3 Ways to Know Your Mixed Media Collage Painting is Done

One of the most frequent questions I get is, "How do I know when my painting is done?"
Technically, it's never done as long as you can pull out your paints and papers and add more. But maybe a more accurate question is, "How can I tell if I have taken the painting through its complete process?"
Here are 3 signs that tell me where I am in the process and now that I know what they mean, I can use them to prompt me to go 'this way' instead of 'that way'--i.e. to push through and go further instead of thinking it's a lost cause and tossing it. Keep an eye out for these signs and see if you find them cropping up as you create, and allow yourself to see that they may have directions to navigate that you've never seen before...
3 Ways to Know Your Painting is Done
Chapter Titles
0:00 Introduction to the project and how I found 3 indicators of where I am in the process
2:25 Initial layers of collage
3:48 The first thing that shows up to remind me of the process that takes me to ‘done’; I want to rush the process
5:53 First glazing layer
9:29 Second layers of collage papers
10:19 The second thing that tells me I’m on the way to ‘done’ is when I feel like I’m having to add too many layers
13:33 Another layer of glazing and mark making
19:21 The final guidepost to knowing if my painting is done: do I love it?
20:24 Final thought and close ups of the painting
21:22 Information about mixed media collage help
Links to Resources and Classes
For information about the introductory collage class, go to www.marabethquinart.com/colla...
For info on the Intuitive Landscape class, go to www.marabethquinart.com/intui...
To get a copy of My Favorite Materials + Supplies
mailchi.mp/6658b8c5f33a/wjk8r...
Materials:
*please note: For your convenience, I've provided links to the products. I frequently suggest resources, and for some of them, I get affiliate commissions at no extra charge to you. You can also conduct your own search for the item on Amazon or at your preferred art retailer.
Golden Liquid Glazing Medium amzn.to/3pmcLdK
Shuttle Art Tempera Paint Sticks
amzn.to/3nJCwEc
6x6 Mulberry Paper Assorted Colors
amzn.to/3phbIeU
Tissue Paper 100 count
amzn.to/3OIYfXL
Assorted Acrylics in colors: Payne’s Grey, Ultramarine Blue, White, Primary Red
#mixedmediacollage #collage #mixedmedia #collageart #arttutorial #artinstruction #creativepractice #mixedmediaarttutorials

[@gailierunninglynx7310]

Thanks Marabeth! Always GREAT to see your reminder vids and I always learn more! And this painting is another fantastic piece!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much for your sweet words. 🥰

[@jillpontiere1814]

Beautiful. Each layer brings to life the finished piece. Is is such an interesting journey through every layer. Thanks for sharing your beautiful process and knowledge ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Jill-I love sharing it, and it really helps me process my own work and lessons. Xoxo

[@ellib6050]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your beautiful work and the way it all unfolds. But moreover, you thought processes and 'guide posts' which I've found hugely motivating, encouraging, inspiring and supportive too. I know how much hard work goes in to making these TH-cam videos so, just to let you know, it's very much appreciated. 😊

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much! And I’m always thrilled that it’s helpful to someone besides myself. 🥰

[@denisevance1045]

Another job (or play shall I say), well done Marabeth!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Denise 🥰

[@callycat6660]

Loved watching you do this art work ..it's beautiful and thanks for the answer to the question as it was an "oh yes" realization moment for me

[@marabethquinart]

So happy to hear it! Those realizations have be crucial to me moving my work forward. Thanks for the comment 😊

[@nona-art-poetry]

Love your philosophy and art❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ireneyoungs3698]

Ooooh Aaaah! I love it, too!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Irene!

[@cat-annechats5362]

Thank you for this advice!

[@marabethquinart]

Glad it was helpful-it helps me process my own work and the things I learn along the way.

[@Shalinee2212]

I love your work and I'm joining your course in the new year 🎉 Is it easier to do one large flower when you're a beginner?

[@marabethquinart]

That may be a personal choice, I’m not sure. For me, I think it’s easier to start with an experiment (not a painting), small, and attempt to create small flower “figures” in a non-specific and suggested way (as opposed to something uniform and fully described). Doing it this way has allowed me to loosen up and get to know the collage process better so that when I go to make a painting, I have a relationship to it. Hope that makes sense and was helpful!

[@Shalinee2212]

Thank you. That's really helpful. I find your tips on the psychology of painting so good. I get very stuck with wanting a painting to look a certain way and disappointed when it doesn't. I've managed to be more in flow with life but can't seem to do that when I paint 😅. Looking forward to doing your course as I love collage and making papers. Would you suggest the floral collage course or the landscape course as the best starting point?

[@marabethquinart]

Probably the Introduction to collage course would be the best starting place, but it’s not a prerequisite for the landscape course, so I would go with whichever one seems to interest you the most.