Finishing a painting isn't about one final step. It's a way of thinking.

What does it actually take to bring a painting to completion?

In Painting the Last 10%, I work to finish a series of paintings, talking through each decision, obstacle, and adjustment along the way.

These 15 videos are filled with insights on that elusive final stage, helping you see the thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving that goes into finishing a painting.

Here's what's included:

  • 15 videos focused on what it takes to bring a painting to finish
  • Real-time footage of me working at the easel
  • Honest breakdowns of how I assess, adjust, and complete a piece
  • Practical insights into orchestration, massing, edges, and cohesion
  • Can be taken independently, though Signature Course alumni will recognize recurring concepts
  • Lifetime access to all content ("Lifetime" refers to the lifetime of the course, or as long as the course is available.)
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This isn't a formula for finishing. It's a mindset. A way of thinking through the relationships between shapes, edges, values, and ideas.

It’s about assessing what’s working and asking yourself: What if I pushed this further? Whether you’re refining your own work or trying to figure out how to know when a piece is done, this series of videos will walk you through how I approach orchestration, painterly problem-solving, and decision-making at the easel.
Scott Christensen at the easel
About

Hi, I'm Sammie Kapow.
I’m Scott Christensen, your instructor and guide.
Because the adventure of painting is lifelong.

I built Painting the Last 10% as a series of short videos that emphasize just how many different ways of approaching finishing a painting there can be.

As the great Edgar Payne once said, “Knowledge precedes execution.” I’ve spent my entire career as an artist learning and discovering what I didn’t know, and then painting my way into the answers.
I’m here to help you apply new knowledge, build your skillset, feel confident in problem-solving, and discover and find clarity in your unique artistic vision.

I look forward to seeing you in the course.

Questions? I've got answers!

Is this course a start-to-finish demo?

No. These aren’t tutorials that walk you through a single painting or “how-to.” Instead, I show you how I finish multiple paintings, sharing the thinking behind each move, adjustment, and rework in real time. There are multiple ways to finish a painting and I wanted to show you a variety of those ways!

How long are the videos?

The videos range from 5 minutes to just over an hour, with over 4 1/2 hours of content total. Each video shows a particular part of the finishing process, offering a close-up look at my decision-making process. 

Do I need to take the AOP Signature Course before I take this course?

No, but it helps to know the "language" and concepts I use in AOP so my decision-making process makes sense. If you’ve completed the Signature Course, you’ll have a stronger grasp of the foundational concepts I refer to. 

If you’re newer to the AOP framework, you might want to start with the Signature Course and come back to Painting the Last 10% when you're ready to dive into finishing work more deeply.

What does "the last 10%" mean?

It’s a phrase we use to describe the often subtle but always essential stage of painting where everything starts to come together... or fall apart. It’s about orchestration, edge management, adjusting relationships between masses, and making sure your idea carries through to the finish.

Can this course help me know when a painting is done?

Yes, and no. There’s no one formula for “done.” But what this course does offer is a window into how to see your work more clearly, ask yourself better questions, and recognize that tipping point between refining and overworking.

I've also included a "Questions to Finish a Painting" checklist in the course to help you more deeply understand where your painting is in the process!

Is this course for advanced painters only?

Not at all. While the content is thoughtful and nuanced, and I go in-depth into AOP concepts, the real requirement is curiosity. If you're wondering how to finish a painting with more intention and less second-guessing, this course is for you.

Get started in Painting the Last 10%!