When is an artwork finished? April, 2009
“A painting is finished when the artist says it is finished” (Rembrandt)
Over the years I have heard many opinions and theories on the subject. I have not yet come to a conclusion about it and that is fine since I would rather leave the door open to explore further possibilities as the desire arises. I would like, however, to share a few observations and strategies you might find helpful when deciding if a work of art is finished.
After I have worked on a painting for some time and have reached a first level of satisfaction, I set it aside out of sight. Then after a couple of weeks I hang it on a wall of my studio where I can easily see it. I let it there for a while and observe it expectantly trusting that a silent dialogue will somehow emerge. When I feel ready I‘ll take it down and either work on it some more or sign it. Yet, for me signatures are no seal of completion and on numerous occasions I have reworked a painting well after it had been signed. If after all these steps I still feel stuck, I will ask for feedback from trusted fellow artists.
As I look towards the finishing touches of a painting, I will seek a certain detachment to see it again with refreshed eyes. I hope this will give me a greater discerning approach. As in every aspect of the creative process there are no ready -made formulas. For me a painting is never finished. At some point, however, I decide this is where I want to leave it with a clear conviction that it will both echo my expectations and engage a viewer’s interest.
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