Blog: How long does it take you to paint a work of art

Christine Alfery

Posted on May 10 2018

Blog: How long does it take you to paint a work of art
I frequently get the question how long did it take you to create that work. My standard answer is I started it in kindergarten and just finished it today. The person asking looks and me with my very grey hair questioningly. How does one calculate the time it takes to paint a picture – a life time is a long time.

Well recently I have been struggling – really really struggling with a work and I would like to share with you the evolution of the piece. It is not finished yet – but I will show you where I am at with it as my last image. I have been working on this piece for over 4 months.
Everyone who came into the studio loved the piece at this point. I should have stopped there.

I loved the piece at this point.
Was going to call it quits here but wanted to add just a little bit more. Shared it with one individual and he said – there are no teals, purples, lavenders. Grrrrr.

So how long does it take me to do a work of art – who knows – a life time it looks like for this one. Very interesting though. The thickness of paint in these piece is amazing – along with the textures from the other mark making underneath. I have a plan for the piece now – and I will call it quits. Will post when it is done. This is a large piece – 4’x6’ so it has taken over my studio and I just need to finish it.

More Posts