27 When is a painting finished? About discourage, disappointment and success

[@cammatthewhayes]

Many years ago in primary school, I had a writing teacher who told me that you know you've finished an essay when you worry that the next words you add would ruin it. I don't know if that entirely translates to visual art, since there is so much that exists outside of those boundaries of comfort and certainty.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Hi Cam. I think you have had an interesting teacher there. I also don’t know if this is the same in visual arts. I’m in doubt often about a next step in a painting with a fear I will ruin it. At the same time the painting is crying to succeed

[@claudepolez4135]

(From France, amateur watercolourist). Words about discourage are words of great wisdom and accuracy. However, copying a master helps you know your limits. And when you manage to capture a very small part of the artist's development and technical abilities, it's a form of encouragement and helps you to persevere, and gives you motivation because you know you have certain abilities. Thank you, your videos are out of the ordinary. Best regards.

[@brianrogersart]

All of your videos I find meaning in. It might be reflections off the cars or windows that stay subdued. In this video I have found so much meaning in the words that you shared. Especially those in the beginning of the video about disappointment in a painting. I’ve thought, wrongly I now feel, it was discouragement. I would trash it & walk away. Thank you for your words of wisdom, of insight. I am sure that I will return to this video time and again to hear your words, they hold so much meaning to me. Stay well Titus, continue to let your light shine bright!!🙏🏼🕯

[@NowhereHollow]

I greatly appreciate your videos. The way you share your processes, voice your opinions, and give your time within the studio have profoundly impacted me. I always watch your videos while I work in my studio as well, and it brings me great comfort to watch as you work on your paintings. It's almost like having a guest over to quietly work together on our individual projects, in the same space. I'm also very appreciative of your willingness to be so open with your thoughts on your own art and struggles and ideas. You've both inspired me and motivated me to think differently about my art and art as a whole. Thank you✌️

[@TitusMeeuws]

That’s great. You’re very kind, thank you !

[@zoyadonovska9233]

Това е разликата между хората, които просто имат ръка и тези, които са художници наистина. Вторите знаят кога трябва да спрат да дорисуват картината. Аз често имах този проблем в миналото. Още повече, че акварелът се променя като изсъхне. Но да не се сравнявам с теб. Ти си завършен художник. Гледах хаотично твои работи в годините назад. И тогава всичко изглежда съвършено, скъпи Titus. Магично, дълбоко, потапящо✨🧙‍♀️

[@mariapilarme]

I am a painter and I don’t get discouraged. First when I am painting I am in a fourth dimension, I am inside of my work and I don’t think about me. I can be 5 hours working and feel like it was 30 minutes only. Time it’s constricted not real time. It’s like been in a meditation state. Then when I come back to the real world I can see the progress of my work. The more I work the more creative I become. My brain won’t stop creating new images. I really love to get in that stage it’s my world apart. I always had that experience even when I was little. I always see the painting finish in my brain and I work to get there. If you are gifted in this way it’s absolutely a pleasure.

[@Goatex100]

This video I must say is one of your best. How you spoke from the heart regarding disappointments was very inspirational, and your analogy of the “birthdays” was beautifully said. I admire you not only for your paintings, but your advise on making art. Thank you! 4:29

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you!

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

Yes, yes, yes,.... you are so correct. We are all trying to capture it.....the deep shadow, the soft ray of light, the sparkle of a reflection, the splash of color in the distance..... How do we know when it is done. Yes, our work speaks to us. Does it always tell us what we wish to hear? No. Can we tell it that it must tell us within a certain amount of time? No. But we always work for and wish for the best. Your final painting of the white building is phenomenal. Your painting of the home is just incredible, I could just look at it for hours and still yet be amazed at your brushwork. And your painting of the girl in the red dress standing behind the large flower container is exquisite, I could melt in your rays of light and shadows. Yes, you successfully captured it. The happiest moment of any artist. You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you ever so much. 👩‍🦳🖌️

[@grahamwelsh4258]

Thank you Titus your words and thoughts give us great encouragement and support.

[@atelierthhun1165]

Thanks for your latest video. I am so glad you resolved the big white building which was eluding you.

[@EJ-mm8wc]

i love the analogy of the birthday party. thank you for the gifts

[@carlkligerman1981]

I think I preferred the large white painting without the roof, it worked really nicely as a ‘closed’ composition with the building cutting off the sky (the small stri- of sky looked awkward to my eye). But I guess the client wanted the whole building visible. I don’t envy you your commissions, as well as you execute them I wouldn’t have the patience to compromise what I think works best as a picture, but I’m too stubborn for my own good. I used to do commercial work but only one type of painting (city scapes funnily enough) sold, and anytime I tried something new my gallery would frown, so eventually I let painting for work go and just decided to do it for myself. I admire your work ethic and commitment to a thematic that works from a career perspective, you must the patience of a saint!

[@LordCurmudgeon]

And thank you for your art and your vision..❤

[@marildetesilva1410]

It's good because this whole experience of yours awakens us for each video to observe the movements and details of the painting portraying the reality of the accelerated rhythms of the big city ir the calma of a beautiful rhythm of the countryside ,with all It's beauty and lightness in it's artistic brushstrokes . Thanks !🎉🎉

[@suefonseca9034]

Sounds like horses clomping through the streets….love that touch!

[@sarvashura]

Merci pour vos sages paroles qui me touchent beaucoup . Vous contribuez à éloigner les chimères qui hantent parfois mes réfections sur mon travail. "C'est un jeu".....un plaisir incommensurable que nous partageons en silence. Merci encore.

[@alanaitken3875]

Thank you Titus. Enjoy the weekend. A❤

[@TamboArtwork]

I have found when I continue to work on a painting I have given up on as to it's being one of my "good" paintings I learn more because I don't have any expectations.

[@marlastevenson6140]

Thank you for your wise words! You are really able to expertly communicate the thoughts and feelings of discouragement, fear, and disappointment that plague the painter. You help me to realize that I need to work more on creating safe places in time and space where I am free to relax and enjoy the surprises, pleasures, and excitement of the party! 🎈🎁🎉

[@TitusMeeuws]

Nice to read your comment Marla, thank you!

[@melgrealish4691]

Oh my goodness, we can't wait now to see your book! That's amazing - absolutely stoked! And we hope your Rosie is on the mend.... Mel & Gabe

[@MrutyunjayaDash]

There is so much pause and calmness in your videos.. I love them.. they reflect my emotions and they way I would like to paint.. alone, in a corner of my studio.. and in last video you talked about how fortunate you are to simply get up and paint where the world is just going bonkers with technology, mars mission and what not... even I feel the same...to create something beautiful, you have to focus on the subject and blur every other thing..

[@oneitalia2312]

I have your thoughts, but I put guilt upon myself if I'm not outside with the 'crazies' - I could stay in for weeks but I drive myself cuckoo for not being out...😊

[@MrutyunjayaDash]

@@oneitalia2312 We have to balance it out mate. Sometimes, I just want to stay inside the studio and paint, sometimes, I just go out places, painting pleinair for weeks together.

[@oneitalia2312]

@@MrutyunjayaDash ♥️ On those connected days that you stay inside, do you ever wonder what your neighbors think about you because they see your car just sitting there not moving for days? It's what I struggle with.....please give me your opinion on that. ♥️ Thank you

[@Alissafy]

Your advice at the beginning of the video couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you as always for sharing what you do.

[@TitusMeeuws]

That’s good! Very good, thank you!!!

[@evelyne7071]

Same problem with white flowers. But, as for knowing when it’s finished……..that’s a really good question. For me, it’s when I put the last of the darkest darks………It’s done when I can’t add any more. Very difficult question !

[@oneitalia2312]

I "almost hate" when I see a new video of yours come up 😊 It means I have to stop what I'm doing to watch. Your videos take precedence over whatever I'm doing.....the woman's face with the red coat....she instantly came to life. Instantly a Dashound was just walking down the street. The bike, then 50 bikes. Tree details, spots of light, tree branches were living on canvas. When do I get my own work done? I take a break to watch you......the intense work area, contained, the window cracked open, your shirt with tiny flowers 😊 Will you put a band in your hair to keep it off your face? Your trimmed beard. The magic of shadows is so essential with a one inch foam brush.....wow, with one stroke you make the sun peek through shadows. Everything comes to life......but I need to get my own work done......I have to stop and watch you. Thank you. Thank you for spending my break with me. Have you read The Book of Titus yet? It's only 2 short pages. See you soon 😊

[@TitusMeeuws]

Haha!! Thank you so much!!!

[@Hiltonology]

Titus, I needed to hear this. Thank you brother.

[@tomgeorgearts]

As well as the artistic inspiration, you are giving a lot of people peace and tranquility with these videos. By the way, your music is a wonderful element to these videos and I expect that is a whole other side of your creative life. I am also a musician, and a writer and mindfulness teacher, so I enjoy your philosophical/spiritual comments too. I love to see how your are having success. For me, it seems like an endless road to establishing a regular income with my self-employment and that causes me a lot of stress, despite the mindfulness that I do. If you are a creative person, it can be hard to find the businesslike side of yourself that you need to establish a career. But I love to see how you are combining the two. It's inspiring. Also, I love the silence that you allow in these videos. It's as important as the space in your paintings.

[@lauraparker7961]

Thank you SO much for your videos. You're natural and honest, and watching as you go about your painting is a meditative experience for me, especially when your process is accompanied by the music you make. I did some plein air sketching (in pencil) day before yesterday of a place that has always intrigued me: a turn in the path by a lake, very shady with large old trees bending down, some touching the water. I soon realized that there was very little in the way of highlights, so I forgot about the line and concentrated on the shapes. I started with the mid-tones, then pushed the darks darker and erased to bring out the lighter bits. A battery operated eraser would have worked wonderfully, especially on the spaces between the leaves where the sun shone down onto the walkway. I learned a lot and next time will be easier. Thanks again. -LP

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you Laura! Lovely message !

[@cynthiastory-cs1vm]

Hello from Adelaide South Australia......I enjoy sharing the way you approach and define your work. Thank you for the videos! Regards, Cynthia

[@raycarter4030]

at 18.20, this is the first time in this particular painting, both versions, that i thought, yes, at last, there it is, there is the painting. I’ve always thought it was about the values, and now they seem better, more contrast.

[@michaelmcewan432]

Wise words, and excellent work

[@joshuafuryon7874]

Thank you very much for making these videos , keep on keeping on

[@DPSAX95]

inspiring words, as always your subtle way of looking is magnificent, when looking into daily experience with honest clarity it's the same.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thank you so much

[@WisnuAbdAllah]

As a watercolour painter i always discourage at the first layer of painting because i feel that my painting is not right, ugly, and the light and shade is not correct, the first layer of painting is really hard to go trough and make me feel like i wanted to rip my painting and start over again

[@ninner196]

It’s a very normal response because in each form of media it is commonly referred to as “the ugly stage.” In reality paintings often come together in the final stages. It is like baking, no one expects each step to be beautiful but the results are mouthwatering.😊

[@thirstypilgrim97]

This may sound odd, as I am a writer primarily, but I think many creative artists share the same things, and can benefit from speaking to one another/ listening to one another. And for this, I appreciate Titus.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Thanks!

[@ГалинаУсман]

У вас интересные работы ❤

[@pennyupson6000]

Great thoughts . Thank you.

[@solea59]

Another very inspiring video Titus, thank you. I think we get disappointed through our expectations, and also maybe a little inpatience with ourselves. Your words are comforting to me and many others !

[@TitusMeeuws]

Great, thank you 🙏

[@solea59]

​@@TitusMeeuwsIk ben nu begonnen met Nederlands leren

[@2209009pm]

Wow, you got me, I'm hooked. I love your way you work. I am an oil painter and I admit I have a fear of watercolor but after watching you I am going to take a shot at it. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Wow. Love to read that. Thank you!

[@Tat2TankT]

Thanks for the advice I think we struggle with when things are finished great video as always bro thanks for sharing 😊 can’t wait till the next one

[@LordCurmudgeon]

Thank you for the videos you make.

[@ambient72]

Titus, your discussion somehow reminded me of a quote by the composer Igor Stravinsky: “My freedom will be so much the greater and more meaningful the more narrowly I limit my field of action and the more I surround myself with obstacles…The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees one’s self of the chains that shackle the spirit.” Do these sentiments at all reflect your thoughts on the creative process?

[@TitusMeeuws]

Hi, how special to read Stravinsky ‘s words here and how particular you know to quote them. Yes, I think these words explain that freedom is nothing without resistance. Actually this resistance is what this video is about. We feel attracted to this resistance to clarify what’s really important

[@DanielRutkofske]

Calling painting a "birthday party". that's perfect

[@rosemaryclark610]

I had no idea I could paint till I was 50 years old. I have been painting now for 16 years, still love doing it, and am still surprised. Every time. I have a question. What do you do with paintings that don't sell? Can you give me some ideas? My acrylics sell better than my watercolors. I don't know if it's because I'm not that good, or if it's because people haven't seen them in person, or something else. There's a lot of competition here in Colorado when it comes to watercolorists. Thanks for your videos! My parents both immigrated to Canada from Holland :) Mom is from Drenthe and Dad is from Amsterdam. So, to listen to you talk makes me feel right at home. And, as to when a painting is finished. I agree. You just get to the point that you know, in your gut, that it's done. Hard to explain, but ya.

[@LordCurmudgeon]

I love your work.

[@zoyadonovska9233]

Одухотворен👄 Остави ме без думи. Страхотно видео. А картината...🎉Вече съм твой фен. Определено.🧙

[@ion-radudanila5411]

Thank you very much for your new post!

[@zbigniewgomski3754]

W Twoich filmikach i w tym również widzę że często wracasz do poprzednich obrazów i robisz korekty .Dla mnie to jest mankament bo gdy próbuję coś poprawić albo domalować to kończy się że wszystko zepsuję .

[@gracethomsen2265]

Thank You 🙏

[@a4n625]

Disappointment? There is always a good detail in the picture.

[@MarkNiceyard]

As an illustrator, calligraph and a little bit of an artist I'm pretty much used to only getting good paintings. I know what I'm doing and I work diligently. I can't recall a picture over the last years that was bad. I work on pictures untill they are good. Everything is at least good enough for most people to find it good. Not every work I do is great for sure but that would be a very silly presumption to follow. And I guess being a grown up professional is exactly not being like a child on his birthday party. I paint, then identify what is bad and correct it and in the end I have a painting that works. I'm pretty sure your client would have been very happy with the first painting, too? The second painting of the white house: Watching you doing it the second time indeed doesn't feel watching an artist but a manufacturer. The alley, the dog, every detail doesn't feel like a genius process but a fabrication. It may be better but is it still art (your unique expression) or something you want to produce optimally? I know it very well doing something a second time. I do this with many calligraphy pieces because it gets better with each iteration. But the mojo, the vibe, the originality is not the same as in the first try. Being in the middle of your video I'm very curious how you gonna feel when finishing it... Now I watched it to the end and I must say I'm a bit disappointed to see you so indifferent with this picture. Just finished because you don't feel like not giving up sounds like an "ex negativo". It is in deed an interesting "rule" but I would have been happier to hear how happy you are with it or what you felt after having it finished finally. Was there more than relief to close the client's order?

[@mr1992er]

Love your channel!! If you can tell me what's camera and lens you use! Thank you!

[@suefonseca9034]

This was awesome!!! Do you seal your watercolors before framing them?

[@Antonio-pk8qf]

lo entiendo......

[@ninner196]

Son sentimientos universales ¿verdad?😊

[@domingomendoza1136]

Interesante demo. whatercolor. Versión en español por favor.

[@ninner196]

En mi tableta puedo usar el botón para subtítulos. El habla diferentes idiomas pero imagínese cuánto tiempo se tomaría para traducir tradicionalmente cada idioma…..😅

[@domingomendoza1136]

@@ninner196 muchas gracias por la sugerencia.

[@Dominic-mm6yf]

Cannot really explain it in words but I just get a hunch when a painting is finished and adding anything else would ruin it.

[@CynFromMN]

So when you were having so much trouble with the big white building....do you ever go to the client and withdraw from the commission because you don't think you can do the painting justice?

[@fortheloveofart82]

Titus do you use an ordinary pen ?

[@brianhenry3297]

The Past Is Gone, The Future Is A Mystery, Today Is A Gift, That's Why It's Called Present. Happy Birthday.

[@TitusMeeuws]

Love this. Many thanks!

[@kendietz8640]

Do you ever oil paint?

[@LordCurmudgeon]

How or when did you get started?

[@TitusMeeuws]

Hi, I started 25 years ago. I had several jobs in the beginning and after a few years I could start focussing totally on my own work

[@AM-zg1fk]

Do you earn enough for a comfortable living?