Saturday, July 27, 2013

When Do You Call it Finished?


Beginnings...on a 16 x 20" deep canvas


When do you call a painting finished?  I know this is a questions every painter asks.  It is a question I ask often these days. 

Progression...

 I liked this second phase.  It was tempting to stop, but so much of the canvas was still uncovered with paint.  How do you keep going and not loose these ghostly images?  I have no idea how.  


Where I left off last night...
still in progress...
(cutting their clothing was like playing with paper dolls..very fun!)

A little more polished in the above photo...but hopefully not headed in the "tight" direction.  I am always disappointed when they come out tight looking and they often do. 

This is where having an instructor would be awesome, but it's such a pain to drag art supplies (especially when you work in mixed media) back and forth to art lessons.  

So I will just keep painting and figuring it out the hard way...

Have a great Saturday!

PS:  Still having a sale on Etsy plus I listed several new works that are now available.  Sale ends August 17th. 
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11 comments:

  1. Jeane MyersJuly 27, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    these are wonderful - I love the cut out clothes - I too subscribed/subscribe to learning the hard way - I will always be in the process of trying to figure it out xo

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  2. Celeste BerginJuly 27, 2013 at 10:57 AM

    yes, hauling around supplies is a drag. I am happy to hear someone younger than me say that! haha! I take supplies all over the place--and preparing my bag is my most un-favorite part of the process! Still...the rewards of hauling stuff around is great--so I keep doing it. I know what you are talking about, how the longer you work on something the more is seems to 'stiffen up'. Looks to me, however, you know just where to stop. Love this painting!

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  3. AnonymousJuly 27, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    Calling it done, when it tells me, which I suppose for some work could be never, but most of the time I just trust my gut. Lovely collage of clothing. xox

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  4. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comJuly 27, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    Having a teacher with your type of art could be detrimental. Your work comes from the heart...really a deep part of your imagination followed by your emotional responses to what happens as you are working. Absolutely authentic. Any teacher is bound to have their own judgement and even the tiniest remark could set things off in a different way. Some you may even like, but I believe you are doing the right thing by studying other art and determining yourself what you do or don't like. Asking for info on materials and help individually from artists whom you admire has worked for you so far Lisa. I TRULY LOVE your work.
    P.S.I still struggle and I have been at it a lot longer than you. It is part of the job description.

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  5. lynne hJuly 27, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    okay, all i need to do is comment after julie because she always says *exactly* what i'm thinking. but does a better job of expressing it. : )

    i so agree with everything she wrote, lisa...

    xoxo

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  6. Bleubeard and ElizabethJuly 27, 2013 at 11:02 PM

    I really enjoy watching how your paintings progress. I think I'm a bit of a woos when it comes to finishing my mixed media pieces. I think I quit way, way too soon. I wish I knew the answer to your question, but I'm the world's worst when it comes to such matters. I would have stopped with the second photo, not even considering adding the clothes that now make these gals come to life. I look forward to seeing how this progresses.

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  7. hmuxoJuly 28, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    I love the progression of this painting, Lisa and glad you shared it with us. The second picture is nice but when you added the clothes..Well, that would be your "signature".

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  8. JanetJuly 28, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    Hauling around supplies is no fun which is why during my painting group I sometimes just sketch and listen to everyone else's comments.

    I never know when to quit but then I love lots of embellishments on my paintings. I never think of your art as "tight"...it's simply beautiful.

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  9. Magic Love CrowJuly 29, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Lisa, your painting is coming along beautifully! My friend, your heart will tell you when to stop ;o) Listen ;o) Hugs ;o)

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  10. UnknownJuly 29, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    That is such a problem I have.. I feel like I get stuck and I always think I am not finished, It drives me crazy.. Love your painting my friend.

    Hugs~

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  11. Catherine DentonJuly 29, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    I love it! I feel you have a remarkable way of keeping it loose. Enjoyed seeing the process!
    Catherine Denton

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