Sometimes I’m asked how long it takes to do a painting and the quick answer some artists reply is “Two weeks and fifty years”. It is true that I learn something from each painting and pass it on to the next, but I couldn’t answer even the “two weeks” part. I have no idea how long it takes for each painting because I rarely paint just one at a time.
LAYERS NEED TO DRY
Because I paint in layers, the paint has to dry between them, so I’m usually working on three or four paintings at the same time. I don’t keep track of the hours either. The paintings will take as long as they need and it can be anywhere from weeks to years.
If I run into a compositional problem, I will put the painting to one side to think about it, but not let the creative flow halt for the other paintings I’m doing. Usually, I’ll sit and look at it at the end of the day and try to figure out a solution. Sometimes I view it in different lighting or photograph it and see it in a smaller scale. This usually points out a problem faster.
DRASTIC CHANGES
Every once in a while there will be a painting that I re-do completely, changing the color scheme, adding or even subtracting trees. I just completed a painting that I have changed several times – from yellows and greens with dark trees to earth tones, reds and some white trees with yellow foliage. I don’t know why I took so long – actually, over eight years, but I am finally happy with it.
See it below – a 40″ x 40″ oil on canvas – “Santiam Autumn”.
