working on finishing the empty space

Posted on June 11th, 2009

Taking a step back to look at my 24 x 24″ latest work I decided to change a few colors as I was not happy with this particular shade of yellow.  There is a balance to achieve in composition and design that until I see it  I feel it is not a finished piece.  When do you feel a painting or work is done?  It is with me just a feeling that something is off.  I wonder how  I know?  Mixed media works because of all the pieces of paper, paint, etc seem to take more effort to connect.  When I do workshops I tell my students you always need a space to rest your eyes.  A space with very little or nothing to balance the worked space.  It is hard for them not to fill the whole space with collage.  This space is very important to me to be right in the composition.  When I question is a piece finished its usually this space that needs some attention in color or shading.  How do you do feel about this space?