Should You Stop or Keep Painting? Here’s How I Decide

Sometimes, as I’m working on a painting, there’s this little voice inside my head whispering… “Stop. Now.”

Sometimes I surrender. Sometimes (you guessed it) I don’t. And trust me both lead to very different results.

Here’s what I’ve learned through trial, error, and a lot of painted-over canvases:

I stop when I lose the flow. You know that magical state where the brush almost moves on its own? When it fades, it’s often a sign to step back.

I stop when I’m flooded with ideas. Odd, right? But when five different ways to “perfect” a painting jump into my head at once. it’s usually the recipe for a creative disaster. That’s when I hear the voice say: “Pause. Let it breathe.”

I stop when I sense that one more brushstroke might ruin what I’ve built. It’s a delicate dance. knowing when enough is enough. When the painting quietly says “I’m done,” I’ve learned to trust it.

I stop when painting feels like an obligation. If I catch myself thinking about money, followers, or deadlines instead of the joy of creating… I close the paints. No one creates their best work from guilt or pressure.

I stop when I’m no longer listening to myself. Sometimes I push through fatigue or ignore my gut. And almost always, I regret it.

I stop when I’ve just heard harsh criticism. Not forever, but for a moment. I let the sting fade before I touch the canvas again. Art needs to flow from a space of love, not defense.

I stop when I fall into the comparison trap. Instagram is full of stunning work, but when it makes me feel small or not-enough, I pause. Because my voice matters, even if it looks different.

And yes… I stop when my inner accountant starts calculating how much I’ve spent on supplies! (Spoiler: a lot. But joy is priceless, right?)

Listen to that tiny, wise, and sometimes greedy little artist inside you. But don’t take its word as gospel. Question it. Scrutinize it. And ultimately, YOU decide when to stop, and when to push forward.

Because at the end of the day, your art is your journey. And no voice, internal or external, should hold the brush for you.