Working Through and Finishing a Painting Series
Whenever I'm confronted with the question of how long it takes from starting to finishing a painting series, I find myself in a bit of a quandary.
The answer hinges on numerous variables. In essence, the duration of a painting project can vary greatly.
There are artists who prefer to focus on a single canvas, working diligently to wrap it up in just a single afternoon. For them, providing a precise timeframe for completing a painting is a straightforward task.
However, I gravitate toward a different approach. I relish the creative journey of gradually layering paint and textures over a span of several days or even weeks.
Three stages of six small canvases in progress over several weeks
The Creative Process Begins with an Idea in Mind
In the example above, you can see how a series of six small canvases, each 12 x 12 inches develops over several stages. My process always begins with a general idea in mind. But I allow the concept to unfold intuitively with each layer by gradually adding darks and lights and color until the canvas begins to have a life of its own.
I prefer to work on several canvases at the same time, in rotation. This keeps my eyes fresh. Each time I return to the next painting in line, I’m in a different frame of mind and see it from a new perspective..
I often find myself simultaneously immersed in multiple painting projects in the studio. For example, I might be working on a specific client project, preparing for an exhibition and experimenting with a new technique on paper, all at once.
Naturally, given this approach, it's truly a challenge to pinpoint exactly how much time it takes me to finish a painting.
I like my paintings to be born gradually. Each layer adds a new dimension to the finished piece. Even though you may not see many of the previous layers, those layers create internal energy.
You can see the four finished small paintings, at the bottom of this post. Each one measures 12 x 12 inches with 1.5 inches sides. The creative process went through about 20 stages before they were finished to my satisfaction.
Final Touches: After Finishing a Painting Series
Completing a canvas painting is just the beginning. Before a piece is ready to be shared with the world, several essential finishing steps ensure it’s polished, protected, and properly documented:
1. SIGNING THE ARTWORK
Both the front and back of the painting are signed to authenticate the piece and add a personal touch.
2. VARNISHING FOR PROTECTION
A layer of varnish is applied to shield the painting from UV rays, dust, and environmental wear, preserving its colors and details for years to come.
3. REFINING THE EDGES
The 1 1/2-inch canvas sides are cleaned and painted black for a sleek, gallery-ready profile that doesn’t require a frame.
4. DOCUMENTING DETAILS
Each painting is titled, assigned a unique ID number, and copyrighted. This important information is written on the back of the canvas for record-keeping and legal protection.
5. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The painting is photographed in high resolution to create a digital archive. These images are crucial for marketing, prints, and portfolio updates.
6. SHARING ONLINE
The final step involves uploading the images to update my website, galleries, and social media platforms, ensuring the artwork is accessible to a wide audience.
By following these steps, a painting transitions from the artist’s studio to a finished masterpiece, ready to captivate viewers wherever it’s displayed.
THE FINISHED PAINTING SERIES BELOW - is now ready to be enjoyed !
Good news! Although the one on the far right is already sold, the other three are still available right here on my website.
Just click the image to see more information.
