I’ve been “creative” since a child and I’ve always really enjoyed the Arts. I fell in love with fluid art and abstract art over 5 years ago, and decided to give it a go myself. Fast forward to now and I’m proud of the YouTube channel I’ve established and I’m proud that it’s authentic and has grown organically – I’ve not paid for followers and I always try and interact with as many people who support me as possible.

I often get asked “how long does it take to paint a creation” – and it’s a great and valid question. It’s a question we probably consider with any job or hobby – how long does it take for you to do what you do now. Experience (over many years, months and weeks) aside, I’ll dive deeper into this topic. 

I’ve always nurtured my creativity; I studied Art at school and specialised in ceramics, Japanese and Aboriginal Art. I also explored my creativity through photography and painting. I’ve learned numerous skills since childhood and continue to develop them through adulthood. I think we always draw upon our experience, good and bad, and it helps us to identify as the artist we are in the present day. 

When I create a painting either for a private sale or a tutorial on my YouTube Channel, I plan and consider the following things: 

1. What is my preferred technique; role play the various options and understand the aims and objectives of a piece 
2. What will the color palette be; is there a theme, what are the lessons I want to teach about color and theory. What value can I add in a tutorial
3. Test samples of a color palette 
4. Test sample of a technique 
5. Creating the actual painting – from conception to finished piece; this can be a 4-5 week process in itself 
6. Sealing the painting after curation – if it’s a piece I want to sell or will I reuse my canvas 
7. Filming/editing the tutorial – ensuring I teach and share my knowledge 
8. Finding a buyer if its not a commission 
9. Packaging up the piece for shipping 
10. Checking in on the buyer/client to ensure they are satisfied and happy with the piece 
11. Answering questions and comments on social media 
12. Responding to emails after a piece has been showcased online  

Sounds a lot right? It is! It’s not easy but I absolutely love what I do. I feel so privileged to paint and teach online to whoever is interested and I think it’s so important people realise all what’s involved. Especially to those people who think it’s a 5 minute job of just pouring paint on to a canvas.  

Creating art is a unique experience, so next time you see a creation whether it’s a photo, a painting or a piece of art in another form, I know you will appreciate the time and experience that goes into each piece. I personally know that sharing our art creations is a scary thing but I promise it will speak to the right person when they see it, and the love and process you’ve gone through in creating a piece will be priceless in so many ways… just remember to really appreciate and enjoy the process you go through each time. 

If there is a topic you would like me to discuss or explore in my Monthly Blog, please drop me a message at the email address below. 

Check out Mark’s course on Smart Art Courses: Mindfully Creative: Art Techniques for the Mind, Body and Soul
www.smartartcourses/art-for-mindfulness 

Mark Ratcliffe from Mark J Ratcliffe Art: Abstract Artist & Creator; Certified Meditation Coach and
Wellbeing Practitioner.  Written in his own words @MarkJRatcliffeArt / markjratcliffeart@gmail.com