One of the most frequently asked questions that all artists receive is how long it takes to complete a painting. Personally, I don't have a definite answer to this. I don't set aside a specific period to work on a single painting as it's not my preferred method in the studio. And then before I even start painting, there's the process of stretching the canvas and preparing it with primer or gesso.
When I begin painting, I often work on multiple pieces simultaneously, especially with my abstract art. I move between them, allowing each to progress at its own pace, waiting for layers to dry and then adding more. This approach involves considering and responding to the needs of each piece, leading me on a journey of ideas, thoughts, and feelings. This exploration requires the freedom time and a non-judgmental mindset. This 'call and response' cycle, present in both my abstract and realistic art, continues throughout each piece until each one feels right, aligns with the principles of design, and conveys a meaningful message, indicating its completion.
My intricate and lifelike artworks involve extensive research, photography, and meticulous editing to find the perfect image for enlargement on canvas. I follow a traditional approach by applying layers of oil paint to create depth, patiently waiting between each layer for the necessary glazes and subtle colours to shape the realistic features I aim for. While oil paint allows for extended blending time, it can also be frustrating when the paint moves unintentionally. I prefer softening the edges of my subjects, which makes the detailed blending process extremely time-consuming. Drying times vary depending on the pigment used, sometimes leading to days of waiting between layers. The frustration I am faced with with this extended drying time is that the already mixed colours can then dry on the palette even when I have covered the palette with cling wrap and placed it in an airtight container. This method can sometimes help to delay the skin forming with the oils, but I can also miss that window and have to re-establish each specific subtle colour which is not always that easy.
The process is not finished until I add the final layers of varnish, which may involve waxing and polishing. Before that, I may need to make any necessary touch-ups, attach hardware for hanging, and/or take them to the framers. As you can tell, it's not a straightforward task. It's not just about timing and tracking the hours put in; it involves much more and always ends up taking WAY longer than initially anticipated!
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