As artists, one of the trickiest questions we face isn’t how to start a piece—it’s how to finish it. When is a painting, drawing, or sculpture truly complete? Is it when we’ve added that final detail, or when it simply feels done? The answer is rarely clear-cut, and often, it’s deeply personal.
 

Why Finishing Can Be So Challenging

The difficulty in finishing a piece often stems from perfectionism. That little voice in our heads insists that the work could always be just a bit better ... maybe the composition needs more balance, the colors could be more harmonious, or the details a little sharper.

On the other hand, there’s the fear of stopping too soon. What if there’s a layer or idea we haven’t yet uncovered? This tension between too much and not enough can leave us stuck in a loop of endless tweaking, where every adjustment feels necessary but never enough.
 

Signs a Painting Might Be Done

While there’s no universal formula for finishing, here are a few signs that can help you recognize when it’s time to step back:

1. You’ve Answered Your Initial Question:
   Every one of my paintings starts with a question or idea—whether it’s exploring a color palette, capturing a feeling, or experimenting with a technique. If the painting achieves what I set out to explore, it's finished.

2. Further Changes Feel Superficial:
   When my edits shift from meaningful improvements to fussing over minor details, I take it as a sign that I'm done (and in danger of going too far).

3. The Work Resonates Emotionally:
   Sometimes, a piece just feels right. It may not be perfect (what art ever is?), but it evokes the emotion or response I intended. I look at it and I just love it. That's when I say 'enough.
    

The Danger of Overworking

Continuing to push a piece past its point of completion can lead to what many artists call “overworking.” This happens when the freshness and spontaneity of a piece are lost in the pursuit of perfection. Overworking can result in a piece that feels heavy, forced, or lifeless—far from what you originally envisioned.

I truly believe that it's better to leave a piece slightly rough around the edges than to polish it into something that no longer feels authentic.
 

So, how do you know when to stop...?

1. Take a Step Back:
   Physically step away from your work and look at it from a distance or in a mirror. Seeing it with fresh eyes can help you assess whether it’s complete.

2. Set It Aside:
   Give the piece some breathing room. Returning to it after a day or two can offer clarity about what it truly needs—or if it needs anything at all.

3. Define “Finished” Before You Start: Setting a clear intention for your work can help guide you to the finish line. For example, if your goal is to explore texture, stop when you’ve achieved that exploration.
    

The Beauty of Imperfection

I do think it's important to remember that no piece of art will ever be perfect. Art is, by its nature, imperfect and human—and that’s exactly what makes it compelling. If we accept this, it's much easier to call something done and move on. 

Each work we create is a step on our artistic journey, and no single piece will ever do everything. I think we just have to trust ourselves, embrace the process, and know that even when a piece feels unfinished, it might already be exactly what it needs to be.