Are we there yet?
May 2nd, 2008 SiobhanWhen I was in college my art professor suggested that there needed to be 2 people working on any given painting. One to paint the thing and another to stand over the artists shoulder and smack him or her repeatedly with a stick at the appropriate moment screaming: It’s done It’s done It’s done DON’T TOUCH IT! 
I always have to fight the urge to judge my past work by current standards and the subsequent urge to rework a piece. Repeatedly. To the death.
The question is, is it ever appropriate to do so?
I have to be very careful about allowing myself that liberty. It IS however, at least in my world, OCCASIONALLY warranted.
I’ve just completely reworked a piece that I had deemed finished in 2005. Why?
Well after spending 6 months closely observing the Northern Lights I felt I could do the subject more justice without ruining the feeling of ‘wildness’ of the piece. In short, without overworking and waxing too technical, reworking with restraint. HA! No sticks or shouting required.
If you’re interested in taking a look, the piece has been posted here
I welcome your comments and opinions. Feedback helps me to be a better artist!