Lena Rivera
Artists often struggle with the question of when to stop working on a painting. It can be difficult to know when a painting is finished, especially for abstract painters without a reference image. One way to decide is to hang the painting up and look at it from time to time over a period of a week or two. If you are still not happy with it, you can go back and fix it. If you are satisfied, you can sign it and declare it finished. However, even if you are happy with your painting, there are still a few things to consider, such as whether to frame it, varnish it, or add any finishing touches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Knowing when to stop | Listen to your intuition, take a few deep breaths, and evaluate the colour harmony and composition. |
| What to do if you're not satisfied | Take a break, then come back and fix it. |
| What to do if you're satisfied | Sign your painting. |
| What to do if you're selling | Consider framing, varnishing, and photographing for your website. |
| What to do if you're not "in love" with the style or results | Gift it to someone, sell it at a budget-friendly price, or cut out smaller sections to create new compositions. |
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What You'll Learn
Repurpose the canvas
If you are still not happy with your painting, remember that others might appreciate it. You can offer it at a budget-friendly price or give it as a gift to a friend or even a stranger. You can also hang the painting up somewhere visible and look at it over a few days or weeks. If you are still not satisfied, you can always go back and fix it.
If you are happy with your painting, you can sign it. The signature provides a sense of closure and relief. Use the same medium as the painting, but you may need to dilute the paint to help it flow. Consider the colour of the signature, especially if you have a dark painting. You can sign in an unusual place or on the back of the canvas, known as en verso.
Finally, you can varnish your painting to protect it from dirt and debris. If you are using oil paints, you will need to wait for a few months to a year for the paint to dry completely before varnishing.
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Gift to friends and family
If you have a painting that you're not happy with, or it hasn't turned out as you'd hoped, there are several options to consider before giving up on it. Firstly, remember that your own critical eye may be preventing you from appreciating the painting's beauty. What you see as a failure may be seen as a success by others, so don't be too hard on yourself.
Gifting your artwork to friends and family can be a great way to rehome a painting and see it through fresh eyes. It can be a very personal and thoughtful gift, especially if you know the recipient's taste and style. They will likely appreciate owning an original piece of art, and it gives your work a new purpose.
If you are a new artist, you may consider gifting a painting as a practice piece, without the intention of selling it at a higher price point. This can be a wonderful way to offer budget-friendly art to friends or family who may not be able to afford more expensive pieces. You can also offer these at a lower price to recoup material costs, or even for free if you wish to simply gift your art to strangers or acquaintances.
For larger canvases that you are unhappy with, you could consider cutting out smaller sections to create mini compositions. These can be adjusted, touched up, and sealed, resulting in charming little paintings that can be mounted on wood panels or framed. These smaller paintings could then be gifted to friends and family, offering a unique and personalised present.
Remember, even if you don't love the painting, it is not a waste. Each piece teaches you something and helps you grow as an artist. Gifting your artwork to friends and family can be a wonderful way to share your journey and give your paintings a new life and purpose.
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Donate to charity
Donating your painting to charity is a great way to give it a new lease of life and support a good cause. It is also beneficial for the donor, as they can claim a charitable income tax deduction, provided certain requirements are met. For example, if the donor has inherited a painting or held it for more than a year, donating it to charity can help them avoid paying capital gains tax on a sale. However, it is important to note that the donor must itemize deductions and follow specific IRS requirements, such as filing a Form 8283 for artwork valued over $500.
There are several organizations that accept artwork donations, such as ArtWorks for Cancer, which accepts donations from individuals, artists, dealers, galleries, estates, and corporations. They are interested in sculptures, photographs, and works on canvas, paper, or board, in various mediums, sizes, and styles. The artworks should offer a sense of hope, joy, and healing to cancer patients, their families, and healthcare providers. Donors must complete a Deed of Gift to transfer ownership, and if a tax receipt is required, a professional appraisal report on the fair market value of the donation must be provided.
When donating a painting to charity, it is important to ensure that the artwork meets the criteria and aligns with the charity's mission and values. In the case of ArtWorks for Cancer, they prefer artworks with accessible and engaging subject matters, such as landscapes or still life, that offer a sense of hope and healing. It is also worth noting that the charity's use of the donated artwork must be related to its tax-exempt purpose for the donation to be eligible for a fair market value deduction. For example, donating a painting to a museum for display would qualify, whereas donating it to a donor-advised fund (DAF) sponsor would not, as the latter is likely to sell the artwork to generate funds.
If you are unsure about donating your entire painting, you can consider repurposing it by cutting out smaller sections to create 'mini compositions'. These charming little paintings can then be donated as individual pieces or used as gifts or sold to raise money for charity. Donating artwork is a wonderful way to support charitable causes and bring solace and inspiration to those who need it, while also providing artists with an opportunity to clear space and give their art a new purpose.
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Sell at a discount
If you are not completely in love with your painting and feel stuck, it is important to remember that not loving your own creation does not mean someone else won't. You can sell your artwork at a discounted price, allowing others to discover its beauty and cherish it. This can be a win-win situation, as it allows you to clear space in your studio and gives your art a new home, while also offering budget-conscious buyers the chance to acquire unique pieces.
Before selling your artwork, it is essential to take some time to evaluate it critically. Hang the painting up somewhere visible and step back to examine it from different angles and perspectives. Take a few deep breaths and listen to your intuition. Does the painting feel complete, or are there areas that need improvement? Trust your artistic skills and instincts to make the necessary adjustments until you feel satisfied with the result.
If you are still unsure about the painting, consider seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. However, be cautious not to fall into the trap of perfectionism. It is important to find a balance between making necessary improvements and overworking the piece. Remember, each painting is a valuable part of your artistic journey, and even "failures" can teach you something and contribute to your growth as an artist.
When you feel ready to sell your artwork, there are several platforms and strategies you can utilise. You can offer your paintings at a budget-friendly price on websites like Craigslist or hold an open studio event to showcase your work directly to potential buyers. Consider the option of selling smaller sections of large canvases that you don't particularly like. By cutting out appealing 'mini compositions', making touch-ups, and framing or mounting them, you can create charming little paintings that may be more appealing to buyers.
Lastly, remember that pricing your artwork is a delicate balance. As an artist, you deserve fair compensation for your time, skills, and materials. While selling at a discount, aim to recoup your material costs and factor in the time and effort invested in creating the piece. This approach ensures that you are not undervaluing your artwork or discouraging potential buyers with inflated prices.
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Paint over it
Painting over an existing painting can be a great way to start anew and give yourself a blank canvas to work on, especially if you feel stuck or frustrated with your current painting. It can be a cathartic experience and can even help you create your best work yet.
Before you begin painting over your old painting, it is important to ensure that the old paint has thoroughly dried. If you are painting over an oil painting, you can use a mix of colours such as Yellow Ochre, Vermilion, and Titanium White with a little white spirit to create a mid-tone underpainting. It is important to spread the paint evenly over the surface, ensuring enough opacity to cover the original image. You can also use a thinned mixture of Prussian Blue and white spirit to draw the new composition.
If you are painting over a wall, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, determine if you need to use a primer. If you are painting over a very pigmented colour, it is recommended to use a primer. Additionally, if you are using water-based paint over oil-based paint, a primer is necessary to ensure proper adhesion. However, if the existing paint is light-coloured and you are using the same type of paint (both oil-based or both latex, for instance), you can proceed directly to painting, ensuring that the wall is clean and free of contaminants.
Remember, it is always a good idea to plan for two coats of paint to ensure even coverage, regardless of whether you are painting over a canvas or a wall.
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Frequently asked questions
The south wall is associated with the fire element and symbolizes passion, ambition, success, high energy, leadership, and recognition. It is a powerful direction that can radiate positive energy throughout your home when adorned thoughtfully.
Paintings that depict positive themes such as nature, wildlife, flowers, harmony, and success are recommended for the south wall. Some specific examples include:
- Running horses, especially in odd numbers, depicting positive emotions like freedom, loyalty, victory, and achievement.
- Flowers, especially lotuses or cherry blossoms, invoking good vibes and bringing good luck.
- Mountain peaks, symbolizing strength, support, and long-term success.
- Tranquil landscapes in earthy tones, bringing balance and serenity.
Yes, it is recommended to avoid paintings with dark and negative themes such as war, destruction, violence, or sadness. As the south wall is associated with the fire element, paintings with water elements such as rivers, waterfalls, or aquariums should also be avoided to prevent a clash of energies. Additionally, mirrors and reflective surfaces should be avoided as they may scatter energy and disrupt harmony.
The southwest direction is about stability and relationships. Art in this direction should evoke calm and connection. Family portraits, for example, can strengthen bonds and foster harmony.
It is important to give the artwork space to breathe and avoid overcrowding the area. The size and placement of the painting should be balanced and proportionate to the wall. Keep the paintings clean as dirt can attract negative energy. Ensure that the painting is placed at eye level to maintain visual balance. Use quality materials and avoid cheap or low-energy options that might dilute the positive effects of the painting.
