How to Determine When Your Drawing or Painting is Finished

Deciding when a drawing or painting is finished is a subjective and often intuitive process. Many artists rely on a combination of experience, emotional connection, and technical skills to make this crucial decision. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, understanding the nuances of when to stop working on a piece can significantly enhance the final result.

Understanding the Intended Message

Communicating Intentionally: One of the key factors in determining when a drawing or painting is finished is whether it effectively communicates the intended message or emotion. Art is a form of communication, not therapy, and as artists, we must focus on the piece speaking to another person. If the artwork fails to convey the desired emotion or story, further work may be necessary.

Consider stepping back and evaluating the work from a distance. This perspective can help you see if the composition is balanced and if the overall message is clear. Take a break and return with fresh eyes to gain a new perspective. Sometimes, a temporary break can provide the clarity needed to decide if the piece is complete.

Personal Perspective and Intuition

Intuition and Experience: Finishing an artwork is often a personal decision that stems from a deep understanding and connection with the material. Personal intuition and experience play a significant role in determining when a drawing or painting is finished.

Quora Talks: For more insights on finishing artwork, check out my Quora profile. There, you can find a wealth of information and perspectives from fellow artists and art enthusiasts.

Avoiding Perfectionism

Boredom as a Stopping Point: Some artists, like myself, stop refining a drawing or painting when they become bored with it. This boredom suggests that the piece no longer holds any new possibilities for improvement. However, it’s important to note that a technically unfinished piece can still hold artistic and emotional value.

To ensure a balanced approach, consider the following:

Sketching and Outlining: Once you have developed a solid sketch of the piece, outlining it with a pen and adding more detail can indicate that the piece is nearly finished. Ensure that any temporary sketches (pencils under the pen outline) are erased to maintain a clean finish. Storage and Future Evaluation: If you find yourself continually tweaking a piece, step away for a day or two. If the urge to modify the work passes, consider putting the piece away for a while. This break can provide the clarity to evaluate the work objectively.

Conclusion

Finishing a drawing or painting is an art in itself. It requires a combination of technical skill, emotional connection, and personal intuition. By focusing on the message you want to convey, taking a break to evaluate your work, and listening to your art intuition, you can determine when your piece is ready to be considered complete.

Remember, the journey of an artist is ongoing, and evolving your skills and techniques will continually push the boundaries of your creativity. Happy painting and drawing!