In the 19th century, Eugène Delacroix wrote quite extensively about his art and three quotes I find interesting are:
“Perhaps the sketch of a work is so pleasing because everyone can finish it as they choose.”
“A fine suggestion, a sketch with great feeling, can be as expressive as the most finished product.”
and also: “One always has to spoil a picture a little bit in order to finish it.”
The last one is perhaps counter-intuitive. I think he was saying that when you (overly) finish a painting, you’ve started to eliminate the suggestion that inspired…let the viewer now keep on painting and finish it how they choose.
Break-a-Brush!
David
“Finishing a painting demands a heart of steel: everything requires a decision, and I find difficulties where I least expect them… It is at such moments that one fully realizes one’s own weaknesses” Eugène Delacroix