How long does it take to create a painting? 50 Hours or 50 Years?
- peter corr
- Sep 26, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
What is the time required to complete a painting?
Impact of Photography
German Artist Gerhard Richter
My Personal Artwork 'The Lie of The Land'
50 Hours or 50 Years?
How long does it take to create a painting?
Artists are often asked a particular question—it's typically the first and frequently the last. Traditionally, the response is that the hours spent directly on the painting might add up to a few days, weeks, or perhaps a month or two. The artist would then wisely note that, in reality, the piece in question took 20, 30, 40, or even 50 years. As time inevitably progresses, I find myself firmly in the '50 years in the making' category. While this may sound somewhat exaggerated and possibly insincere, there is some truth to it. For instance, this painting was started over a week ago but has gone through several major revisions and changes in direction.
Photography Influences
Initially, my work was more geometric, drawing inspiration from the Futurist painting techniques of Boccioni and Severini, with colours divided into directional marks and sequences of shapes. However, upon reflection, this approach wasn't effective, so I shifted to a more impressionistic style, similar to the landscape work of Gustav Klimt. The original inspiration came from a photograph taken in the New Forest, which served as a starting point. Ultimately, the work now barely resembles the photograph, and I stopped using it as a reference after the second day. The photograph began to dictate all aspects; the urge to replicate elements of the original image was becoming creatively restrictive.
Certainly, the photographic image possesses an enticing quality. However, most painters soon understand that images produced by machines are also artificial and misleading, as they function within specific optical, mechanical, and chemical constraints. Some exceptionally creative painters can transcend the limitations of photography and investigate how the camera lens perceives the world.
They work by improvising with elements like focal points, depth of field, cropping, perspective, camera movement, and resolution. In contrast, photo realists replicate the photograph completely, centimetre by centimetre, showcasing impressive technique and hand-eye coordination with meticulous attention to detail. I have created a few pieces in this style and deeply admire the skill and technique of the German artist Gerhardt Richter. However, credible sources suggest that Richter isn't merely copying photographs; instead, he makes insightful and perceptive statements about various modes of cultural representation. Ultimately, what you choose to believe is up to you, but I would argue that it's important to study his paintings and writings thoroughly before forming a definitive opinion.
Anyway, I digress; let's return to the original question: 'How long does it take to create a painting?' You may have noticed that I mentioned some of the thought processes involved in painting. The knowledge accumulated over time influences how you approach a particular subject, the experience of previous works, the materials used, and the scale you work on—there are countless ways to communicate through paint. All these cumulative experiences play out in your mind as you progress, considering alternative ideas and methodologies. How can I best convey this idea, sensation, or feeling?
To me, a key advantage of an 'open-ended' approach to painting is how initial possibilities and explorations can become essential elements of the final piece.
'The Lie of The Land'
In 'The Lie of the Land', a thick layer of paint combined with cold wax medium creates a raised, highly textured surface that seems to clash with subsequent paint layers. While this might appear to be a significant issue, it seldom is; in fact, the opposite is often true. A surface that doesn't immediately conform to later revisions and adjustments can lead to unexpected juxtapositions and delightful surprises. I like to think of this as a 'Wabi Sabi' effect, which relates to acceptance and relinquishing control. In art literature, it is frequently referred to as "flawed beauty". Wabi-sabi artworks typically emphasise the creation process, which is inherently incomplete and imperfect. Striving for perfection can be a dead end, preventing further interpretation and limiting personal engagement. It asserts that this is complete, perfect, correct, and the only possible outcome.
Understanding that a false start can eventually lead to more creative opportunities, I should incorporate this into my workflow, always starting with the 'wrong' composition, technique, or subject. However, it's not that straightforward. The drawback of this indirect approach is realising that it rarely succeeds when pursued consciously and deliberately. In the unpredictable world of painting, firmly held preconceptions ultimately hinder creativity. Ironically, you must work with conviction at every stage, even if those convictions are fleeting and eventually dissolve under the scrutiny of reality, much like many of our myths or beliefs. This might seem unusual, but it reminds me of the Groucho Marx quote, 'I wouldn't be a member of any club that would have me as a member'.
50 Hours or 50 Years?
How long does it take to complete a painting? It could be a few days or weeks when considering the time actively spent at the canvas, but it may take several years or more when factoring in the knowledge, understanding, skills, and life experiences required.
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