How to know when to STOP?
I get this question a lot. How do I know when it’s done?
I know this is one of the most difficult topics to tackle…..because the really simple answer is to listen to your gut and your instincts will tell you when the piece is done.
But, I know….that’s harder than it seems.
Many of us suffer from perfectionism, the fear of not being ‘good enough’, or overwhelming self-doubt. We can’t help but fall prey to these ruthless feelings and our guts are nowhere to be heard.
So, what do we do instead?
Realize that your piece will never be perfect. You will forever see the imperfections of the piece. Learn to accept this as just part of the process.
Leonard DaVinci is quoted as saying, “A painting is never finished, only abandoned.”
As the creator, you will always look at a piece and think about something that you could change. Something that you’d like to do differently. We are constantly changing and growing as artists. Our work is never done.
But that doesn’t mean that a piece can’t be overworked. Believe me when I say…..a piece can definitely be overworked. There have been many, many times, when I’m stuck in my critical brain and afraid of stopping because I’m afraid that the piece hasn’t reached its full potential.
Once I accepted that my work will never be perfect (that I will never be perfect), knowing when to stop got easier. The more time I spend with my images and the techniques, the better I get at making creative decisions, including knowing when to stop.
These are not hard and fast rules. But when looking at your piece you may want to consider:
- Are you happy with the result?
- Have you used the techniques correctly?
- Is there something missing?
- Do your colors work together?
- Have you been consistent in the work?
- Is your composition balanced?
- Do you have a clear focal point?
- Is your message or voice clear?
- Have you included enough information for the viewer to understand your image?
- Have you run out of passion to work on it any further?
There are times when I know in my heart that a piece is definitely not done, but I don’t know what is missing. I then live with the piece for a while. I put it up and look at it. Sometimes it’s just a glance as I walk past. Sometimes I sit and stare at it. Eventually it becomes evident what is missing. It’s not always blatant at first, but over time the issue reveals itself to me so that it can be corrected.
No doubt, the hardest part of creating artwork is knowing when to stop.
To bring an artwork to completion I have to get to the stage where the piece resonates deep within me. And knowing of what resonates within has to develop slowly, over time by spending countless hours looking inwards.
Because at the end of the day, we must all determine for ourselves when it’s just the right time to stop and put the brush down.
What do you think? When do you know when your work is finished?
Be well….be creative,
Thank you Clare for this today as I needed to see this and hear it. I have been battling with myself and a large piece, a size I have never tried before. I am fairly happy with the results but each time I look at it I see something else and i drive myself nuts. I think for now, I am going to call it good and walk away for awhile.
It’s a constant battle Raemi. Post it in the alumni group. I’d love to see it.
All awesome ideas & suggestions Clare! I have also learned to look at my piece in a mirror. It allows me to “step away” a bit from the perspective I see while working on it, and gives me a fresh look and thus a better sense of where something might be missing or out of balance. Thanks for this – and yes, our work & ourselves are never “finished”!!!!
Love this idea of looking at it through the mirror…..it’s just enough to change the perspective. Fabulous. Thanks for that Barb!
And I have learnt that sometimes it’s just not going to work. I destroy lots of my pieces and make them into something else. It’s OK!
Also, if I’m not sure about a work I just prop it up in my living room where I can see it as I watch TV or something and live with it for a week or so. Sometimes it will strangely seem ok after that time or go to Plan A – destruction and rebirth into something else!
I agree wholeheartedly Judy. Sometimes it’s best to just destroy and start over. Not every image is a good candidate for photo encaustic and even if it is a good photo, sometimes the path you have taken just doesn’t work…..and it’s time to cut your loses and start over!
Hi Clare. Happy Birthday June 30! Your point about a piece resonating with you describes how I feel about what I consider to be my best work. It’s also been my guide to finding my voice as an artist and photographer. Its done when it is something I want to share.
Thank you Nancy……that’s perfect. When it’s something you want to share. I love that guideline:)