time equates to value - should art stand on its own?

Hoe Dance - digital painting / art prints- Dan Beck - 2005

I think it is pretty obvious that my artwork is not starting from a photo. I think by definition digital painting is starting from scratch. But I also think the lines are blurred.

On the one hand, a work of art or music for that matter should stand on its own - one likes it or doesn’t. On the other hand, it seems to have more value as we grasp the amount of time that has gone into the preparation (study and practice) and the actual amount of time spent on a piece.

The general formula and thinking is the more time the more valuable - an equation like we use for most work in our world. Curiously, some of my best music and best art comes quickly at the time - but that does not take anything away from the work which lead up to it.

I am sure that I have taken some shortcuts along the way - I think that actually is normal . But I am proud of the work I have done to hone my skills and develop my vocabulary in both art and music - it is not pressing a button for a bass line or tracing a photo as the author of this article (which prompted today’s discussion) was so disturbed by.

But as much as I believe in my developed skills and taste, I want my work to stand on its own.

See Also

• Creative Fine Art…Is It Or Isn’t It? - article which prompted today’s blog - artist is unhappy that tracing should be even considered on the same level as fine art. I’m not sure how I got on this magazine’s mailing list.
• artSIG » Approaching a digital painting……… - another artist defends digital painting as a viable and valuable medium
• Hoe Dance - art print options for above digital painting