A week today

This is it!  A week before our show opening on July 18^th.  Geez….. now not only does production of the work get a bit more time conscious but the technicalities of getting the show on the road become apparent!

I have finished 20 pieces, the majority painted for this show has opened new doors in my creative journey, not only in the painting process, but also in the preparatory steps prior to dipping my brush into colour.  A lot of research went into each piece, ideas drawn from sketches, some came instantly, yet others took months to visualise.

Getting comfortable with plans abandoned to a different path was daunting. Erika has truly inspired me to be more that I could be as a painter, from this I believe I have grown in many ways as a visual artist. The vision we had towards this show inspired me to push forward. 

I am thankful for my family who understood my everyday work mode and gave me the space to create! 

Detail for "Rhapsody in Blue" 80" x 120" Mixed Media

As I finalise details, varnish each piece, wrap then deliver them to the gallery, I am filled with pleasure that each painting has a special story to share.  A journey that I hope you can experience shortly.

 

Hugs,

Marissa

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Time spent with a Painting

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