Over the years, I have encountered the question; " How long does it take you to finish a painting?" Most of the time, I replied with; " I honestly do not know?" This is because of several factors, a) I work on several pieces at a time because I need time waiting for paint to dry, b) the painting has to speak to me c) lost the inspiration and the painting may be abandoned for years! d) busy with life, work and other responsibilities and lastly, e) I never took the time to count the minutes!
So with a 24" x 48" piece, I started to take note of the hours spent working on the painting. I jotted the time I started and noted every hour spent on it. Upon completion it took 24 hours! Then, I painted another piece 24" x 24" and it took me 10 hours! So is there a correlation with size, subject matter, areas of difficulty or technicality? Yes for sure, so therefore, it would not be safe to give a time frame to each painting.
I think, should I get asked the same question again, I should continue to say; " I honestly, I do not know?"
For really, a painting starts from the idea, planning stage, execution, evaluation, final stages, varnish and framing. All these take time and art should not be rushed.
Till the next adventure!
Marissa
