I am often asked “how long does it take you to make one of your paintings?” It is one of those questions that are absolutely impossible to answer! In the past - years ago - I tried to time the process, just for fun, and to (possibly) get a general idea. I quickly learned it was an impossible task, and there is no point. Every painting is a different journey, and the canvas size often has very little to do with it. The last two paintings I worked on, seemed to be working against me in different ways and different areas. But what they had in common: they both took me days, weeks, months...
Recently I wrote a blog about the process of the painting “Wannabe”. And although the piece took a disproportionate amount of time, and I was extremely frustrated, I refused to give up. And (luckily) it was worth it, I do like the result.
Seen in that light, today was very surprising, as I had the opposite experience. I went to my studio this morning, eager to start a new painting, after being stuck in there for so long, in front of the same canvas. By the end of the day, I am very surprised to find myself with a finished painting. I can’t think of the last time I finished a piece in one day... Must have been decades! With the exception of my small women studies, it has always been unthinkable to start a painting in the morning, and be done at night. It was fun and refreshing. And once again I am intrigued by the process, and how my work seems to have a life of its own. At some point the painting closes, and you can’t find your way back in. I try to listen to the piece, and I read it as a sign it must be done.
