Inevitably, when a potential customer asked me how long I had spent on a piece, I would have to answer the cliché “20 years, and two weeks”. 20 years figuring out how to do it, and two weeks doing it. You are so right that the emphasis is in the wrong place.
Boy, does your remark about time spent and seeing a work as complete ring true. On rare occasions a painting will “just” come together. I, too, often react wondering what else it needs. For the most part, I’ve resisted fiddling with it. Though I do wonder, “where did that come from?”
It came from your talent and your practice and (if you believe in them) the art gods! I know so many artists who, doubting a work that has come together quickly and easily, try to do more to it and end up overworking it to the point that they don't like it anymore. We have to allow ourselves to embrace serendipity and ease in our practice whenever it comes because, as every artist knows, it is not always so.
Thank you!
Inevitably, when a potential customer asked me how long I had spent on a piece, I would have to answer the cliché “20 years, and two weeks”. 20 years figuring out how to do it, and two weeks doing it. You are so right that the emphasis is in the wrong place.
Boy, does your remark about time spent and seeing a work as complete ring true. On rare occasions a painting will “just” come together. I, too, often react wondering what else it needs. For the most part, I’ve resisted fiddling with it. Though I do wonder, “where did that come from?”
It came from your talent and your practice and (if you believe in them) the art gods! I know so many artists who, doubting a work that has come together quickly and easily, try to do more to it and end up overworking it to the point that they don't like it anymore. We have to allow ourselves to embrace serendipity and ease in our practice whenever it comes because, as every artist knows, it is not always so.
Thought provoking. Thanks