Q: How can you tell with certainty when a pastel painting is finished?
June 24, 2017A: For me a work is finished when to add or subtract some element causes the composition to diminish or somehow weaken. It’s mostly a matter of where I want viewers to look and how I decide to lead their eyes around a painting.
I work on each piece for several months so that by the time it’s nearly done, I can no longer see flaws. I put it aside for a week or two. Then I pull it out again, turn it upside down, and any details that need improving become obvious. Once I fix them, I know the painting is finally finished and ready to be signed, photographed, and delivered to my framer.
Comments are welcome!
Posted in: 2017, Black Paintings, Creative Process, Pastel Painting, Working methods, "Poker Face", composition, details, finished, flaws, framer, obvious, pastel painting, photographed, signed, upside down, viewers