Welcome to Week 2 of 7 Weeks of Creative Celebrations!

Over the next few weeks, I’m inviting you to a series of little creative celebrations — each one a mini-class with a fun video, a simple art tip, and a story from my studio. I hope it inspires you to make time for your own creativity.

You can find the full list of all 7 Weeks of Creative Celebrations here.

I’m also happy to officially conntinue my Gratitude Sale — 50% off my most-loved classes with lifetime access, including my most popular course Serendipity 1 – Develop Your Style, the playful Whimsical Animals class, and The Joy of Painting.

(If you’d prefer monthly or annual access, you’ll also find all of these classes inside my Membership.)

Let’s paint together!

This Week’s Mini-Class: Serendipity 2 – Loosen Up

This week, we’re continuing the celebration with a full-length tutorial from Serendipity 2 – Loosen Up.

You can explore the full course here.

In this 26-minute project, we’ll focus on using the techniques, colors, and supplies from last week’s project in new ways. It’s the perfect way to build a body of work that fits and flows together — and to deepen your unique artistic style.

Before you begin, take a moment to choose three elements you loved most from your last painting — a color, a shape, or maybe a specific supply. Then, repeat those here. Notice how familiar choices can lead to something entirely new.

Art Supplies

• bristol, acrylic, or mixed media paper (I’m using Blick’s 9×12″ bristol paper)

• plastic palette knife

• stabilo pencil (black)

• acrylic paints

• watercolors

• various brushes

• sharpie water-based paint pens

• water-soluble oil pastels (by Portfolio)

• shiva oil paint stick (antique white and prussian blue)

• calligraphy ink (black or payne’s gray)

• bamboo writing stick

Art Tip

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned as an artist is this: I always get stuck.

For years, I fought that feeling — until I started photographing my paintings in progress. That’s when it clicked. I realized I go through the same stages every time: excitement, frustration, doubt, and eventually, breakthrough.

Now, when I reach that “ugly stage,” I remind myself that it’s just part of the process. It’s not failure — it’s transformation.

Whenever a negative thought about my art creeps in, I let it pass. I know it means I’m growing. That stuck feeling usually comes when I’m on the edge of discovering something new.

So instead of criticizing myself or trying to rush past it, I go easy on the little artist inside me who just wants to play and express.

It’s all about showing up — especially when it feels hard. That’s when the magic begins.

I’d love to hear from you: if this week’s tutorial inspires you, please share what you create!

Thank you for being here, and for allowing me to be creative as I support you to do the same.

I hope these weekly sparks brighten your days and remind you that your creativity truly matters.

Sending love and gratitude,

xo Juliette