very much, Diane, for the compliment, and for the link.

Nava said...

Oh, with sprinkles, please. Let me know when, one of these dawns, you come up with the solution to the Middle East issues. I am here by my heart is still back there, so any help would be welcome :-).

I've also linked to you.

Dar Presto said...

I'll keep working on it, Nava! Fueled by a sprinkly donut of course.

Ann Reyes said...

Dar, what a thought provoking painting! The hand and brush are very well done and the whole image is expressive! I have a feeling there's a story here.

Thanks for commenting on my blog!

Dar Presto said...

Hi Ann, thank you very much.
I suppose I could write a thousand words...

Susan Carlin said...

Dear, wonderful Dar- I wonder if you might consider offering prints of this painting to all of us who are so appreciative of it? I know I'd like to have one. Sarah Sedwick used a print site called Razzle, I believe. I'll try to find out, in case you're willing. Thank you VERY much for your kind and encouraging words this morning. I'd love to be your neighbor.

Dar Presto said...

Susan, I would be absolutely honored to share this image. That's all new to me, so I'll investigate, and drop you a line.

http://www.onpainting.wordpress.com said...

This is a very very neat painting.

Anonymous said...

Dar- what a terrific and symbolically timely painting. The hand- wow the hand. Maybe the hardest thing to paint...

The brush held high, along with our exuberance, hope, pride in ourselves and our country- it's a great painting.

Not a raccoon paw at all, but the hand of a very capable and prolific painter.

Dar Presto said...

Bill, thank you very very much.
Bonnie, I was thrilled to be able to pull this off. Thank you.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

I liked the feeling of it right away.
I feel hope returning, like the sun breaking out after a storm. God Bless President-elect Obama.

Dar Presto said...

Hi Mary, let the sunshine in.

Marian Fortunati said...

WOW, Dar... this is fabulous!! The "pose" and the backgroud are perfect!

By the way... I've just "tagged" you. Hope you don't mind. Check out the blog for the "rules".

Dar Presto said...

Hi Marian, thanks so much.
Hey, I'll play...

Connie Chadwell said...

This is just wonderful! Perfectly rendered hand, yet wild background - love it!

Dar Presto said...

Thank you so much, Connie!