Finishing your thoughts in art is a simple idea which some of my paintings have trouble expressing. The expression of your ideas is central to effective communication within the painting. Competing ideas have to be eliminated. Spontaneity balanced by a well articulated plan. Distractions must not be allowed to take center stage. Stick to the plan. Whether painting in the studio or en plain air, your attention span will be tested. Decide what your effort is to convey. Do the thinking on the front side so you can paint without conflict later. Have your idea be strong enough to hold your attention to the end. Write it down and refer to it before your work begins. Your stronger paintings are most successful because you did not have conflicting ideas or messages.