What to Do When A Painting Doesn't Work Out
I often receive questions from other artists about how to handle a painting that has seemingly "failed" or, at least, isn't meeting the artist's expectations. Personally, I don't truly believe that any artwork is a failure, but it's a common experience for artists to encounter pieces that just don't turn out the way we hoped. We might keep working on them, layering paint, striving to reach that point of satisfaction, but sometimes, it simply doesn't happen. This can be a source of frustration. And in some cases we need to remain open to the idea of letting go of that ideal outcome - this is part of the creative journey. But letting go of an outcome doesn't mean we have to throw the work away.
Saving a "Failed" Painting
So, what can you do when you have a painting that hasn't worked out?
There are several options for handling paintings that haven't met your expectations:
1. When the Painting Is Unfinished and Unappealing, and You Feel “Stuck”
If you find that the painting is still "unfinished" and you dislike what has been created so far, you have a couple of choices:
You can set it aside for an extended period, like a few days or weeks, or even months. When you return to it, you'll have a fresh perspective. You might decide to paint over it or make drastic changes. Since you haven't seen it for a while, you'll see it differently and more objectively. Don't be afraid to "mess it up" further; sometimes, that's the key to making it work or pushing through the troubled stage. I routinely have a number of artworks that have posed a creative challenge and remain unfinished for weeks or months, patiently waiting to be tackled by me. I've learned that recognizing when to pause, especially when a piece becomes frustrating or feels 'stuck,' is crucial. Taking a break and revisiting it later often helps me find the solution I need. Meanwhile, I work on numerous pieces simultaneously. Working on multiple pieces at once is key to prevent overworking a painting that appears to be making little progress.
Alternatively, you can decide to apply gesso over the canvas. This will reset the surface to a matte, white, absorbent canvas that's easier to paint on from scratch. While it won't be as smooth as a fresh canvas and not as enjoyable (at least for me), it provides a good surface for fresh paint. When working on an older surface, lower your expectations regarding achieving "amazing" results and focus on creating something interesting in terms of color and composition.
2. When the Painting Is Considered Finished but You Don't Love It
If the painting can be considered complete, but you're just not "in love" with the style or results, you still have options:
Remember, not loving your one painting doesn't mean someone else won't. We can be overly critical of our own creations, preventing us from appreciating them as others might. Share it and let someone else discover its beauty. Allow it to be cherished and seen by fresh, appreciative eyes.
You can gift it to someone, whether it's a friend or even a stranger. Others will appreciate owning an original piece of art, and they might see it as beautiful, even if you don't.
If you’re a new artist and your painting was more of a practice piece and you don't intend to market and sell it as part of your higher or regular priced collection, you can offer it at a budget-friendly price, maybe just enough to recoup your material costs. Artists can sell their less-than-perfect or practice paintings at a lower price on platforms like Craigslist or by doing an open studio for people in the neighbourhood. There's often a market for affordable art, and many people appreciate the opportunity to own original artwork without a high price tag. This can be a win-win situation, allowing new artists to clear space in their studios and give their art a new home while offering budget-conscious buyers a chance to acquire unique pieces.
3. Repurposing Large Canvases
For large canvases that you don't like and can't seem to salvage, consider cutting out smaller sections. You might contemplate cutting out sections such as 8x8, 10x10, or 12x12 inch pieces that form appealing 'mini compositions.' After some adjustments, like touch-ups and sealing, you'll have a collection of charming little paintings that you can mount on wood panels or place inside frames that you can choose to keep, share as gifts, or sell. In case you want to use wood panels, just be sure to leave a small margin when cutting out a canvas section. This way, after you've affixed it to a wood panel, you can trim the edges precisely.
Conclusion
Letting go of a painting you don't love doesn't mean it has to be tossed away. There are various ways to rework, repurpose, or rehome it, allowing it to find a new life and purpose. Remember, as artists, even if a painting feels like a complete waste from a financial perspective, it's not wasted. With each piece, we learn something. We grow and gain experience as artists. Without the occasional "failure," there is no opportunity for growth. So, rather than seeing it as a waste, think of it as a valuable part of your artistic journey. Not every painting will be a masterpiece, but in the long run, you're improving, learning, and enjoying the process.