Lesson XII: How Do We Know When A Painting Is Done?

Posted: August 31st, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Lesson XII | 37 Comments »

The Tutor has graded last week’s 3rd quarter review and is proud to announce that our classroom is excelling! Compared to the less than spectacular results of July’s midterm, our class average is now over the 85% mark. This upward trajectory pleases The Tutor. You all deserve gold stars!

For your records, here are the answers to last week’s quiz:

  1. Thus far, what part of The Tutor’s subject has a cockroach not crawled upon? Answer: c.) her little knees
  2. According to The Tutor, our eyeballs are what? Answer: b.) wet, palm-sized orbs
  3. When sketching our subject, we should begin with which of the following? Answer: a.) the largest shapes
  4. In Lesson X, what does The Tutor say separates an artist form the herd? Answer: a.) discipline
  5. Finish the following statement by The Tutor from Lesson VII: “Like a god, we must ________.” Answer: b.) form our creatures from large hunks of clay
  6. According to The Tutor, a lady does not do what? Answer: d.) relinquish her virtue on first blush
  7. When painting a still life, we should begin by painting which of the following? Answer: c.) the background
  8. Pure, unmixed white may only be used when painting what? Answer: d.) highlights
  9. When painting a subject, we always begin with the darkest values, unless we are painting with which of the following mediums? Answer: b.) watercolor
  10. In Lesson X, what color lipstick does The Tutor apply to the subject? Answer: a.) pink
  11. In Lesson VII, when trolling for a subject, The Tutor begins by doing what? Answer: c.) selecting a neighborhood
  12. Which of the following is not on The Tutor’s table in Lesson XI? Answer: d.) a sewing needle and thread
  13. According to The Tutor, when sketching, it helps to imagine our subject as what? Answer: a.) a series of connected masses
  14. What does The Tutor compare the white of his subject’s eye to in Lesson XI? Answer: b.) a wedding dress
  15. In Lesson IX, what is The Tutor chewing on? Answer: c.) a paintbrush

Now that you’ve demonstrated an exceptional knowledge of the creation phase of painting a still life, class, we are ready to move into the 3rd and final leg of our journey together: completion! I give you Lesson XII: How Do We Know When A Painting Is Done?

Laudations, students, you’ve completed another lesson. Your homework assignment this week is to finish your paintings. As opposed to many of our previous assignments, this one is not based on the careful application of a step-by-step process; this assignment is entirely based on your gut feelings.

Last week’s review was given not only to test our knowledge of The Tutor’s lessons, but to allow us a break from our paintings. The creative process can be so intensive, so overwhelming, that often times we loose sight of the big picture. When this happens, it helps to take a breather, to focus on something else for a period of time, and then return to our artwork with fresh eyes.

So… take a close look at your work. Are you happy with it? Does it feel complete? If so, then you have no homework this week. If, on the other hand, you gaze at your painting and determine that something isn’t right, something feels out of place, something needs to be added or repainted, then go to it. You are your most important audience member, your most valued critic. If your creation doesn’t fulfill YOU, then it’s not yet ready to be framed and shared with the world.

I look forward to viewing your completed works next week, pupils!

37 Comments on “Lesson XII: How Do We Know When A Painting Is Done?”

  1. Gravatar 1 Beth said at 7:09 am on August 31st, 2010:

    Why thank you Tutor wonderful lesson as always

  2. Gravatar 2 The Masked Artist Jennifer said at 7:31 am on August 31st, 2010:

    MASKED ARTIST GOT 100% IN TEST (she thinks) *celebrates*
    i will do my homework soon ^^
    PLEASE DON’T END THE LESSONS TUTOR i need something to look forward to each week :/

    your loyal student
    The Masked Artist Jennifer

  3. Gravatar 3 constance said at 4:28 pm on August 31st, 2010:

    What will we do without the Tutor!
    I never had so much fun skipping ‘homework’! And I dont get in(much) trouble either!
    Wish I was Guilty Susie, the subject, especially for this last Tutor episode.
    I’m sure we will have something new to enjoy on the horizon!

  4. Gravatar 4 Ms.Mantis said at 6:21 pm on August 31st, 2010:

    T~
    It’s finished.
    http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c105/Johnnys_girl494/Lessons/final.jpg

  5. Gravatar 5 Alexie Star said at 6:28 pm on August 31st, 2010:

    Tutor,

    I wish I wasn’t so busy. I tried so hard to do homework for this class but work and other school work got in the way.

    Perhaps there will be new lessons on the horizon that I may be able to attend.

    I like exploring other forms of art, 2D and 3D art being some of them but I tend to be better at the arts that involve expression through the body and face. Perhaps one day you and see and judge those art forms. ;)

  6. Gravatar 6 BG said at 7:20 pm on August 31st, 2010:

    Im sad theres not really homework anymore. It gives me something to relax and do between work :(

  7. Gravatar 7 Chris said at 8:06 am on September 2nd, 2010:

    As the great Da Vinci said “art is never finished, only abandoned” but I feel my still life is complete. To me it ties in well with my films

    http://ithinkimchris.deviantart.com/#/d2xtt0k

  8. Gravatar 8 Donovan said at 1:02 am on September 3rd, 2010:

    Lesson VII: How do U know when your painting’s done..?
    I decided my painting was finished when I told my subjects to “quit looking at me, I’m over you two.”
    But, I’m very happy with my results, never dreamed I could have done this when I first decided to try:)
    http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=139845432&albumID=2590244&imageID=45923514

  9. Gravatar 9 Cathy (The Aussie Ex-Change Student) said at 3:38 am on September 3rd, 2010:

    G-Day Tutor!!
    Stick a Fork in me, for I am done Sir! lol! Upload photo shortly.
    Have a good one!
    Regards,
    Cathy :)

  10. Gravatar 10 The Masked Artist Jennifer said at 10:00 pm on September 3rd, 2010:

    Tutor
    so basically i didn’t have any homework , BUT i had to do something so here is my something :)
    please enjoy (if that is possible)

    Your Loyal Student
    The Masked Artist Jennifer

    Link To Homework –> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sde_7UDal-k

  11. Gravatar 11 Ophelia said at 10:35 pm on September 3rd, 2010:

    My name is Ophelia and I am determining if my work is done with The Tutor.

    http://jackiephoto.deviantart.com/art/the-Tutor-Lesson-XII-Complete-177937149

  12. Gravatar 12 Jan said at 5:33 am on September 4th, 2010:

    No homework? But…but…but…I love doing the homework. So I did a little video anyway.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVyp3am9Yps

  13. Gravatar 13 The Little One AKA Kyah said at 5:50 am on September 4th, 2010:

    Unfortunately, I am done with my still life. (Unfortunately because like everyone else I love the homework assignments!)Apparently, highlights were all my still life needed to be complete. I guess I’ll just have to start another one…. *sly look*

  14. Gravatar 14 Cathleen (CaptiveInnocence) said at 3:34 am on September 5th, 2010:

    *sigh*

    http://youtu.be/p1fhxohLye4

  15. Gravatar 15 Elizabeth Ann said at 6:47 pm on September 5th, 2010:

    Tutor, I have no wi-fi, but I have done my homework. Must be quick, the internet is now pay by the minute for a 90s style slow-ass connection, how is a pupil to cope?

    http://elizabethunseelie.deviantart.com/art/Lesson-XII-178170996

  16. Gravatar 16 Elquinjena said at 10:41 pm on September 5th, 2010:

    Simply it began….
    draw a straight line, the tutor said.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPI-BQsplZU

    Now it is ready!

  17. Gravatar 17 redhead312 said at 11:52 pm on September 5th, 2010:

    My name is Megan and im learn how do we know when a paintings done with the tudor. Thank you Tudor for the wonderful leasons. I can already see my work improving.

    http://redhead312.deviantart.com/art/How-do-we-know-when-a-painting-178208811

  18. Gravatar 18 Cathy (The Aussie) said at 6:33 am on September 6th, 2010:

    G-Day Tutor!! So, here I am, checking to see if my Painting is done….

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5224910&l=9e365e8dda&id=577562016
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5224913&l=7d0f120f09&id=577562016
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5224916&l=7ab92267de&id=577562016
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5224915&l=06701a2011&id=577562016
    Well, I beleive it’s done Sir!! (Unless there is something we need to add to it in the last 2 lessons!)
    As always…Have a Good One!!
    Regards,
    Cathy :)

  19. Gravatar 19 Johnna said at 6:33 pm on September 6th, 2010:

    Here’s my Homework… It was very nice Indeed to meet you Tutor. Hope you enjoy

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGpgk_1gu2U

    http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x24/idget666/132833385_photobucket_26522_.jpg

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=197236&l=ae1bf3cc8d&id=100001065763217

  20. Gravatar 20 Anaesthesia said at 7:14 pm on September 6th, 2010:

    After basically staring at my painting for a looooong time, I’ve come to the conclusion that I cannot think of anything to add to it. So, I guess it’s done?

    No homework this week. I’ve been at a bit of a loose end . . . :/

  21. Gravatar 21 Jesse said at 12:39 am on September 7th, 2010:

    I don’t want to look at it anymore.
    It’s done.

  22. Gravatar 22 Jesse said at 12:41 am on September 7th, 2010:

    Also want to apologize for being a bad student and not turning in any of my homwork until the night before the thirteenth lesson(Lucky thirteen).

  23. Gravatar 23 Reyana said at 1:00 am on September 7th, 2010:

    My name is Reyana and I finished my painting with the Tutor:

    http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll26/rk_nalani/The%20Tutor/DSC01362.jpg

  24. Gravatar 24 Scully said at 1:51 am on September 7th, 2010:

    My name is Scully and I am finishing a painting with The Tutor

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=54943813&l=708ffc09f3&id=10019024

  25. Gravatar 25 Katwood92 said at 2:46 am on September 7th, 2010:

    Here’s my homework:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqRU8JUF4Lg

  26. Gravatar 26 mzlaveau said at 3:56 am on September 7th, 2010:

    Well Tutor, I’m done.

    http://mzlaveau.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-s-Lesson-XII-178371806

    I do see a few corners of the collaged items that need to be tacked down with some gel medium, but it is done. It is late, and dark, so it’s difficult to see the detail on the heart that I drew and added on the bottom right. I’ll post a detail of it tomorrow, when the light is better.

  27. Gravatar 27 Christine said at 5:50 am on September 7th, 2010:

    I regret to say that after moving back into school, I have apparently forgotten my camera cord at home. I can have it sent to me, but that will take some time (which I will use to work on my painting further). I will post a link to the finished product eventually, and I would like to say, Tutor, that this has been an excellent class. I learned more here than I did in the painting class I took (and paid for) last year at school. I will continue to paint using the techniques you taught us, and hopefully improve. Thank you.

  28. Gravatar 28 Nicole said at 6:33 am on September 7th, 2010:

    Here is my homework…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_WtMePBsnM

  29. Gravatar 29 Kirkyott said at 7:04 pm on September 9th, 2010:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O3AOh1bidg

    So the computer has completely failed me. I am disappoint. On a happy note, the painting looks great!

  30. Gravatar 30 Amanda M. said at 5:29 pm on September 10th, 2010:

    Here’s my finished painting, although i honestly never feel like they’re done :/

    http://invertedgirl.deviantart.com/#/d2yff2m

    some closeup pics
    http://invertedgirl.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-XII-closeup-178758820

    http://invertedgirl.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-XII-another-closeup-178759061

    http://invertedgirl.deviantart.com/#/d2yfffy

    http://invertedgirl.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-XII-anothe-closeup-178759291

  31. Gravatar 31 Lauren said at 12:15 am on September 14th, 2010:

    My name is Lauren & i’m finishing my painting with The Tutor.

    This is actually the same link for lesson XIII’s homework as well, i figured i do them both in the same one and save time. Sorry it’s late!!

    LInk: http://perfectcolourchaos.deviantart.com/art/Lesson-XII-XIII-179173204

  32. Gravatar 32 christina said at 11:00 pm on September 19th, 2010:

    My painting was clearly not complete because I spent the details assignment goofing off like the bad student that I am.

    I previously had left off the chain holding the pendants on my cat’s neck and forgotten to include the golden edges along my flowers edge.

    These missing elements have now been rectified with nail polish as I lacked appropriate colors in acrylic paint.

    http://www.spouzic.com/newfolder/finished.jpg
    http://www.spouzic.com/newfolder/finished2.jpg

  33. Gravatar 33 Miranda Angelic said at 2:01 am on September 21st, 2010:

    Better late than never… Just saving the ‘Final Three’ all for the end! (…and I was on vacation…)

    Video homework for Lesson 12–

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyFSxq_DuhM

  34. Gravatar 34 Anaesthesia said at 5:38 am on September 21st, 2010:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IlnUiopmm8

    *shrug*

    I don’t like having gaps in my homework videos.

  35. Gravatar 35 Krystal W. said at 12:39 am on September 25th, 2010:

    This is a signature that i have used since i started art way back when in school and as much as i would have liked to have some fun cool one i thought sticking to my roots would be better.

    http://xxmazoxx.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutors-Lesson-XII-Signing-180396119

  36. Gravatar 36 Marissa M. said at 7:15 pm on September 26th, 2010:

    Best picture I have of my finished painting. :)

    http://girllunar.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-Lesson-XII-180620053

  37. Gravatar 37 Guilty Mandie said at 3:16 am on September 29th, 2010:

    I know that my painting is finished

    http://guiltymandie.deviantart.com/#/d2zp7n3

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