Right Hand, 2023

Original 8x10 watercolor painting on paper with a one inch border surrounding the image.

This original watercolor painting is a hand study from the sculpture of David, by Michelangelo (1501-1504). This study highlights the Renaissance ideal of humans being the the measure of all things. David represents the ideal human form and glorifies intelligence and physical perfection. Michelangelo’s described his sculpting as a process of liberating the ideal human form from the marble. He viewed the physical beauty as a reflection of divine perfection.

Recreating this idealistic human form in a painting was my inspiration for the subject. I spent time with this piece in studying the correct proportions and anatomy of the hand as well defining a sense of volume in the torso and right leg using only light and shadow. The background was taken from a template and creates a flat background in contrast to the sculptures body.