I'm sure I'm not the only artist, amateur or professional, who has struggled with what should be the simplest of tasks: coming up with a title to a painting.  And why should this be so ridiculously difficult?  I'm sure you would expect that it would be much more difficult to come up with a subject, or even a color scheme, but I actually find it much more of a dilemma to name my finished piece. 
  I usually like to name my pieces with simple, one or two word titles.  Sometimes the titles are somewhat obvious, such as "Red" - a painting of mine which is predominantly red, or "Goldfishy" - a small acrylic of - what else - a bright orange fish.  Others are symbolic, representative of the "movement" of the subject or colors, such as "Wind" - with its swirls of color depicting swirling wind.  Sometimes it takes a while before I come up with that one "perfect" name for a piece.
My latest painting, shown above, spent nearly a week without a title. I at first focused on the colors - the deep purple, the contrasting yellow and pale lavender-white, or the bright aqua blue.  I considered the subject: the island with trees, or the moonlight and stars shining around them, or the vast sea surrounding the little island. 
I finally put all obvious clues aside, and just thought of what the elements altogether brought to mind.  An island - an isolated island - most likely quiet, secluded. It's surrounded by water, which is a beautiful deep aqua. Trees provide shelter and shade. The moon and stars shine brightly, bathing everything in a soft glowing light.  I decided a place like this would be quite an escape - a sanctuary.  So, I had finally come up with a title: Sanctuary No. 1. 

I think I might add some very slight finishing touches on this painting, but, for the most part, it's finished.  I think my favorite combination of colors in this palette has to be the turquoise and purple, although I do love the contrast of that nearly-white lavender color. 
I hope to have the completed work photographed and in my shop sometime next week.  Be sure to look for it along with my other art!

Last night, at least for a little while, I was able to continue on my painting.  I added more to the background, which included a large, pale lavender moon (is that lavender? maybe lilac? heh heh whatever it is I like the color in this case). I stopped for a little while and tended to a few things around the house while I contemplated just what should be in the foreground, and decided on a little floating island.  I'm pleased with the way the island itself and the trees contrast with the background.  I think after just a few small additions this painting will be finished and ready to list in my shop. :)