Timeless Creativity
How long did that take? That is often the first question I get asked when presenting a new artwork. I always thought it an interesting question because aside from imaginative endeavors, I am never asked that question regarding non-creative activities.
I find it to be an interesting question mostly because I believe creative time is different for each of us. I might be able to create something in a month that would take a year to complete for someone else or vice versa.
Creative time means different things to different people, but generally speaking, it can refer to the time a person sets aside to engage in a creative activity. This could be anything from painting, drawing, or sculpting to writing, composing music, or even brainstorming new ideas for a project. Creative time is often seen as a way to connect with one’s inner creativity and can be quite therapeutic and enjoyable.
Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Beyond
How long did it take Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel? Michelangelo began work on his iconic 12,000-square-foot frescoed ceiling in 1508 and worked on it steadily for four years. That may seem like a long time, but in retrospect, I think that is pretty amazing.
More than 20 years later, Pope Clement VII commissioned Michelangelo to paint the giant fresco “The Last Judgment” behind the altar, which measured 45′ x 40′. The artist, then in his 60s, painted it from 1536 to 1541. More at LiveScience.com.
The always amazing Mona Lisa, the world’s most famous painting ever, took over three years to paint by renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci. As a point of comparison, The portrait is smaller than you might think, measuring just 30″ x 21″, and the artist invested about the same creative time as Michelangelo’s super-sized ceiling mural.
Some have proclaimed that abstract artist Jackson Pollock spent countless hours creating his now priceless works, some of which were quite large.
For artists, there is no such thing as 'Time wasted' — our entire lives are in service to our creative practice.
Creative TIme
As an artist or creative individual, it can be easy to get caught up in the idea that your best work comes from hours spent hunched over your easel or desk. However, it’s important to recognize that creativity can manifest in unexpected ways and taking a break from your work can actually be just as beneficial as actively working on a project.
Stepping away from your work can provide a fresh perspective and allow your mind to freely explore new ideas and solutions. This creative time can occur when you’re out for a walk, taking a shower, or simply lounging on the couch. In fact, any time you’re actively working towards a resolution on a project, whether it’s in the studio or during leisure time, can be regarded as a form of creative time.
So, don’t feel guilty about taking a break and engaging in other activities that inspire you. You may just discover your next great idea when you least expect it.
The Leonardo da Vinci featured image and the framed Mona Lisa photo © Adobe Stock. Used under license for editorial content.
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A.D. is an artist who started drawing at a young age. Throughout his life, he has worked with different creative tools in traditional and digital art and design. His art and writings have been showcased in various publications such as Airbrush Action Magazine, Airbrush Magazine, American Art Collector, Art & Beyond, Dream To Launch, Easyriders, Las Vegas City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, L’Vegue, ModelsMania, Quick Throttle, and The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.
