Outreaching Hands 1931

Thomas Hart Benton made this painting, "Outreaching Hands" with oil paint sometime in the twentieth century. Benton's handling of paint here is so fascinating, he lays down these strokes that feel at once solid and fleeting. It’s like he's capturing a moment that’s already passed. Look at the reaching hands in the centre of the piece, they're so expressive. You can almost feel the tension in the muscles, the urgency of the gesture. The way he uses light and shadow to define the forms gives them a sculptural quality. The colours are earthy and muted, creating a sense of groundedness. This piece reminds me a little of Philip Guston's later work, particularly his focus on the human figure. Both artists share a willingness to embrace ambiguity and contradiction, trusting that the process of painting will lead them to unexpected insights.