Let's Talk: How Do I Know If My Piece is Finished?

Q: How do I know if my piece is finished?

A: That age-old question, right? When do you finally put down the brush and declare a piece "finished"? Beyond the technical stuff (color, composition, value – all important, of course!), there's something more elusive at play: emotion.

A perfectly executed painting can still fall flat if it lacks that certain zing. So, how do you gauge that intangible quality?

Here's my favorite trick: Let it sit. Seriously. Step away. Let the painting breathe overnight. Then, the next day, walk into the room with fresh eyes. Don't overthink it. Just feel.

Does it grab you? Does it have energy? Does it whisper, "Come here. I've got a story to tell"? If the answer is yes, even a quiet yes, you're probably there. That pull, that connection, that's the sign you've poured your heart into the canvas and something magical has happened.

Trust that feeling. It's often the best indicator that your work is complete.