The Artist’s Dilemma: What to Paint and When to Stop
Image Credit: "Breonna Taylor" by Adrian Brandon
For an artist, a blank canvas is both a world of possibility and a daunting challenge. What to paint? How to begin? And just as important—how to know when it’s done? These questions have plagued artists for centuries, and yet, the answers remain as personal as the work itself.
Some artists know exactly what they want to paint before the brush touches the canvas. Others wait for inspiration to strike mid-stroke. The decision often comes from a mix of experience, emotion, and external influences. A memory, a feeling, a fleeting image—anything can become the seed of a painting.
For many, the subject matter reflects their personal experiences or cultural roots. Here in the Northeast Louisiana Delta, artists often draw from the rich history of the region—capturing the resilience, traditions, and stories of a people whose narratives deserve to be seen. Whether it’s the quiet dignity of a portrait, the energy of a jazz-infused street scene, or the layered textures of abstract expression, each work speaks to something deeper than its surface.
Other times, the decision is practical. A commissioned work, a specific theme for an exhibition, or even a request from a collector can guide an artist’s hand. Regardless of the motivation, the best works come from a place of authenticity—when an artist paints what they truly feel compelled to express.
Knowing when to stop is just as crucial as knowing where to start. Some paintings come together quickly, their purpose clear from the first stroke. Others take weeks, months—even years—of layering, refining, and stepping away. Artists often say a painting is never truly finished, only abandoned. There’s always another adjustment to make, another detail to refine. But at some point, the work must stand on its own. Some rely on intuition, feeling a natural stopping point when the piece "speaks back" to them. Others follow a more structured process, stepping away and returning later with fresh eyes to assess balance, composition, and emotional impact.
A good sign that a painting is complete? When every addition starts to take away from what’s already there. When the story is clear, and nothing feels unresolved.
Art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. Some of the most powerful works in history contain rough edges, unfinished sections, or spontaneous details that weren’t planned. That’s the magic of painting. It’s alive, responding to the artist as much as the artist responds to it.
For those who visit our museum, each piece on display represents an artist’s journey—the decision of what to paint, the moments of doubt, and the final brushstroke. And just like artists must trust their instincts, viewers must do the same. There’s no right or wrong way to interpret a painting. The story it tells you is the one that matters most.
Come visit us at the Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum and see how artists—past and present—have faced these timeless questions. Perhaps you’ll find inspiration of your own.
