{"id":2715,"date":"2014-12-14T11:12:48","date_gmt":"2014-12-14T15:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=2715"},"modified":"2019-07-13T09:05:46","modified_gmt":"2019-07-13T13:05:46","slug":"how-to-know-when-an-artwork-is-finished","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/how-to-know-when-an-artwork-is-finished","title":{"rendered":"How to Know When An Artwork is Finished"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nCreating an artwork is a deeply personal experience. Sometimes, it’s as if your soul is transmitted to the surface through the marks that are made.<\/p>\n

The very nature of creating is so personal that sometimes it’s hard to know when to stop.<\/p>\n

The reality is that deciding when to stop “speaking” is tough for all of us. \u00a0But knowing when and where to draw the line (no pun intended) is important to success.<\/p>\n

We don’t want to overwork our art, but we also don’t want to stop before it has reached its full potential. \u00a0We know that we need to stop at the peak, but we don’t know where we are on the mountain.<\/p>\n

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“You<\/em> are the artist – the work is yours and yours alone.”<\/span><\/p>\n

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So how do you know when an artwork is finished? \u00a0How do you know when it’s just the right time to stop and put the brush down?<\/p>\n

Since creating is so personal, the answer to this question is ultimately personal as well. \u00a0It is an answer that we must determine for ourselves, lest it be driven by anyone else’s opinions or dictations. \u00a0You<\/em> are the artist – the work is yours and yours alone.<\/p>\n

With this being said, deciding if your work is finished is clearly difficult. \u00a0Self doubt plays a role and if you let it – it will lead you down the path of overwork. \u00a0But of course, other factors are at work as well.<\/p>\n

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Use this infographic to determine if your work is finished…<\/p>\n

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Is My Art Finished?<\/h2>\n

You must first face the reality that there will be imperfections in the finished work. \u00a0You will see them and they will glare at you! \u00a0No one sees the imperfections like the artist does and you must learn to accept them. \u00a0(If you see no imperfections in your art, look closer – they’re there.)<\/p>\n

With imperfections accepted, you then have to decide if you<\/em> are happy with the result. \u00a0If the answer is “yes”, then you are finished. \u00a0It’s really that simple. \u00a0The problem is that some artists don’t know how to determine if they are happy with their work or not. \u00a0Or they fall in love with what they are creating and end up overworking it.<\/p>\n

Let’s take a look at some factors to consider that may help you decide if you’re happy (finished) or if you have some more work to do…<\/p>\n

If Your Work is in Color<\/h2>\n

There are specific considerations for works in color. \u00a0Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself in analyzing the work…<\/p>\n