Art: Not Just a Quick Flick of the Brush

There’s a common misconception that artists can whip up a masterpiece faster than you can say "Picasso." Many underestimate the skill, focus, and sheer time involved in creating a single piece of art. On social media—especially Instagram—time-lapse videos of the art process make it look like paintings just appear with a few effortless brushstrokes. But that quick finish is more illusion than reality. What you don’t see are the hours (sometimes days, or even weeks) of behind-the-scenes work: planning, sketching, layering, and problem-solving—like a chef perfecting a soufflé, not just tossing ingredients into a bowl.

The Real Art Process: Slow and Purposeful

Creating art is more like an unfolding journey than a quick trick. It begins long before the brush even touches the canvas. First comes the quiet phase: gathering inspiration, letting thoughts simmer, and forming a vision—sometimes clear, sometimes just a feeling or a flicker of an idea.

Finding Inspiration

The inspiration phase is crucial. Artists spend countless hours exploring ideas, themes, and emotions they want to express. It’s an internal process filled with deep reflection.

Sketching and Experimentation

Next, sketching out rough compositions begins. This is where artists experiment with shapes and forms. These sketches help in visualizing the final piece. Then comes the exciting yet daunting task of choosing a colour palette. This can feel overwhelming—like standing in front of a pizza menu with too many delicious toppings. Should you go bold and spicy or soft and subtle?

The Complex Dance of Art Creation

The decision can set the emotional tone for the entire piece. But that’s just the beginning. Refining techniques, layering textures, and stepping back to reassess—it all takes patience and persistence. Sometimes, artists wrestle with doubt. The slick time-lapse videos often skip over the messy middle—the hesitations, the “what was I thinking?” disastrous moments, and the quiet effort involved in resolving a painting that just won’t behave.

The Heart of the Work

That middle part—the chaos and the courage—is where the heart of the work truly lives.

The Pressure of the Scroll

In today's digital age, social media adds another layer of pressure. Artists often feel they are in a race to produce content consistently. They find themselves chasing trends, likes, and algorithm changes. But speed does not always serve quality. Rushing to keep up often means compromising depth and thoughtfulness, both of which art deserves.

The Emotional Connection

Each painting is more than a pretty picture. It’s a complex mix of the artist’s emotions, ideas, and hours of deliberate work. For those who might think otherwise, creating art isn’t merely about the finished product; it’s about the journey that gets you there.

Final Thoughts: The Value in the Journey

Sped-up videos may be entertaining, but the essence of real art unfolds slowly. The finished piece represents just the visible tip of a much deeper process filled with learning, growth, and persistence. So, the next time you admire a piece of artwork—especially one you’ve seen “made” in 60 seconds—remember the hours invested in it. Like a fine wine or a truly compelling story, art takes time to become what it’s meant to be.

Want to see the finished works that came from this process? Visit my art shop.

Curious about my story? Read about the artist.

Follow along for more behind-the-scenes insights on Instagram.

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