I've been doing a series of tiny paintings, mostly in the 5 x 7 inch range for an exhibition that opens next month. It has been a great learning experience. Some days, like yesterday, I'll get to four different locations. That small size forces me to react quickly to the light and mood of a place. Tuesday I did a small study in Garfield (above, top). I then returned to my studio to start the 16 x 20 on linen. Wednesday morning the light was great again so I worked on location from 7:30 - 10. Today, Thursday, I spent a couple hours on it again trying to get the perspective correct. While working on the large one I noticed the tiny red brick building in the background. It added a nice touch of color to the painting. I'm often asked how long it takes to do a painting. I hate the question because the actual painting time is often not very long. I think I may have 6-8 total hours on the 16 x 20, but that doesn't include three trips to the site, buying art supplies, or the 30 years it took me to get to this point. So I usually say the painting took 30 years.
8 comments:
great answer! and every experience you've had is there in your work as well...
I get asked that all the time! Some people just don't realize that the reason you are able to complete a painting in a relatively short time is BECAUSE of your many years practicing your skills.
I love how you posted both the small sketch version and the larger more refined version of this painting. To be honest, I am not sure which I like better. The painterly quality really appeals to me. I love your work and am looking forward to meeting you at the capitol.
Thanks Julie and Bertie. The follow-up question is always, and how much is it? The implication is that it should not cost much because it was done rapidly. I look forward to meeting you as well!
Oh...awesome comments. We should all have such a great time talking at the reception tomorrow.
Great post Ron!
Love your answer Ron.
I sometimes feel like people think they should be paying for a painting the way they pay for a haircut! "Oh, it takes a half hour; then it shouldn't cost too much."
They don't realize, they are paying for the "result" not the process.
Such a wonderful glimpse of New England life and such a bright and cheerful piece for me. I guess I need this this a.m.
I know the feeling.
Wonderful pairing - it is a beautiful contrast to see both the loose and quick brushwork of an on-site study paired with the more studied and traditional studio approach. I often have 3 or 4 iterations of loose studies prior to engaging a more focused studio painting.
I heard that "mastery" of an art medium involves approx 10,000 hours of work ... so, I have recently been saying (when asked the ever-present question "how long did this take you", the preparation took approx 10,000 hours and the painting required an additional 25 : )
I was pleased to meet you and your son - thanks for posting your excellent work.
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