Driftboat

As I progress through a piece of artwork I am aware of a fleeting sliver of gray area that exists in the realm between not-quite-finished and overworked. I am continually seeking to refine my ability to recognize when to power on and when to leave a piece well enough alone.

 During a recent exhibit I decided to moderate the lurking artist effect by pushing charcoal around a page. I was drawn to the simplicity of this fishing moment, hoping that the basic shapes would reveal the structure of the scene to any passive observer, with the bold lights and darks identifying the source and direction of light.

 Following the art show, and after some additional tinkering with the piece, I was setting it upon a shelf for a photograph when a friend popped over to the studio.

 “Are you finished with this one, or do you still have more to do?”

 Natural enough question.

 Some slight racing of my mind – visualizing what isn't yet on the page, remembering where it came from, reliving pieces attempted and pieces failed.

 “Geesh I don't know.”