Showing posts with label loose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loose. Show all posts

Saturday, June 21, 2008

How do you know when you're finished?

The scene: Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington. A beautiful wetlands.

I am often asked the question "How do you know when you're finished with a painting?" The truth is: I don't.

But, I usually know when I've gone too far. Too much detail or fussing will strip the joy right out of the painting. And kill it.

It isn't nice to kill a painting. And it really frustrates me when I do it!

This one is a little less refined than some of my other paintings, but the tall grass and the scene seemed to call for less finish and more freedom. I stopped painting before I got that sinking feeling I get when I go too far.

Please feel free to comment and tell me if you think this needs more finishing. I'm all ears.