Next in the conversation with Valerie

How long does it take you to make a painting?

I paint very quickly. For a 5 x 7” canvas board, for instance, I may paint for part of an hour; then I “revise” and then add detail. Of course, the amount of time will depend on the size of the canvas and the number of “people” who populate the scene. A 20 x 24” piece might take days of my working off and on. I’ll take a break when my body hurts or I’m starting to make too many mistakes (or I have to meet appointments or teach a college English class—as an adjunct).

I work quickly because acrylic paint dries quickly—and because I’m impatient. Life is too short; I want to finish a piece and move on to the next.

Picture credit: "Bovine bouquet"