A quiet evening and all is well by Michael Hanrahan

You're very good at mood and atmosphere - this painting is immediately calming: is that a cloud on the horizon, is it a building, is it a geographical feature? It doesn't matter - that's not the point: it works in the painting. I think the reason experienced artist like your work is that you rarely worry about detail; some of the portraits are a little more concerned with it, but most are effective because you get your thought down and don't worry away at it (or at least: you might! But we don't see that). If I don't always comment on your work it's just the rate of churn on the Gallery - here today, gone ten minutes later. But I often do when I see it in time: and always will if I can.

PS - that's a great title, too!

Thankyou robert. Ill be honest I like to read your comments most of all. You offer very honest views and also insights into things.

In my portraits which I find extremely difficult i spend most time on capturing the world behind the eyes. Surface precision is not the be all and the end all for me which is good because I struggle with accuracy particularly in faces

In each painting the most important things for me are space, shape and a sense of balance , and making shapes identifiable as clouds or buildings or anything else is not as important to me as using those shapes to create balance and contributing to the general effect and impact. Speaking like this might make my art sound better than it really is and im seldom happy with my efforts and find painting draining

Michael, thanks for the comeback comments, which I found interesting - I have never yet been satisfied with one of my own paintings, and I think this is extremely common in painters who really care about what they're trying to do. I have once or twice thought - "you know; for you; that could have been a lot worse": but I don't get much more immersed in self-praise than that. Draining.... yes; yes, when something is any good, it'll have been a real mental, emotional, physical effort - and in my case, you can add the burden of arthritis to that, which does limit what I can do physically, and of course frustrates me considerably. But we press on, don't we? Do we really have any choice? It's just got to be done! All strength to you - your work is never less than compellingly interesting.

I think Michael you could be very happy with your recent efforts, you're doing some really beautiful work. I love the light that you get into your paintings, and like Robert I feel they are the better for your not worrying about detail too much. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and lots of creative energy in 2026, I shall look forward to seeing your work.

I like your paintings alot Michael, your use of colour is always superb and your distinctive style always stands out. Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.🎄👍

Magical 👌

This is so serene Michael, to look at it at the end of a hectic day would calm anyone, really beautiful. I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas.

A wonderfully calm and peaceful painting. The very best wishes to you Michael for the Festive season.

It's a beauty Michael and I agree 100% with Robert's comments. The light and emotion in this particular painting is wonderful. Happy Xmas to you

I really like the peacefulness of this painting Michael. It's the small details you put into your work, in just the right place, like the little highlight on the distant hill that make your paintings stand out. I've said before, You are a good Artist Michael please keep painting and posting.

A lovely sense of calm and serenity, much needed in this day and age Michael. Your paintings are always thought provoking with a sense of mystery and magic. Have a great Christmas and creative New Year.

A lovely, contemplative painting Michael.

O dear ive only just seen these other lovely comments . Very sorry. I appreciate them and you very much.