I am often asked, “how long does it take to paint one of your paintings? I may or may not be able to answer that question with a certain number of hours that I have spent on a particular piece of artwork… But here is the real answer. 

It takes a lifetime. A lifetime of learning and understanding perspective. A lifetime of learning color theory. A lifetime of mistakes, discarded drawings, layers and layers of paint that ultimately turn brown. A lifetime of observation of how light plays on skin, and leaves, and mountains. A lifetime of studying the Master's and roaming art museums, engulfed in the emotion generated by decades of stories and expression of those who have gone before me. A lifetime of doubt and insecurity. A lifetime of wondering why God gave me this gift and what I’m supposed to do with it. Endless hours, wandering through art supply stores learning about paint, brushes, canvas, paper and ink. A lifetime of daydreaming of design, pattern and shape. A lifetime of exploration, observation, and prayer. Endless hours of research on marketing, production, and wholesale supplies. Endless hours of business research, planning, and consulting with industry experts. For every painting that I sell, there are a hundred piled behind me, full of life lessons, mistakes, and triumphs. So, when you ask me, “How long does it take?” It takes a lifetime.