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Saturday, April 14, 2012

finish

As an artist, one question that I must be asked time and again is, "How do you know when you are finished with a work of art?"  It is truly something hard to answer but there is a feeling that when you walk away nothing is tugging at you.  Quite often, I must admit to needing the time to step aside and leave it and then I can see what needs to be strengthened or punched up.

I know countless artists who have numerous works unfinished.  It has nothing to do with procrastination but in finding just the right ending or finish.  Have any of you ever experienced this?  The joy lies in stepping back and saying, I have reached the end or the finish.  Like a marathon runner or writer so much of the work is in the training or the words, yet crossing that finish line or ending is pure victory.
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13 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 14, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    That painting screams HOME to me. Just beautiful! I agree on the finish. I know I have tons of unfinished. I am not sure if I have a fear of over-painting or not.

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  2. KarenaApril 14, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    You are speaking to me girlfriend! I have a work of art in my Master Bath that I want to put some finishing touches; however do I really need to? I have over-painted some and become really unhappy with the result.

    Patricia,I am having a $100 Gift Card Giveaway from Soft Surroundings If you would like to enter.

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karen

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  3. LPCApril 14, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    P., when I write, I try to write until I feel that click of done! I can almost hear it. Do you have a similar internal indicator?

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  4. the gardener's cottageApril 14, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    i don't know how you do it but you do it so well. i stare at the painting you did of my home quite often and wonder just how you got the tiniest of details perfectly executed and yet the whole picture is just so relaxed. truly the work of an artist. xo

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  5. UnknownApril 14, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    Even the paintings I have finished have a "spot" that I think could be improved on--but only I know where that spot is!

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  6. UnknownApril 14, 2012 at 6:45 PM

    Write to done works for me as well. sometimes though I pause and go back to finish later.

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  7. Town and Country HouseApril 14, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    Such an interesting post. Many writers start at the end; or, at least, they have the end in mind (last sentence, usually) when they begin. Visual art doesn't allow that luxury. I think a lot of potentially good art has been ruined by folks who didn't know when to stop. Clearly, you know when! Beautiful painting!

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  8. ann chamberlainApril 14, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    It is so sweet and beckons the viewer to come on in. Success!

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  9. Acquired ObjectsApril 15, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    Stepping away is always good it gives you a fresh eye. You do such amazing work and I know the lucky person who will be receiving that painting will be thrilled.

    Enjoy your Sunday!
    XX
    Debra~

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  10. quintessenceApril 15, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    I would imagine this is rather difficult for painters. A work could go in so may different directions. Stepping back perhaps gives you some additional perspective in how "finished" you want the final piece to be!

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  11. Reggie DarlingApril 15, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Some of my favorite paintings are those left unfinished by the artist. One wonders, why is it so? I love them. One that comes to mid, is Gilbert Stuart's portait of Martha Washington, in the collection of the MFBoston...

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  12. for the love of a houseApril 16, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    oh Patricia, I love this particular painting... you can just feel the charm of the house!!

    xojoan

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  13. Claudia LaneApril 17, 2012 at 4:03 AM

    Beautiful x

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