TM9276 Watching the Waves Come In #236 6×6 oil on paper

TM8675 Watching the Waves Come In #175 6×6 oil on paper

TM8410 Watching the Waves Come In #131 6×6 oil on paper

When is a painting finished? I was cleaning up in the studio recently, and found a stash of studies, some that (were) finished and some just started months or even years ago. Seeing them now, with more experience, I knew I could develop them further. I present the results. Moody Atlantic waves and skies, reinterpreted with a palette knife and more viscous paint. No longer studies, but small finished paintings.

I guess a painting is permanently finished when I no longer have access to it, when I can’t change or add anything. Until then, if it’s in the studio, it may continue to change and improve  as I learn more about painting. Or sometimes it’s the painting that tells me what to do – if I listen.