How to Know when your Painting is Finished.

How do you know when your painting is finished? That's always a difficult question to answer. In this video I'll give you a few ideas to help you answer that question.
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⏱ TIME STAMPS
0:00 Introduction
0:52 Clarify your objective
1:12 My objective for this painting
2:25 Stand back and look at your painting
2:56 Take a photo and look at it on your phone or computer - make adjustments
5:06 Make your photo black and white to see tonal values - make adjustments
5:45 Take a break
7:30 Final adjustments
8:15 Finished Painting
8:37 Outro
9:18 Bloopers
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[@lmbjeffers]

I love your bloopers. Thanks for including them.

[@radiantnavin8033]

Loved the water ripples on the painting... Your videos let me think, "It's okay not to be too strict with ourselves and the way we paint, it's ok not to copy the reference image exactly as it is... Thanks for the great video, Louise :)

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Yes very useful for me. As an intermediate artist I have a huge tendency to overwork & fiddle with my paintings. Your Koi painting is marvelous looking! Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational video with us!

[@nkguenther1]

So many great tips, Louise. I always take a photo when I think I’ve finished and often something will jump out at me that needs changing a bit. It’s funny how I don’t see it on the painting but in the photo I do. Beautiful, beautiful painting of the koi and the rocks and reflections are wonderful.

[@susanmiddlebrook5882]

Oh, Louise! I love this painting! It’s beautiful!! I enjoyed what you had to say about your process. I find all of your teachings helpful and thought provoking. Once again, you are my favorite artist. I love your take on your subjects! Just gorgeous!♥️🌹

[@kathyh9423]

I ADORE this painting! My ultimate goal is to paint rocks under water someday. I am a former river guide and I love the play of light on the surface of a river and seeing the rocks and pebbles underneath. I'm nowhere near that skill level yet, but I look forward to seeing more of this kind of work. Thank you!

[@SarahNewburyArt]

Hi Louise! I LOVE this painting! Great tips too. Have a lovely weekend 😊

[@angelikaschafer3697]

I take photos of my engravings when I work on the glass to see the peice in a new way. You do wonderful art.

[@shellyparker8960]

This is helpful. I appreciate that you explain what you would change and why. Thank you.

[@sumei5901]

This painting blows my mind! Esp. with the water ripples and reflections. Can you make a video on water reflections and ripples? Thanks!

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Another beautiful painting, Overworking is something I struggle with but am getting better. I like to leave it where I can see it a few times a day. Often that's all I need to call it finished or to know what's missing :)

[@AFAskygoddess]

At the first day of an art class, my instructor asked us the same question. I told her that my painting was finished when I ripped it up and threw it in the trash can.😂

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

This was very helpful, thank You so much! ❤

[@englishfive6985]

Wow!!!! Fantastic 😊so beautiful fishes and rocks

[@walkinginwatercolourswithmicah]

Such an inspiring video...thnx Louise! The koi are beautiful.

[@cynthiakeith6925]

Beautiful Louise.

[@alisonhendry2928]

Fabulous tips as always! I take photos as I go along to “ see” where I am going wrong or to nudge something in a better way, but have never taken a black and white step to this. Thank you for this idea. I have done it before I begin with the photo references but never my own work. Brilliant! Thank you 🙏

[@padraigparker1839]

You made a really great job of that difficult but beautiful subject - well done. You've also inspired me, as have just started but you never come across as an expert (which you are) so I feel that some day I will get there too. It's beautiful !

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Padraig. I'm no expert, I still consider myself a learner.

[@mary12rose]

Lovely video. Great data. You are greatly appreciated. :) LOL your bloopers are so funny. Love it.

[@natlisan]

Stunning piece Louise! Thanks for sharing your process with us.

[@frauleineniko4911]

Wunderschönes Gemälde. Ich liebe deine Tutorials oder wie jetzt jüngst deine Gedanken zu den künstlerischrn Prozessen. Meine großen Dank dafür.

[@kirstynewbery8012]

Many great tips Louise. Thank you

[@peameem]

Wow!! I LOVE it!!!!! Thank you, so much!!!!

[@itsdaksha]

I just loved this painting + your great advice ❤❤❤

[@Muriellehoodfar]

Thank you for all the information you mention even I read in the book revising. I like to have sketch of fishes you are painting thank you so much

[@alexandraseigle1855]

Your instruction is always so clear and helpful.Thank you.

[@renee1292]

Louise you did a marvelous job on this complicated painting. Knowing when we are finished is always a dilemma. I tend to stop before the piece is really done, when it needs more detail or value contrast. I like your idea of putting a photo on the computer to help evaluate the painting. Taking a few days away from it also helps. Like when I write poetry or fiction i will put pieces away for weeks before revising them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks so much Renee. That's great advice for lots of things that we do. 💖😊

[@elizabetheliuk9373]

You are so knowledgeable and your ability to convey your message and your verbal skills are incredible. Thank you.

[@serenityjewel]

Your koi painting is amazing. I cannot believe you don't regularly paint them. Great job.

[@sarahbailey5928]

This is just gorgeous ... so very helpful. Thanks, Louise.😊

[@pallavichandra8281]

Thanks for sharing this video!! Extremely extremely useful!!

[@rosemarymoore3142]

You are so wise! That was very helpful..

[@kathleengill994]

Wonderful Louise ❤

[@amandastratton8242]

Some useful information ,thank you Louise I loved the little fish with the water ripple around it, you really are an amazing artist Thank you for sharing all with us xx

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You’re welcome. Thank you very much Amanda. 💖 😊

[@sandegeorge542]

You chose a wonderful color palette. Soothing.

[@NATUREDRAWINGS]

Beautiful watercolor. Yes , it is very difficult to decide when a painting is finished. I like all your advices, they come from the work experience that you have. Thanks you sharing. The one I find more interesting is that you have to leave the painting aside for a few days.

[@ChrisieCouncil]

Your studio lighting is so beautiful!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you!

[@Bindismom]

This problem is only second for me, to knowing what to price a piece at! I was excited when you said that you used your camera to critique and “ see it in a different way”. That’s what I’ve always done too. If something jumps out at me, it’s an area I go back to. This koi painting is wonderful! Koi fish is always such a interesting study. Loved this video🤗👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎨

[@voliabrandaolaveneremachad7849]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Camila-db1oi]

beautiful painting!

[@vickiestewart7394]

I have to say, in the beginning, BEFORE your expert Patreon guidance, my surefire way to know when MY painting were finished was simple: When I looked down at it and it resembled whatever we had had for dinner instead of the rose/dog/landscape it started out as, YES, it was finished and ready for the trash!!! LOL Now, I simply put my brush down when a little voice in my head says, "Quit fussing with it before you ruin it!" Guess who I picked that up from? One of the best pieces of advice I ever got from you, among MANY. Also a few more pieces of advice in THIS video which I will use in the future! I think I learn something from every video, especially on Patreon, that I watch of yours. (I am on my third eradicator brush from Rosemary and Co., and I don't know whether that is something to brag about or be embarrassed about.) Looking SO forward to the next one.

[@tezoodle]

Thank you Louise, it was so informative to watch you paint, and to listen to your sound advice about when to adjust, and when to stop. My rule of thumb is when I start saying, "I'll just ...." and it's OK to do one or two things, but if the "I'll just ... " dialogue continues, I have to make myself walk away because I've figured out *that* is where things start to become overworked. I love your work, it is so luminuous and beautifully painted. I would love to see more of these underwater rocks / scenes. And just for the record, I wasn't so fond of your cow paintings 'eath-ier', but I did like the vignette. Thanks again xx🥰

[@pennycandyys]

I love paintings of fish, and I really like this one as well. I’m really thirsting for some darks in the shadows though, but perhaps this is the look you were going for? Truthfully art is so subjective anyway, and a painter may just sort of have a different eye than other people on the one hand, or they may be trying to express a different style.

[@JustDustyB]

Newbie here. I really enjoy your videos. I've learned so much already! You do a fabulous job of explaining things clearly and get to the point, making it easy to understand and learn. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge with us! ❤ P.S Love the bloopers!! 😂

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

Very nice! Thank you Louise!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad you like it! Thank you. 🥰

[@juliab.8200]

Thank you 🎆🎇🎇

[@brigitteitg]

As usual your insights into watercolour painting are very useful, thank you! It’s definitely worth remembering (even though it might sound contra intuitive) to make areas around the focal points disappear for a more balanced composition - sometimes a simple wash with clean water can do the trick if an area is overworked.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Good advice. Thank you Brigitte.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Excellent teaching on the "purpose" of painting. That will stay with me forever. Thank you. Beautiful painting... such a complex subject (which never tried before!!) and did it with such elan...wow! Very inspiring video. Lousie...I wish to see your style of painting in a cityscape with a street scene. I see all watercolorists do similar style...but I am completely bowled over your style which suits me very well..slow...wet on wet ..taking time...with least stress. I can say I saw no one on you tube who does watercolour without any rush...except you! You are really specially talented.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Sujanith. ❤️

[@devrapoitra5516]

Hello hello, this is A totaling amazing.. you say in the video you will do more like this.. ive checked on your Patreon site and do not another like this.. am i missing them.. so appreciative of your talent and your teachings. Blissings. .. blissings this day

[@M0odyBlue]

Great content!! It’s one of the hardest things to know. I like to put it down for a day or two and then look at it with fresh eyes or “live” with it for a time. The photo idea is great and so is the use of a mirror. To me, the most important things are the questions you asked yourself about the painting. Do you have those compiled anywhere? I imagine it would be very helpful to have on hand when you’re using the tips and tools you’ve mentioned. This is the second of your videos I’ve watched and I subscribed. Thanks for a great video!

[@carollegros8671]

Wow beautiful

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Carol.

[@MoiAussie1]

Wow Louise this is magnificent, it really demonstrates your talent and dedication to your work. You are improving whilst helping us. I could never reach anywhere near that level I’m much too lazy and I don’t want too, I’ll happily leave it to you and be in awe. I love the granulation , was it just the Ultamarine or did you use some of your schminke super granulating or other granulating paints.?

[@carinneduquenne]

Hi Louise , will you do a tutorial With koi fishes in water ? I like your voice … your a perfect teacher 🎉!!

[@juliekraut7218]

So awesome how you can make the rocks look like they are on the bottom and the fish are above swimming. Their is a Koi fish nursery by my house and I have tons of photos of Koi too. I love painting them. I’ll have to try your rock technique.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Julie. I hope it turns out well for you.

[@dneel468]

Beautiful painting! Any chance we could see a Skillshare class of rocks and koi? I also take photos of my paintings in progress and it always amazes me how glaringly obvious my mistakes are through a camera lens. Lovely painting thanks for the video.

[@Saahrish]

Thank you for this video. It helps. Can you please do a video on how to decide what techniques to use based on a reference photo? A few weeks ago some of us members on your Facebook group were discussing this that how we get overwhelmed by the techniques we have learned from you and often struggle to decide which ones to pick. I know it differs from subject to subject. And its not easy to cover it in one video but can you maybe just touch on the subject?

[@elkepaull-keller9039]

This painting is amazing 👏

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Elke.

[@elkepaull-keller9039]

I have often put my painting up on an easel in the lounge or in the house where I walk frequently so that I can observe it frequently until I know what needs doing to complete it. A photo is something I also do but I haven't thought of black and white.

[@jacquelinewhittaker4651]

Your advice resonated with what experience has taught me about freestyle embroidery. And I'm going to try out your ideas about taking a photo part way through. Thankyou. Now how do I decide when it's time to stop writing, because I've communicated my initial thoughts well enough ???

[@theartistlove8113]

👍🏼

[@inherjyze1ify]

I have years of unfinished paintings stashed away. Once in awhile i will pull one out and determine if i want to complete it or put it back into hybernation. Sometimes it will turn out so so. (no loss no gain) and other times it will turn out to be spectctular. you just never know. Lol.

[@jennyc1846]

Hi Louise I think you must be your own worst critic. Thankyou for the great hints and for the gorgeous Koi. How goes things in the new studio, do you find you paint more, less or differently? Haven t been here in a while, moving house and life has just gotten in the way but I'm back! I'll certainly be checking out what s been happening in your studio, I'm sure I have a lot to catch up on...BTW have you done an instructional video on how to apply that brown tape. I never seem to be doing it correctly as it always sticks to my paintings...is there a right and wrong way or maybe I'm leaving it on too long? cheers from WA

[@andspi1985]

what brand of brashes do you use?

[@yasho6686]

So, is the advice same to potraits too?

[@preciousangela2651]

Do you have real time tutorial of this amazing painting? Is it also included in Patreon?

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Hi Angela, No I don't sorry. It's not a tutorial. I painted this one for my own pleasure. Thank you!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Im very very curious to know the tip of da vinci brushes after 1yr. Any comments by anyone please.

[@californiadreaming567]

I have ruined many a painting but just doing a little more. I have a hard time having contrast. Everything turns out the same value

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Me too. It's not easy knowing when to stop.

[@yasho6686]

Miss, I want know something... did you draw this with an original picture?

[@frenchgrama]

It's a beautiful painting but OMG how do you have the patience and not go cross eyed painting all those rocks...

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! I painted it over a few weeks. A little each day.

[@marieluiselarsen3827]

Wunderbar

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Danke schön!

[@YSL421]

I look my painting in the mirror to see whether it is correct or not

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's always a good way to see it with fresh eyes. Thank you Yogini.

[@YSL421]

@@LouiseDeMasi you are most welcome. Your guidance is helping me not to give up and continue to paint with courage

[@warpedweft9004]

It's finished when you're not 100% happy with it but you know if you fiddle with it any more there's a good chance you're going to wreck it completely.

[@mattylamb658]

The cow paintings are lovely, don't agree with Dom about that!

[@iga279]

when you go blind, I guess that's it!

[@louiseeckert1574]

I’ve used the “mirror suggestion”, and the “putting it away for a few days” suggestion. And the “putting it under the bed and never looking at it again” suggestion. LouiseAustralia 🦘