@Edwin Caniete asked an important question that you may also be asking . Here’s a decision framework you can run through whenever you’re unsure whether to finish a painting or stop at a study. CHECKLIST 1. Goal Achieved? Did I learn what I set out to practice? ✅ Yes → consider leaving it as a study. ❌ Not yet → keep working. 2. Energy Check Does the painting still feel alive and exciting? ✅ Yes → push it further. ❌ No, it feels forced/dull → it may be best as a study. 3. Structural Soundness Are the big shapes, values, and proportions solid? ✅ Yes → you can refine with confidence. ❌ No → decide if fixing it will teach you more, or if restarting would be faster. 4. Emotional Connection Do I want to live with this image finished? ✅ Yes → finish. ❌ No → call it a study and move on guilt-free. 5. Time vs. Return Will finishing this teach me more than starting a fresh canvas? ✅ Yes → finish. ❌ No → stop and start something new. 6. Portfolio Potential Does this piece have qualities (composition, mood, likeness) that could stand alongside my best work? ✅ Yes → finish. ❌ No → study. 👉 Over time, you’ll notice your “Yes” and “No” answers shift as your skills grow. What you leave unfinished today might be what you’d polish tomorrow.

I gave this portrait another try after picking up techniques from different artists. From Daniel Greene's demo at the Art Students League NY, I learned the importance of blocking in the background color early so other values can be compared to it. (Greene, who passed away in 2020, was an incredible teacher). I also used one horizontal and one vertical guide line from another artist, measuring distances with a proportion divider. The initial sketch was done in paint and built up to this stage. I'm happy this one actually reads like a face-unlike my earlier attempt. This past week I've been deep into reading, note-taking, and watching demos. One question I keep asking myself: how do you know when a painting is worth finishing versus leaving it as a study?

I’ve been thinking about how to sharpen my oil painting skills, especially with color mixing and brush control. You mentioned working through deliberate, targeted exercises and painting subjects beyond portraits — which makes a lot of sense. Do you have suggestions for specific studies or exercises I should try first? I’d love to know where you think I should focus to build a stronger foundation.

Using leftover paint from yesterday’s study to work on lips. Realized how much more practice I need with brush control and stroke confidence. Every mark counts. Grateful for the reminder that progress comes with practice.

Did an oil study focusing on the eyes. Didn’t turn out as I hoped, but it’s all good practice and learning for next time.