Finishing a painting and self-assessing work mid-process is essential to the creative process. During this video I try to explain my inner thoughts as I paint. Tips to 'see' your art again for the first time are shown (looking in a mirror and taking a photo to make it small work well too). The idea that 'something is wrong' can be a terrible moment - whether this is a sudden realization or gradual. This is why it's nice to 'live' with a painting and let it sit. This can be during a short break by stepping back, for an hour at lunch, or much longer... like days or even weeks. There have been times when a year or more goes by and I'll make changes. Usually after a year of working on/off an artwork I'm ready to move on! Better to start a new one.
This lily pond idea is one I've painted a lot of. Instead of always painting lilies I like to paint several canvases in bursts, than I'll let this subject go and tackle other ideas. Rotating my subjects seems to work better for me, and I loved revisiting this concept of the pond, sun glitter, and vegetation.
Materials for "Lily 24" painting: 40x30" Centurion canvas (I chose canvas for slightly more texture); "Thinging of You" 24x48" Centurion linen; "Lily Reflections" 30x60" Museo belgian linen; "Summer Reflections" 24x30" Centurion linen. Oil colors added to standard palette: Cobalt Teal, Prussian Blue (both are great for blue and green mixes). Spatula shown: Catalyst Princeton Brush #04 mini.
Learning to self-assess work in progress is a challenge, especially for new artists. Once the beginning artist's phase of pushing paint euphoria ends, the critical eye develops and this can feel like a bummer. Pushing through this mental hurdle is important for growth. Making friends with your critical eye and understanding its purpose (to make you better!) is the ultimate goal. Try the tips I show you in the video, they work!