A game, a paper, a renovation, there are so many unfinished projects. When it comes to art every project is unfinished until the brushes are put down for the last time, literally and figuratively. A lot of artists wonder when to stop working on a painting, they ask themselves if its over worked, under worked, or just right. I my experience, when I fiddle with a painting and keep trying to add stuff its a sign that the composition was not quite right. No amount of detail or technique can overcome a weak composition. Its the equivalent of trying to build a house on a shaky foundation. Conversely, if the composition is right then the painting will seem to finish itself. I learned composition by instinct and trial and error, along with careful study of art history. More recently I studied the Japanese 19th century print makers and that also helped a lot. Its hard to describe, but I can feel a bad composition, it makes my arm tingle and stomach turn a little. A good composition on the other hand gives me a sense of calm and confidence.
Unfinished Product, watercolour 9 x 12" watercolour paper December 2023 (No. 2891b)
No comments:
Post a Comment