Ode to Hands

Hands represent the creative and expressive force within each of us, and I show this in each of the 36-inch by 48-inch oil paintings.

Each canvas depicts a huge hand on a black field for impact. Analogous and complementary hues in violent strokes express emotional states and imply the texture and lines of the hands. No life-like flesh tones are present, as they would detract from the commonality theme.

The chosen main color of each painting corresponds to the gesture and its possible meanings, giving each picture a different mood. For example, the bright orange of Common Defiance represents the hostile feelings people experience when they make this gesture in retaliation.

Simple hand gestures make powerful statements. People communicate so much through body language, yet many times we take these signals for granted. The Ode to Hands series prompts people into observing the beauty and potential of their own hands.

List of Ode to Hands series paintings:

• Frustration, oil on canvas, 36 in. by 48 in., red
• Common Defiance, oil on canvas, 36 in. by 48 in., orange
• Power, oil on canvas, 36 in. by 48 in., yellow
• Need Becomes Greed, oil on canvas, 36 in. by 48 in., green
• Drained, oil on canvas, 36 in. by 48 in., blue
• Divine Wonder, oil on canvas, 36 in. by 48 in., purple