Kananaskis Ram24" x 20" Oil on canvas

After careful review, I've tweaked here and there to arrive at what I think is now the finished, ready to be framed version of "Kananaskis Ram".  Finishing, and knowing when you're absolutely done, is one of the most discussed topics in FAQ's I see on many artist's pages.  We definitely are our own worst critiques and will endlessly add a stroke here and there to make it just right.

My goal is to create representational work with a painterly feel.  Sounds easy enough!  That urge to add more detail is a tough thing to ignore.  I'm learning.  If I liken painting to my experiences in playing jazz music, when there would be occasion to improvise, I think it will help me resist the need to tweak.  Once you have ended a jazz solo it's done, can't be REdone.  It is what it is.  A painting, however, can be "noodled" till the cows come home!  The contradiction is that sometimes you just do have to add those final touches.  It's a fine line (or edge, or value, or shadow...you get the idea)!