Is it Finished?
Critique your art through the eyes of a bachelor
Are you interested in hearing the secret to knowing when your WIP (work in progress) is done? Who isn’t. Ever since I started pursuing an art career, I have heard and asked this question more times than I can remember. Don’t stop reading, but the answer is infinitesimal, it’s different for every artist and every piece of art created. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear, but sometimes the truth hurts.
When I first started painting, I would seek the answer from a few people close to me. My thought process was that if they liked it, then maybe it was good enough to put out “there”. Sometimes I just really wanted to be done with a difficult piece, one that had given me challenges and issues while creating. I figured if someone could validate that they liked it, then it was pretty enough for someone to like it enough to purchase it. The reality is that as the artist, we are the creators and that means that only we can answer the question. Don’t give up hope just yet, I do have some suggestions to help you in finding your answer.
When viewing your art for a self critique it is best if you can hang or lean the artwork by itself somewhere, away from distractions. It can also be very helpful to to have white mat board to surround it. Below is a list of questions to ask yourself, and your artwork, when you are trying to decide if it’s time to sign and varnish.
Are you drawn in with an interest to look more closely
Does it tell a story
Is there a particular emotion being expressed
Is there enough value contrast (take a black and white photo of it if you aren’t sure)
Is there a dominant temperature (warm or cool tones)
Is there enough variety in the size and shape of the elements; think opposites attract here? If your composition is mainly hard lines make sure to include some curves somewhere for variety; if it’s mainly bold strokes be sure to include some fine lines.
Do your eyes move around the canvas or do you get trapped in an area (you want free movement)
Does it feel cohesive or are there too many competing elements
Does it feel authentically you
Remember, the goal isn’t to create something pretty or perfect, it’s to create art that is authentically you. This is so much easier said than done, and never be in a hurry to finish. If you have an urgency to finish, that can end up being the very thing that is blocking your creativity and vision. Just walk away for an hour, a day, a week and come back with fresh eyes and spirit and you might be surprised at what you see and/or hear. Hoping you find something helpful for you in your creative journey.
“A Work of Art is the
Trace of a
Magnificent Struggle”
-Robert Henri