FINISHED PAINTING

Gayton Brook, oil, 23½331½in (60380cm).

It is sometimes hard to know when a painting is resolved when working in the studio. This is probably the only respect in which working outside is easier. Having worked across the canvas and up to the lightest colours and tones, it’s time to stop once the light fades or it starts to rain or when your legs have simply had enough. It may not be the end of the process, however, so make sure you have made a note of the dominant colours and have taken photographs, as you may wish to return on another day or to finish work in the studio. Once back in the studio I am always surprised by how much darker the painting looks in artificial light, so I prefer to return outside to finish the work if possible