No products in the cart.
Return To Shop
When I’m stuck with my art, I go back to painting backgrounds or whimsical animals.
I’ll get out a few blank canvases and squeeze three acrylic paint colors right onto the surface (neon red, pink and white). Then I might drip some acrylic ink (neon yellow and green) and pour water on top to see what happens.
This gets me out of my head so I can start having fun again.
But the other day I was struggling to be loose with my art.
I’d completely stopped having fun (even with my animals). I just couldn’t get any of my paintings to fall into place.
I needed to return to having fun, so I painted this woman and let all of her color from the initial layers shine through (she’s called ‘Guardian of Healing Light’ 11” x 14” on canvas – SOLD).
A lot of times when I don’t know what to do with a character or when I take a chance and feel like I’ve completely messed up, I stop having fun. I get so attached to having a finished painting I love, that I stop enjoying the process.
Whenever I play, it helps me feel calm and connected. Then I can follow my heart and paint without the pressure of everything having to be perfect.
I’m working on a few more female portraits with lots of color and can’t wait to share them with you!
If you’ve been wanting to paint together, but feel like you don’t have a lot of time, I’ve put together my self-paced, Happy Painting mini course, which has five instant-access projects. This online workshop is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to feel more connected and creative.
In this video preview you’ll see how I create a portrait using just a few supplies in my sketchbook. This is a project you can do in just a few minutes, so you can still paint, even if you don’t have a lot of space or time.
Click here for more details about Happy Painting.
“You’ve really inspired me in the VERY FUN CLASS of Happy Painting. I’ve gone from cut and paste to fearless, throwing paint on paper and actually painting and trusting in the process. I’ve been actually creating little beings.” -Nancy Rose
Happy Painting!
xo Juliette Crane
Comments are closed
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.
Join me for a Free Workshop!
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.
Related posts
Just a quick note about my upcoming art opening… I also thought you might enjoy some highlights from my Wisconsin retreat. It’s hard to believe it was just over a month ago. It was such a pleasure to teach a mixed media and sketchbook painting retreat to an amazing group of talented creatives last month. Two days together definitely weren’t enough—time flies when you’re making... Continue reading
It was such a pleasure to teach a mixed media and sketchbook painting retreat to an amazing group of talented creatives at the Octagon Barn earlier this month. Thank you to the artists who met me in Wisconsin to paint together. It was wonderful getting to know you! Two days together definitely wasn’t enough. Time flies when you’re making art! Especially in this gorgeous landscape!... Continue reading
I’m sitting in my studio, surrounded by countless paintings, each at a different stage of completion. The giant French doors are open, letting the breeze in while the crickets sing. I just finished a few pieces in my sketchbook. I’ve been dedicating time each morning to plein air painting and sketching as part of a new painting project. On August 18th, I began an 8-week... Continue reading
I’m sitting in my studio, watching the breeze in the gardens. The cosmos and lilies are in full bloom, like a rainbow. The birds are singing, and I’ve just put away the last of my art supplies from my retreat. I always wait a few days before unpacking, and I have to say, it has all made me reflect on the amazing magic that happened... Continue reading
This week I’ve been preparing for my Painting Retreat in Wisconsin.I can’t wait to meet everyone! This event is sold out, but you can join the waitlist to learn about future retreats. I’m so inspired by all of the beauty around my studio. Color and calm have always inspired me. These last few months, I’ve been painting a new collection that’s all about seeking joy in the journey. It’s... Continue reading