First Light, 14x11", Acrylics, by Lucinda Howe

That question always takes me by surprise because I lose track of time when I’m painting.   Also, I know that my best paintings come together quickly and easily, and that a long struggle rarely results in a satisfactory painting.

Usually I answer something completely inadequate like “two hours on a Saturday morning”.  In a recent exchange, the questioner squinted at the price on a small plein air piece (which I thought was very reasonable) and said “Well,  you’re really making a great hourly rate, aren’t you?”

Other artists say the recommended response to “how long did it take you to paint that?” is “ALL MY LIFE”.  That’s true, of course; life experience and art training are necessary. But a smartass answer doesn’t do much to encourage dialog with a viewer.  So, I decided to try to figure out a serious answer.  Here’s my process:

Preparation –  Before I go out to paint, I choose a variety of canvases and boards prepared with white gesso, red gesso, or recycled paintings.  I fill up my paint bottles, and check my supply list… easel, canvas or board, paints, brushes, water, palette, paper towels, hat, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellant. I drive to the painting location, often 23-50 miles away if I’m painting with a group.  Once on site, I look around, take some photos or make some small drawings to work out compositional ideas.

Painting on site  – Once I choose a spot,  I start painting quickly to establish shapes and shadow patterns before the light changes.  This part of the process involves cold, wind, or bugs.  If painting with a group, we may have lunch and do a group critique.

Decisions –  Back in the studio, I print photos, evaluate the progress, and apply finishing touches.  Or I decide it’s hopeless and gesso over it.

Finishing – If the painting survives and I sign it, I leave it to cure for a few days.  Acrylic paint dries to the touch in a sort time, but requires additional time to dry completely.  Then I apply two coats of acrylic varnish and let it dry a few more days. Then I photograph the piece, frame it, catalog it, and make a wall label.

Expanding –   Plein air pieces often serve as the basis for larger studio pieces that may take even longer.

So I estimate that a small plein air piece takes 10-15 hours spread out over two weeks to complete, not counting years of training and the many starts that never see the light of a gallery wall.

How does that fit with your idea of the painting process?  Are you curious about how long it takes an artist to produce a painting?  Does knowing the time involved influence your idea of the value of a painting?