How do you know when a painting is finished? This can be one of the hardest questions to ask when you are close to being done. The last part of a painting can sometimes drag on unless you have an idea of what you are going for.
During the last few years, I started using and updating a checklist that is used whenever I feel like a painting is finished. Having a checklist may sound like a creativity killer, but trust me. It is quite the opposite! It has not only helped to make a faster and smoother process, but has prevented me from overworking a painting.
Here is my personal checklist that I like to use. I hope it can help you as well:
Looks like it was fun and it was easy to paint (compare to Joan Miro)
Painting should reflect original goals
Is this a Christian Ives painting?
You shoud have at least TWO paintings completed in this same color scheme
Compared to another painting you did with this color scheme (if none, start new one at this point)
Competes with other paintings I’ve done when hung together
Light enters the painting and GLOWS out-helps to glaze the right color WITHOUT white
3 Pillars:
1. Loooooooove this Image (Pontormo/del Sarto helps)
2. Ehh eh, want to understand but can't (BLACK and Brice Marden helps)
3. Playful Chaos (Addictive song and Grunge helps)-“Should Almost Collapse on it’s own ambition”-Vincent Desedro
Do the colors scream “eeeghhh, aahhhhhhhh?!”
Red/Yellow-eeeeeeehhhhh
Blue-Ooooooooohhhhh (Wizard of Oz song)
TECHNIQUE
Check 1 color at a time looking @ specific color on color chart (stare at the color then your painting)
Hang on wall surrounded by other art you love (Art Room on mural wall with art posters around) and in the dining room
Is it true to color sketch
Compare to most recent paintings you completed and loved
Directional lines of strokes, are you craving any new direction?
Keep taking pictures and comparing to other pictures on phone
“Too much reality is always a disappointment to the soul. We love suggestions and not hard facts” -Carlson
Tracy quote” Every single piece you make is infused with your heart and soul.”
What do you think is beautiful?
Find a couple art books and find this months’ beauties)
Abstract shapes- “You label it, you lose it!”