How long did that take? – a lifetime!

Artists often get asked how long it took them to create their works of art. Whether he or she answers “one minute” or “one year” what is often not recognized is the number of years of learning and creating that have brought the artist to a particular level of achievement. In all arts (as with almost everything in life) there is no quick road to mastery. Generally mastering anything is a time-consuming hard “slog” of ups and downs. If you are very gifted the road may be shorter but you still have to put in your time.

For example, those incredible artists that we see on social media – you know, the ones who paint with sand, or their fingers or whatever – surely they have been doing these things for years, even if the artwork is created in minutes, or even seconds. In fact, I would venture to say that the faster the work is produced, the longer that person has been practicing his, or her art.

We marvel at the end product but we should also marvel at the great commitment of all those who produce fantastic works of art.