When is a painting truly finished?
I get asked this question all the time. Some paintings seem to flow effortlessly from my brush, coming together with an ease that feels just right. I know they’re done when both my eyes and heart feel satisfied.
Others take years—literally.
There are times when I revisit a piece I once considered complete, only to feel the pull to add one final spark, one last touch to bring it to life in a new way. This happened recently as I stood in my studio, gazing at a waterfall painting. Something about it called to me.
So, I grabbed my ladder and a paintbrush and let instinct take over. More purples, brighter greens, thick strokes of oil stick, and finally, a reflection of the sky’s blue shimmering in the water. And then—ahhh—done.
Leonardo da Vinci said it best:
"Art is never finished, only abandoned."
What a freeing thought—especially when you don’t fall off the ladder!