The painting which appears is called "Sundog" and was created in a very short time. It's a quick painting of an Indian with the sun beaming on his face. It was spontaneous and unplanned and I declared it done after only about 2 hours work. It's not necessarily a great work, but I like it. I like the raw color, loose application, the expressive brush strokes and casual approach. The work is what I call a sketch painting with no further detail intended, henceforth I considered it finished and signed it. When is a painting finished ? A painting that appears complete in all areas of the canvas and bears the artist's signature we'd all agree it's done. Yet for the artist it's not that simple and other factors enter the scenario. If the work is well defined, linear or basic shapes to be filled with flat color it's clear when it's finished. On the other hand when the work is contemporary, abstract, spontaneous or impressionist it becomes more difficult to know when to quit. Many artists have the problem of overworking pieces while others are unable to add the finishing touches.Continuing in this text are considerations worthy of attention in the completion of fine art paintings.The ideal situation is to complete the work in one session and sign it. Although this is seldom the case. If your work has many breaks in it when you resume behold the art and refresh yourself to it.Keep the entire painting progressing all at the same pace and you'll be better able to see how all elements, forms, shapes. colors are harmonizing and working together within the composition. As often as needed stop and stand back from the canvas and give it an overview. Do this all the time for all paintings.! When progress stops on a painting, put it aside for a while and then go back to it with a clear fresh mind. I usually have 3 to 5 paintings in the works all the time and at least one will get my attention. To keep working, when inspiration wanes on one I switch to another. When returning to a painting that was put aside it's a good idea to take a few moments to reflect and meditate upon your original intent for the work. Resume painting in your original style,palette, application and technique. Difficult areas show up during the painting process, it's always best to address these areas first and solve them. Don't avoid or work around them otherwise the painting may never reach completion. Ultimately the determination of a paintings completion will always remain with the artist. Also never allow artwork to leave your studio without your signature.
