This last week I have been revisiting an idea that has helped a lot of my paintings. It is not only one of the most effective methods I have ever used in keeping the constant flow in creating, but also has helped finish paintings I am very happy with.
Either right at the beginning of a painting, or shortly after you've start, write a critique about your painting as if it was a well respected critic reviewing and incredible piece of art. What would they say about it? Better yet, what would you like them to say about it?
The idea actually came from Paul McCartney. He had read a review about the most recent The Who song, and how it was the loudest, most raw piece of music to date. When Paul heard the song, he was actually very disappointed. Not so much because it wasn't a good song, but because it didn't live up to his expectations of the review. However, he used this review to catapult a song that he imagined the review was talking about. That ended up being Helter Skelter.
More than techniques, more than color theory; having a clear idea of what you want a painting to become or admit is one of the most powerful ways to create a painting. And not only keeps you from overthinking, but keeps you on a path towards something you actually enjoy.
