Liek many artists, I supplement my income through teaching part-time. One thing that’s become very obvious over the years is that so many people genuinely have no idea how long it takes to make an artwork. There’s a popular image that artists sit down (SIT? I wish!) and go “bish, bash, bosh” and behold – a painting (sculpture, etching etc…)
No concept of the huge amount of work that goes into each piece. Starting with sketching (because I’m old school) to explore the subject and get used to it. Then some colour studies to work out the hues, tones, tints etc… That’s where I’m at now. I’ve still got a fair bit of work to do on this digital drawing before I move on to the final medium – either watercolour or collage – I haven’t decided yet.
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Having seen the hours my husband puts into producing what appears to be quite simple is a perfect example of what it takes to produce a painting/drawing/etching etc… and that’s not counting all the thinking about it and preparing!
That’s it exactly …
That pretty much sums it up. The ‘you must be born with a special talent’ also drives me bonkers. People would prefer not to believe that practice and repetition and hard work are required. 😉
YEARS of practice!