I am up in the wee hours of the morning, examining the painting I’ve been working on. I am nearing the finish, or so I feel right now… a finish will be forced, as usual. I rarely can look upon a “completed” piece and feel that closure I expect. I have yet to judge a painting really, definitely complete. They may be framed, they may be sold, but they may not be “done”. I can let go, slowly to the emotion attached to each piece as it walks away, but not without wishing I would have had it back on my easel for a moment of final examination. I will finish this piece very soon, but not without re-attacking the other half of this diptych- again. It is still mine to control, to violate, to smear with emotion.
http://EmptyEasel.com/2009/01/30/when-is-a-painting-finished/
Check the site for practical advice.
I was trying to remember Roy Lichtenstein’s comments on when HE feels he is finished a painting … I’ll send it to you when I find the quote … it is deceptively simple.
Thanks – I will check it out now… 🙂 I LOVE Roy Lichtenstein! go figure…
lol! I was hoping to hear some little bite of personal philosophy on when a painting is “done”. Those checklists are great – but what if MY mood changes every time I’m in my studio? It throws a monkey wrench into the whole list! lol No, really, thanks – good to have that checklist in mind. 🙂