The Issue with the Changing of Seasons

“Forest Awakening”
by Stephanie McQuade

Every season comes with its own checklist. Fall means stacking firewood and winterizing. Spring brings yard work, screens, and cleanup. Summer has its own round of projects. Life tends to keep us planning one season ahead.

Art is no different.

In fact, artists often have to think even further ahead than most people realize. Back when I worked in the printing industry, we began preparing Christmas campaigns in June. By the middle of summer, printing presses were already rolling out holiday cards and gift wrap.

The art world works much the same way. Spring paintings are often started in the middle of winter. Many painters have several works going at once, especially when drying time slows the process. So when the season finally arrives, fresh artwork is ready to step into it.

“Five Tulips” by Mike McQuade

Photography can require even more lead time. A spring fine art print released in April may have been captured months earlier, sometimes even the year before. And if that image is going to be presented with archival matting, real wood framing, and non-glare glass, that finishing process takes added planning as well.

So when you see a timely spring painting or a beautifully presented floral print on a gallery wall or website, it did not simply appear at the perfect moment. It was planned, created, finished, and prepared well in advance.

The truth is, planning ahead may be one of the most challenging parts of being an artist. Sometimes it is even harder than making the art itself.

“Bloomin’ Time” by Mike McQuade