A lot of people ask us this question…. A lot. Every artist has a studio full of unfinished paintings. Paintings often become forgotten there, but on the bright side, it’s fun for us when we rediscover them later.
A painting could go on forever if you have zero intention for the piece. Happy accidents do occur once in a blue moon, but with no plan in mind it’s more than likely you’ll just paint on and on, never knowing when to stop. Usually you’re left with something that is overworked, muddy, & expressionless. Knowing your intentions, understanding your subject, respecting the process, and committing time to practice your art will result in a larger pile of finished paintings and more room in your studio!
We could tell you that we stop painting when we are happy to look at all parts of the painting and there is no little voice telling us to fix something, but it’s more than that. A painting should be more than a great composition or a perfect value or color study. A painting goes through many finales before we consider it finished. Knowing when your work is finished can be a very intuitive and personal process, which can often entail a certain level of anxiety.
For us, a work of art can stand on its own when it encompasses both elements of structure and expression or chaos and control. When the balance is just right, a painting can take on a life of its own and let you know when it’s finished. Sometimes, it’s like magic.
Our biggest hope is to create an emotional connection between the painting and the viewer. A finished work of art should change the way you feel and stick with you.
