How do I know when a painting is done? This is the most common question I am asked. It is also very difficult to answer. To answer this I also need to touch on how do I get started?
The most challenging thing for me as an artist is to describe my process of creating a painting, as it is such an internal and methodical act.
I most always know the color palate I will use, although I often add new colors as I see the painting evolve.
Painting for me is a process of many layers of paint and mixed media, which change as I add color and markings to the canvas. I sometimes have an idea of the final product, but this can change as I add new layers. I like to cover up areas of already dried paint layers and also scrape away wet paint to reveal a previous layer.
I find a painting to be most interesting when it has many textures and layers.
At this stage, there are no mistakes. I can always turn an unplanned drip of paint into an interesting part of the painting. I can cover it up or make it work within the layers.
As I get further along with the painting, I become more careful with my marks and where I add my medium.
Every mark I add at this point effects another area of the painting.
A major part of the overall aesthetic of the painting, for me, is balance. If I add a mark to one area when the painting is in it's last stage, I may need to add another mark somewhere else on the piece...and maybe another.
At this stage I do a lot of standing back from the painting and observing it overall.
I know the painting is done, when I feel- that if I add one more mark it could change the whole look. It is done when I feel there is nothing else to add.
Sometimes I have made the mistake of adding a new element to a painting I thought was finished. This turned into hours more of working on the painting to balance it and make these new marks work within the whole piece.
I love seeing the stages of a painting.
Here is a painting I recently created in different stages.
Adding base color.
Some mixed media application.
More paint, mixed media, and covering of layers.
Adding markings and more mixed media to the top dried layer. I look for balance of the painting and observe if it is has a feeling of wholeness.
I hope this helps to answer the question of - How does an artist know a painting is done?
Look in my studio and more art!
Look in my studio and more art!
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