"Very few clay artists have the dedication to apply themselves to these labor-intensive techniques," Ms. Russell said.

The possibilities for sales outstripped the ability to produce (given the relatively labor-intensive techniques of the time), bringing about a labor shortage.

However, by 1889 he had wearied of the labor-intensive technique, and returned to Impressionism.

Flash is also inexpensive and easy to manipulate - allowing even quicker editing and changes than either 3-D computer animation or the much more labor-intensive traditional technique.

And to save time, we've taken oaths to avoid as many labor-intensive techniques as possible.

The labor-intensive technique gained adherents in the early 20th century, among them Arthur Dove, who is represented by two exquisite pieces.

They feature brilliant colors, enamel-hard surfaces, labor-intensive techniques and flat, geometric suggestions of landscape and architecture.

Furthermore, extensive manpower shortages coupled with less health care dollars would prevent a return to the days of labor-intensive resterilizing techniques.

In some regions, swaths of land that had fallen out of use are being reclaimed, using labor-intensive but inexpensive techniques.

Davies' labor-intensive technique involves sable brushes, resulting in paintings that appear almost like photographs, but with trompe-l'œil and Surrealist effects.