I found all of these canvases with half finished characters. If I wait too long to finish a painting, I simply cannot begin again where I left off (not even close). So I’ve been painting over parts of my old artwork. Do you ever find it difficult to cover up parts of your paintings? I do (a lot).
All of my experiences and emotions go into my artwork. But I’ve realized that part of my creative process is trying new things and covering up what I don’t like.
If I don’t take that risk and just go for it, I usually never like what I create.
I have to try something new to figure out what works in my paintings. Then when I figure out what works, I can make it better.
Sometimes I don’t know my character is missing a halo until I add it. I might be playing around – adding feathers, wings and halos – then I’ll make changes to the background and only after realize the halo is what works. But often it’s just a little off.
So I have to get rid of everything that’s not working, including the halo, and draw it back in again so that it fits (as if I planned it that way).
Re-doing certain elements that don’t quite fit and covering up my artwork often makes a beautiful mistake appear completely intentional. And, most of the time, it leads me to uncover something new (and even better)… that thing I couldn’t have discovered unless I took that chance.
Learning how to paint over your artwork and paint more fearlessly is a skill you can develop — you’ll learn how in my online painting courses.
Click HERE to join me for a Free Painting Workshop and Learn How To Paint An Owl.
Happy painting!
xo, Juliette
Ps. If you want even more inspiration and insights into my creative process, plus behind the scenes sneak peeks + free videos that I only share in my newsletter, click HERE to sign up for my newsletter and join my free painting workshop .