Knowing When To Stop

Posted on May 17, 2019 | 36 Comments

How do YOU know when a piece is finished when creating art?

I was experimenting in gouache the other day…

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I was enjoying the process of adding to my piece.

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And then I went too far… It became too busy when I added markers.

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Sometimes it is difficult knowing when to stop.  I was hesitant to show you but I believe this is part of the learning process when creating.  I cannot expect to make beautiful art every time!

I made copies and will use them in my collage art.  What do you do with your art mistakes?

Cheers to creating and learning! 🙂

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36 responses to “Knowing When To Stop”

  1. Jodi | May 17, 2019 at 4:48 am | Reply

    So hard sometimes. I do it so often!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Roshanda | May 17, 2019 at 4:58 am | Reply

    I like it. So much to look at.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. beverlydyer | May 17, 2019 at 5:59 am | Reply

    Jill, I like the finished piece. It reminds me of http://raemissigman.com
    I’ve been up cycling my art “experiments” into making hand-bound art journals.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 2:21 pm | Reply

      Hi Beverly, thank you for the link. I am familiar with Rae’s art, in fact I have taken a couple of her online classes! 😊🎨 I like your idea of making your art experiments into hand-bound journals. I usually think of my “mistakes” as experiments, thanks for reminding me! It is for the fun of it! ✨😍

      Like

  5. Sharon Mann | May 17, 2019 at 6:06 am | Reply

    I like the process of layers…Our art mistakes are happy accidents. Like you, I cut up what I don’t like and reuse in collages. Have a great day Jill!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. hootiebirdsartjournal | May 17, 2019 at 6:17 am | Reply

    I also like the finished piece the best. The flower shapes give it more definition and focus.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Annie Glacken | May 17, 2019 at 7:23 am | Reply

    Jill, I know exactly what you mean. I have the same problem and when I do, I do exactly as you did—post them for my readers, this helps us all learn. Using your mistakes for collage sounds like a great idea. Maybe I need to do some collage! 🤣🤣🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 2:31 pm | Reply

      Thank you Annie, I think it is good to remind myself that sometimes art (and life) turns out differently than what I envisioned it. 😉 It doesn’t mean that it is bad, it means I probably need to change my perspective! ☺️👍

      Like

  8. Arlene | May 17, 2019 at 7:54 am | Reply

    Hi Jill, I work in layers and tend to leave things lying around for a few days (or more), before moving on now. If you think your piece is too busy now, you might want to try going over it with more paint blocks to cover some of it. Why I like acrylics, it is more forgiving! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 2:34 pm | Reply

      Hi Arlene, great ideas!! I especially like your idea of covering up parts of it. After all, it is just paint! 👍🎨 Thanks for the suggestion. I bet I can cover it with acrylics, will give it a try. 😃

      Liked by 1 person

  9. susurrus | May 17, 2019 at 9:35 am | Reply

    I could see the finished design making a lovely scarf. The middle one would be nice too.

    I’ve just made the opposite mistake. I was writing my last post using my laptop for the words and my desktop mainly for the pictures while attending to someone servicing the boiler. I finished the post on the laptop, then posted it after a pause from the desktop, which meant I published an early draft with almost all the words missing and just text, text, text anchor points and the odd phrase under most of the pictures. Very embarrassing. Luckily I later went in to answer comments and spotted what I’d done and even luckier, the laptop still had the finished version.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 2:54 pm | Reply

      Thank you for your lovely comments! 😊 I have done that too when posting! ☺️ I just had a peak at your beautiful blog – can’t wait to see more! 🌸

      Like

  10. Laura Kate | May 17, 2019 at 11:53 am | Reply

    I seem to have the opposite problem – worrying about overdoing it. I wish I could feel freer to add layers. As far as-using, I just discovered that I can print out photos of my fiber objects and use the print in other pieces. That was a revelation.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 2:41 pm | Reply

      Hi Laura Kate, I worry about overdoing it sometimes too! ☺️ I usually see my art as “experiments” and this helps me let go of my perfectionism. Somehow, I forgot about it this time… I like your idea of printing out photos of your fiber objects. Would love to hear more about your process. Do you use a computer program like Photoshop?

      Liked by 1 person

      • Laura Kate | May 18, 2019 at 6:22 am |

        I use a basic Canon point and shoot camera for photography and print the photos using the Photos program that came with Windows 10. The new twist for me is cutting the photos up and using them in collage.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. crea2010 | May 17, 2019 at 1:19 pm | Reply

    Some would say that your finished piece is not too much, I quite like it. I would also like to feel freer to add layers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 2:45 pm | Reply

      Thank you! 😊 I think I may go back and cover up parts I think are too busy with acrylic paint. I could also make another one, which I may do as well. I like hearing yours and everyone’s ideas. It helps me in my art making! 💗

      Like

  12. pattyanneart | May 17, 2019 at 5:04 pm | Reply

    I also try to keep in mind that it’s about learning and having fun. I tell myself that I need to have the freedom to make mistakes and take chances because that’s where the magic happens. 😀
    I love your work and am always inspired by your creativity my friend. 💚💗

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 9:05 pm | Reply

      Thank you Patty Anne! 😍 I was probably over-thinking this one…😉 I like what you said about giving yourself the “freedom” to make mistakes and take chances. A great way to look at art making! 🎨💕

      Liked by 1 person

  13. memadtwo | May 17, 2019 at 5:40 pm | Reply

    I often wish I had photographed something “before”–I like both the 2nd and 3rd ones but they are very different. I do sometimes hesitate before I try something, but you can always do something even with a piece that doesn’t satisfy. And it’s good to push into new things, because you never know. Stitching is always good. Or a few more layers…(K)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 9:11 pm | Reply

      Hi Kerfe, I don’t always photograph my progress but it helps me when I look back on project to remember what I did! 😉 I agree, it is a good idea to push things, how else do we know when we are dissatisfied? I cut it into squares tonight and created a pattern. I agree, stitching is always a good idea! Thanks! 🎨👍

      Like

  14. Michelle Henry | May 17, 2019 at 6:08 pm | Reply

    I agree with others and like your piece. I like the detail of the markers adding dimension and playing with the shapes. Sometimes I find it’s the idea I have in my head in the beginning that colors my opinion later. If I want to create something more artistic and professional and the final piece is too “cute” I might feel a tinge of what you mention at first. Then I try to adjust to what’s actually there and look for it’s positives and how it’s different than what I wanted it to be. It’s always a journey. I like the colors you chose as well. It looks like you enjoyed working so you kept going. 🙂 Experimenting is fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | May 17, 2019 at 9:20 pm | Reply

      Thank you Michelle, I appreciate your comments! 😍 I can so relate to what you said!! 🎨💕 It is a journey, isn’t it?! ✨🌿 I think I needed to hear your encouragement. Thanks friend! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  15. the Painted Apron | May 18, 2019 at 6:14 am | Reply

    I like your finished piece! I have found that if I hate something and put it aside for a while, the next time I look at it, I might have a different opinion! BUT, I do have a large canvas on my easel right now that is beyond saving, yes, I did too much…it is going to get a coat of black gesso today and then be transformed into something else! Ahhh the magic of acrylic!
    Jenna

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jill Kuhn | May 18, 2019 at 12:00 pm | Reply

      Hi Jenna, good idea to let it sit for a bit… 😊 I also try to remember it is just paint and can be covered up again! It is a little painful at times but freeing to know it can be “transformed”! Cheers! ✨🌼🎨

      Liked by 1 person

  16. The Eclectic Contrarian | July 5, 2019 at 10:07 pm | Reply

    I so completely understand this!! I’ve messed up so many paintings trying to “perfect” them, when they were completely fine! 🤦‍♂️

    Liked by 1 person

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