The Last Stretch

Only a couple of weeks left until I need to hang my paintings up in preparation for the degree show. I am feeling a combination of excitement and stress, but mostly stress. The aspect of painting which most people don't anticipate is the tiresomeness of having to constantly think about which colours go where and which direction each brush stroke should go. It is a tiring process but the relief and feeling of accomplishment when finishing a painting is worth the emotional drainage. I am currently working on my three exhibition pieces at the same time; working on several at once makes the painting process easier. They are all in their final stages now which is a nice thought but also the hardest part; how will I know when they're finished? I have four paintings but I am mainly working on the three that I think I will exhibit. However, if I have some spare time, I will attempt a fifth painting so I have more options to choose from. For all I know, the fifth painting could end being my favourite. This is the last stretch of my third year at university and I need to keep up this level of working now as it will all pay off in the end.