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Activities to Undertake Once You Have Completed a Canvas Artwork

Savoring completion of a lengthily crafted painting brings immense joy. However, your work isn't over yet. Here's a swift rundown of some essential tasks for your recently finished artpiece.

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3 min read
After completing and approving a lengthy art piece, there's a sense of achievement. However, your...
After completing and approving a lengthy art piece, there's a sense of achievement. However, your responsibilities aren't over just yet. Here's a snappy list of tasks to attend to post-completion of your masterpiece:

Activities to Undertake Once You Have Completed a Canvas Artwork

Knockin' it outta the park with your latest masterpiece, huh? After you finish a painting, there are some things that'll make your life much easier down the road. Here's a quick checklist to guide you:

  1. Take a Step Back: You know when to put down the brush, but it never hurts to take a minute and reevaluate. Place your painting somewhere visible in your house and give it some time. If it still sits well with you after a few days or weeks, then you're good to go.
  2. Sign Your Baby: Never forget to sign your artwork. Make it the last stroke on the canvas. Your signature gives your painting a sense of closure and pride. For more details, check out my article here.
  3. Give it a Name: Always something simple and descriptive. The name isn't the be-all and end-all, but it's a nice touch.
  4. Capture That Beauty: Photographing your artwork can be a pain, but it’s crucial for its preservation. Use proper lighting, a decent camera, and a process that ensures clear photos. I've covered this in detail here. Pro tip: Kobe always helps me out with photography.
  5. Record the Deets: Keep a record of the painting's name, dimensions, medium, date, and sold status. This helps you stay organized and keep track of your work.
  6. Tidy up the Edges: This doesn't always have to be fancy. Paint the edges in white or black if you prefer, or leave them untouched if the painting will be framed.
  7. Varnish? Maybe: If you're using oil paints, wait for it to dry before adding a varnish. Varnish will protect your work, but some artists choose not to use it as it may alter the appearance.
  8. Update Your Site: If you have an art website, be sure to add your recent work with high-quality photos that are web-optimized for better performance.
  9. Blog or Vlog About It: Share the behind-the-scenes and your thoughts on the process and the finished piece with your followers.
  10. Sell That Beauty: List your painting on online marketplaces for a commission, or simply sell prints. Just remember, success mainly depends on the demand for your art.
  11. Get it Recognized: Submit your painting to competitions if you're proud of it. Just make sure it suits the competition format.

Want to learn more? Check out my Painting Academy course for beginners to intermediate painters. Happy creating, friend!

Dan Scott

Draw Paint Academy

Additional Enrichment Insights:

Photographing the Artwork:

  • Lighting: Use natural or studio lighting to capture true colors and details.
  • Multiple Angles: Take high-resolution images of the full piece, close-ups of details, and, if framed, the framed version.
  • Editing: Correct color and exposure, but avoid heavy filters that misrepresent the art.
  • Process Documentation: Record step-by-step images or videos for your portfolio or social media.

Recording Details:

  • Identity and Description: Record the artist's name, title, date of completion, dimensions (height x width x depth), and medium.
  • Technique and Materials: Note the methods, materials, and any unique processes used.
  • Condition and Context: Document condition, inscriptions, marks, or changes from the original (if it was a restoration or altered piece).
  • Ownership and Provenance: Include ownership details, gallery or collection information, and any history relevant to the piece.
  • Storage: Keep a digital and/or physical record of all collected information.

Preparing for Sale:

  • Artwork Files: Ensure digital files meet print or online sale specifications (correct dimensions, resolution, color profiles).
  • Descriptions and Pricing: Draft compelling descriptions for online listings, including technique, inspiration, and pricing.
  • Packaging: Use archival-safe materials for packing and shipping to prevent damage when selling the original.
  • Listings: Upload images and descriptions to online art marketplaces or your personal website, and utilize clear categories and tags for visibility.

Sharing and Promoting:

  • Social Media: Post process videos and final images on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube to engage your audience.
  • Portfolio: Add the new work to your artist portfolio or website.
  1. After finishing your oil painting, don't forget to photograph it with proper lighting and multiple angles for preservation, as detailed in the article on the photographing process.
  2. To give your landscape painting a unique identity, consider naming it simply and descriptively, similar to how a home-and-garden project is often named for its features. Once named, add it to your art blog or vlog for your followers to enjoy the behind-the-scenes and your thoughts on the finished piece.

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