Sometimes, when I see a painting I become inspired...but?

Question

...when I paint my own creation, it never seems to be good enough no matter how long I spend on it. Why does this happen? My paintings have received compliments and offers for purchase, but I always feel as though it's still not "finished". Any way to overcome this?

Answer 1

Allow yourself the enjoyment of appreciating other painters' art while your own style continues to evolve. As you paint, be critical enough of your work that it is good, but not so critical that you can't see what techniques you are using are good. Relax a little bit and enjoy your work. If you really enjoy it, I believe your talent will overcome your self-criticism. The "passion" or emotion or whatever inspires you to create in the first place will start to emerge as you evaluate your work more confidently. If there are people who admire your work and even want to buy it, you must be doing something right, but I understand what you mean about something being not quite right or finished. When you create that painting you won't want to let it go.