When the lovely Theresa Andreas-O’leary nominated me to be part of the “3-in-5 challenge,” it got me looking through my portfolio and seeing just how my artwork has evolved over the years.
I love to share my process from start to finish in my online classes because I find it so deceiving to just look at a finished painting, not knowing all of the time, layers and mistakes that went into it.
I’m usually painting many pieces at once. And, if I’m lucky, I end up finishing one of those pieces and actually liking it.
It takes so many false starts and mistakes before I figure out what really needs to come out of the paint. And it’s taken painting almost every day for the past 4 years to figure that out. To me, the beauty happens in all of the layers.
Here are a few of my favorite first whimsical character paintings that I created in 2009. These were done with felt, sequins, vintage wallpapers, glitter, tissue papers, acrylics and pen on canvas.
When you look at a painting, you’re only seeing that piece. It’s not often you get to see the layers underneath. And that doesn’t even take into account all of the past paintings and creating the artist has done over the years. Let alone all of the experiences and learning that went into inspiring those paintings.
It’s easy to forget when you just look at the finished piece.
Here are a few more recent paintings.
It’s amazing to me to see how my techniques, materials and characters have changed and evolved over the years.
What’s been inspiring you lately? I’d love to know and will look for your comments at the end of this post.
If you’re interested, you can see more of my past artwork and how it’s all evolved right here and in my first art book Inspired By The Little Things right here.
Have a lovely weekend!
xo,
……….
Ps. Early registration for my newest online workshop FACES – Mixed Media Portraits ends February 1.
Find all of the details and register here.
Pps. If you’d like to experiment with a few of my favorite art supplies, watch a few painting tutorials here.
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HELLO
I'M JULIETTE
A painter, writer, and creator of The School Of Happy Painting, online courses to help you loosen up, let go, and develop your own unique style.
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Want to know how I create my paintings? Join this free workshop to learn the fundamental principles I use to paint with style and whimsy, from covering up the white space to final artwork. Follow along to paint your own character in 30 minutes.
4 comments
joanne summy
Love seeing your evolution juliette you have been a huge ibspuration to me starting with serendipity one bliss abstracts i have kearned so much from watching you work thru a piece as well as learning techniques this is continuing in serendipity 2 i have been inspured to put my work in a local gallery and i gave two upvoming local shows i was also in a street fair last fall thanks so much
Juliette
That is so awesome to hear, Joanne! Congratulations! It’s been an honor to have you in my classes and to watch your beautiful artwork evolve 🙂 xo
Chandra Merod
I like how you express the evolution of your art. I am in the beginning stages of trying many techniques to see where my style will pop up. It’s frustrsting to me to not already have my own art look. But I know it takes time to develop and let the creative ways flow. I love your new paintings as well. The owl is beautiful! The woman in the midfle is so cool and raw! Your amazing. I also like how nice your web site is and I look up to you in learning to develop my own art style and cool website!
Juliette CraneAuthor
thank you so much! i’ve had a lot of help with my website from my husband, Brian of Humanityllc.com (he does all of my IT). it does take time and many pieces for your style to feel strong, but even now, my style is constantly evolving. i have to remind myself that’s okay and part of my creative process 🙂