[John Reidy]

I am curious and would like to compare my work flow compared to others. I"m not sure if this is the proper place for this discussion and if innappropriate, please let me know. But here goes.

I was trained to spend more time back from my easel than on it. The theory being that my analysis of subject to painting was critical to learn. Over time I can make faster judgements especially when starting a painting. As my painting draws close to the end I am spending a lot of time away from the canvas. Sometimes I can take a week or two to finalize the painting. In other words I try to become very critical in order to achieve my best effort.

I have read several threads where an artist had posted that they had painted all night to try to finish a portrait to meet a deadline.

I'm wondering what the pattern is among the artists here, do most of you take a while to finalize a painting or can you judge and paint so well that you can reach your goals in a relatively smooth process?

Thanks to any and all for responding.