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.
(c)Christy Tremblay 2014-2015
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.
(c)Christy Tremblay 2014-2015
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.
If you have any questions for me please feel free to leave a comment here on my blog. Or send me an email to, my email
Thanks for stopping by!
Inspiration! I love adding paper to a mixed media painting. 
