Whimsical Animals
If you’ve been wanting to take an art class, my online Whimsical Animals workshop is a super fun place to start. You’ll learn to paint owls, rabbits, bears, lions and so much more.
I’ll also share many projects you can do in under fifteen minutes with just a few supplies, so even if you never have enough time or space, you can still get creative and paint.
What Will I Learn?
This class is perfect if you’re looking to have more fun painting and create in a style that is unique to you. By the end of class, you’ll know how to paint any animal, so you can easily get started and have the techniques to find your own style and paint with more whimsy.
There’s 24 mixed media exercises, over 30 different projects with Bonus Videos from How To Paint An Owl 2 and a Rabbit Painting Project from How To Create Whimsical Animals. I’ll also share many projects you can do in under fifteen minutes with just a few supplies, so can always get creative, even when you don’t have enough time or space.
We’ll also play with painting backgrounds and layering, experiment with lots of different art supplies, loosen up with drawing and coloring in our sketchbooks and have fun bringing all of these animals to life.
If you have taken Whimsical Animals – A Mini Course or How To Paint An Owl 2, you have already completed many of these projects.
I learn best when I see you paint while you give information as to why your painting is working or is in need of correction. The way you work through your corrections gives me insight into my own issues and encourages me to keep going. Your videos are fun, light, colorful and always a pleasure to watch. Because of you, I enjoy painting and will try anything.
Juliette’s teaching style grabbed me from the beginning and I immediately felt like I could do this. I am proud to say I have been working steadily through the class completing the weekly projects AND I am now absolutely hooked on the painting process. I am feeling so much more confident about my art.
Juliette was wonderful at answering my questions right away. She gave me great tips for the times when I was feeling stuck, to move forward.
My tendency used to be to rip out the page and wad it up. Because of you, I am learning to not be so harsh on myself… to just keep building layers and see what emerges!
Juliette’s instruction is very clear and her painting is very inspirational.
Juliette’s classes are soul-filling! I WISH I could express how you have changed my vision and freed my mind.
Juliette provides a great combination of technique and inspiration, as well as a fun glimpse into her inner artist and what it is like to be an artist. It is also very nice to receive feedback directly from Juliette as well as the other students in the class.
Juliette does a great job of breaking down the elements so anyone can follow and create art they can be proud of. If you are a perfectionist like me and felt stuck when creating then you will definitely enjoy her courses. Once I saw the creative process broken down and how it morphs or changes I felt much more at ease. Paint is forgiving … and once I realized that, my artistic door was open-wide open!
"This class changed my art life forever! One of the best classes I have ever taken. Juliette is so clear and easy to follow along. I never thought I would be able to paint an owl, or any animal. now I just paint them easily! I am forever grateful to this class, thank you Juliette!"
So many videos and Juliette’s helpful commentary and guidance through the whole process. It really helped me loosen up while experimenting with many different media and techniques. Other classes I’ve taken just speed edit through the most important parts, while Juliette takes the time to explain what motivates her artistic process. That, for me, is the value of a class.
My Story
For years I stopped painting. All of my artwork ended up in the basement or trash, so I thought, “What good is it to paint?” I never thought anyone would want to see my work.
I went to college to study biology, but I couldn’t stay away from the art room. When I graduated, I went to work as an arts journalist, writing about the arts for newspapers and magazines. It took many different jobs as a journalist, photographer, graphic designer, floral designer, website developer and more before I finally realized the only thing I could put my heart into was being a full-time artist.
Then in the summer of 2009 I lost my job. It was the first job I ever really loved (as a landscaper). To heal my spirit, I went back to what I adored most as a child – cutting out outfits for characters and making up their stories. My sister-in-law gifted me with a few fabulous vintage wallpaper books, and I fell in love with the colors and patterns. I knew I had to do something with that gorgeous paper. And that’ s what started all of my whimsical paintings.
I paint every day and it usually takes 3-7 days for me to finish a painting. I usually have a few that I’m working on at once, so as one background dries, I start a character on another piece. But once I find a character and connect with the painting, I keep working on it until it hits my heart.
Painting has always been a healing process for me. Yet I struggled whenever I came to covering up the white space and knowing what to paint.
Having fun, learning to let go and not being afraid to cover up my paintings have now become essential to my creative process. I’ve fallen in love with mixed media painting and out of all of the painting techniques I’ve ever tried, the one thing I always return to is remembering to have fun with whatever it is I’m creating. This brings joy into the process, which inevitably gets infused into your artwork and always makes anyone who sees it smile.
My hope is that in sharing my creative process, you feel more connected and supported as you create, so you can learn to let go and love what you paint.
With love and gratitude,
Who Is This Class For?
You don’t need any painting experience or expensive art supplies to take this class – all you really need are a few paints and brushes (your hands work just fine) and an openness to play.
The lessons are designed to make creating fun, easy and completely un-intimidating.
I also design my courses with busy people in mind, so it’s easy for you to focus on what you’d really like to learn when you have the time.
In each video I talk you through my entire creative process as I paint, sharing my frustrations and walking you through my mistakes to show how I fix them and bring a painting back to something I like, so you can overcome your own creative blocks, learn to let go and finish a painting you love.
Whether you haven’t painted since you were in kindergarten or if you’re an avid crafter or artist looking to learn new techniques, this class is for you.
Starting was a big milestone for me, but once I did, it became my savior! I’d say that if anyone out there is looking for an online class that gets you just ‘doing’ instead of ‘thinking’ this is the one for you. At last I’ve found the style of art that I absolutely love and even though I can’t draw for peanuts I’ve been happy with the pieces that I’ve created – thanks to the amazing guidance of Juliette who has the most lovely teaching style.
Juliette is very giving with her time in class, she is always available to offer help and support when needed and adds encouraging comments.
Juliette’s class has been a true catalyst for the artist within!
Juliette shares all she knows so that her students can start (or continue) their creative journey.
You have given me the tools to help me develop my creativity and the confidence to continue.
What Materials Will I Need?
I’m a big believer that you don’t need a lot of expensive art supplies to paint. All you really need to get started are some basic drawing and painting supplies in your favorite colors like acrylic paints, a cheap set of Crayola watercolors, a pencil, brushes and something to paint on.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with layering all sorts of traditional and nontraditional art supplies – oil paintsticks, pastels, acrylics, inks, pencil, papers, pen and so many more… and I will be sharing all I’ve learned with you!
You’ll receive a full supply list once you register – with details on my favorite brands, colors, where to shop and more. With each project, I also share a detailed color and supply list and give you a good look at my painting table so you know just what materials I am using and why.
Video Sneak Peek
In each class video, I talk you through my entire painting process, letting you know when I make mistakes and how I fix them, so you can keep on creating, enjoy the process and finish a painting you love.
In this video sneak peek you’ll see how I cover up the white space with lots of layers, adding my favorite supplies, then find my character, using simple shapes.
In this video preview you’ll hear how I talk you through my mistakes and frustrations in my own paintings to make it easier for you to overcome your own creative hurdles and roadblocks, no matter what you’re painting.
In this owl painting preview, you’ll see how I create softness in my owl, especially for its face and features.
In this video you’ll see some of the playful techniques I use to add color, softness and shading to my face (it’s all about play, which helps me keep my characters loose).
This 8 minute owl painting is part of a class project where you’ll learn to loosen up, let go and play with new supplies.
In class, we’ll layer all sorts of art supplies – oil paintsticks, watercolors, pastels, inks, acrylics, water-soluble pencil, papers and paint pens. You’ll learn how to paint any whimsical animal more freely, so you can easily develop your own style (and have more fun).
This video preview is part of a class project where you’ll learn to be free and loosen up with just a few supplies.
This 5 minute project is one that I come back to whenever I’m stuck with my art and need to jumpstart my creativity to get started.
Weeks At A Glance
Introduction
How To Draw Any Character
How To Draw Eyes
Top Coats (my 3 Step Process)Week 1
Learning To Paint Any Animal
Begin to develop your own library of animals with mixed media techniques you can make your own. Learn to get started and stay focused, so you feel confident and finsih paintings you’re happy with.
You’ll also learn to:
*Let Go + Create Painted Pages
*Paint An Animal With Big Eyes
*Let Your Background Be InspirationWeek 2
Loosen Up and Let Go
By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear idea of how to begin your paintings and stay focused.
You’ll also learn to:
*Stay Loose and Cover Up What You Don’t Like
*Create An Animal With Closed Eyes and Add Painted Pages
*Add Sheer Color and Organic ShapesWeek 3
Stay Inspired
Integrate what you’ve already learned and love into these next paintings, staying motivated and inspired, so you can get started as soon as you sit down to create, knowing what to paint, saving time and producing more art.
You’ll also learn to:
*Work Backwards to Uncover New Inspirations
*Create A Whimsical RabbitWeek 4
Letting Go Of The Outcome
It’s not always enough to know what to paint or how to get started. You’ve got to follow your muse as you go. You’ll have clarity around what to paint and how to fix your mistakes so you can go with the flow.
You’ll also loosen up more with:
*Art Journaling
*More Ways To Add Painted PagesWeek 5
Developing Your Style
Once you’ve begun to gain confidence in your work and trust the process, it’s time to develop your own style. You’ll learn what inspirations to follow and how to stay focused.
You’ll also learn to:
*Keep It Simple
*Sketch With Paint
*Cover Up A Background You Don’t LikeWeek 6
Refine Your Style
Developing your style is a must if you want to be happy with your work, but you also need to streamline your process so you can stay focused, motivated and finish art you love.
You’ll also learn:
*Line Drawing
*Adding ContrastWeek 7
Knowing When To Stop
Once you begin to trust your process and know what to do next, you’ll need to learn to loosen up and go with the flow. Then you’ll not just feel like you’re copying or doing techniques. Your art will become a deeper expression of your unique creative vision and personal style.
You”ll also learn:
*Charcoal + Ink Drawing
*Add Layers To Change Your AnimalBy the end of this module, you’ll have clarity around how to know when a painting is finished.
Week 8
Covering Up Your Art
Knowing how to cover up a painting and when to stop can be big hurdles. You’ll learn to overcome the fear of covering it up and losing your work, so you never feel like you’re doing it wrong.
You’ll also learn:
*Pastel + Charcoal Drawing
*Creating A Primitive Animal
*Adding Shapes + EmbellishmentsWeek 9
Enjoying The Process
Once you’re painting in your own unique voice, there’s no question about what comes next. This takes the struggle and frustration out of painting so you’ll get lost in the enjoyment of not having to think about anything and just play with the paint.
You’ll also learn more about:
*Art Journaling + Adding Sketches To Loosen Up
*Adding A Second AnimalWeek 10
Following New Inspirations
Once you’ve learned how to get started and paint something you love, you’ll want to stay inspired. By the end of this module you’ll have clarity around techniques and tools to use whenever you get stuck so you stay motivated and productive.
You’ll also learn more about:
*India Ink Sketches
*Inspiration Gathering
*Etching Into The PaintWeek 11
How To Fix Mistakes
When you make a mistake or paint something you’re not liking, how do you fix it? By the end of this module you’ll have the clarity and confidence you need to keep creating in your own style and finish paintings you love.
You’ll also learn more about:
*Art Journaling With Sketches
*Painted Pages
*Allowing For Beautiful MistakesWeek 12
Make It Your Own and Evolve Your Style
It’s easy to get frustrated and stuck, especially in the ugly stage. By this module you’ll have learned to overcome those fearful blocks. Now it’s time to learn how to do it in your own style, smoothly and easily so you keep enjoying the process.
You’ll learn how to:
*Add Scene
*Make It All Fit Together
*Find Joy In The Process
*Take What You Love In New Directions
Your Investment
WHAT: 12 Week Online Class
WHEN: This is a self-paced, instant access online class, so all of the projects are waiting for you as soon as you register.
PRICING: $249 / or 6 Monthly Payments of $46.
COMMUNITY: There’s a private facebook group for students to connect, share, support and learn from each other. All in an encouraging and friendly environment that you can enjoy right from home. If you’re not ready to share your own work, no worries. Once you’ve registered, you can just join and observe… it really is the perfect way to see what others are working on, having trouble with, and to inspire and be inspired by others in my painting classes.
FEEDBACK & SUPPORT: I am always available to answer your questions and provide feedback in our private Facebook Group. And I LOVE to see your work!
CLASSROOM ACCESS: This course is 100% online and you’ll have lifetime access, so you can access all of the content at any time, day or night.
Once you register, you’ll receive an email with the class log-in details. If you don’t find the email in your inbox after 48 hours, please contact info@juliettecrane.com
Sorry, no refunds once you have paid for this course.
I had a fear of faces and now I can’t stop painting them.
The class group has been so fun! All the lovely comments and art from co-students has been a joy for me.
Best instruction. So very detailed and easy to follow along.
Anyone just thinking of taking one of Juliette’s classes, I urge you to do so! I’m learning soooo much. It’s got me over my fear of drawing faces!
I have learned so much and have learned how to let go and just do it. Juliette is a great teacher. I love her calm voice and easy going manner. I like that she isn't afraid to show her frustrations and lets you see her work through them.
FAQ
When is this course?
This is a self-paced, instant access online class, so all of the projects are waiting for you as soon as you register.
How long do I have access to the course?
This course is 100% online and you’ll have lifetime access, so you can access all of the content at any time, day or night.
I’ve never taken an online course. How does it work?
This is an online painting class. so everything is 100% online. Once you register, you will receive the login and password needed to access the class’s private website. The class website consists of a private blog (where lessons are posted in the form of text, videos and photos), and a private Facebook Group where students share their work, offer support and encouragement, and I give feedback and answer questions.
How Do I Sign up?
You can sign up by clicking the register button on this page to proceed with your payment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at info@juliettecrane.com
What If I’ve taken one of your other online courses…will I still learn something new?
Absolutely! This course includes all new painting projects, so if you’ve already taken another class with me, this will take everything a lot further and help you develop your own style.
Do I have to complete every project?
Not at all. I recommend going at your own pace and choosing the projects and techniques that you have the most fun with. That said, I put a lot of care into every project, so if you complete each one, I know you’ll learn even more and really develop your style.
Do I need to buy all of the supplies?
Not at all. I only have a few supplies and brands that I recommend in particular because I’ve found they work best together. You’ll only need an iphone, scanner, or camera if you want to share your work in the private Facebook Group.
Can I share the workshop site, info and videos with a friend?
Please keep in mind, I have really put all my heart into this workshop and I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t share the links with anyone who has not paid for the course.
Do I need to know how to paint, draw, or be artistic?
You don’t need any painting experience or expensive art supplies to take this class – all you really need are a few paints and brushes (your hands work just fine) and an openness to play. The lessons are designed to make creating fun, easy and completely un-intimidating. I also design my courses with busy people in mind, so it’s easy for you to focus on what you’d really like to learn when you have the time. Whether you haven’t painted since you were in kindergarten or if you’re an avid crafter or artist looking to learn new techniques, this class is for you. There’s a private Facebook Group for students to connect, share, support and learn from each other. All in an encouraging and friendly environment. I am always available to answer questions and provide feedback in our private Facebook Group.
Do I have to post my work to the private Facebook Group?
You definitely do not have to participate in the private Facebook Group. However, even if you’re not ready to share your own work, once you’ve registered, you can just join and observe… it really is the perfect way to see what others are working on, having trouble with, and to inspire and be inspired by others in my painting classes. This is a totally private, safe, positive and encouraging group. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Can I get additional critique from you?
Of course. I’ll be here to make comments and give feedback whenever you need while you’re in class.
What if I get behind?
Please don’t feel rushed. You have time to work at your own pace.
Can I share my work on my blog, FB page, Instagram, etc?
Absolutely! If you are posting artwork that has been inspired by my work or created in my classes, please tag @juliettecrane, mention me as an influence along with the class you’re taking (in the first part of your description) and it’s always nice when you also provide a link back to my website (https://www.juliettecrane.com). And if you do share your artwork, I’d love to know about it, so please tag me #juliettecrane
Can I give this course as a gift?
Of course. Just email me at info@juliettecrane.com
Can I use my ipad?
Yes, all of the videos and lessons are ipad compatible.
Can I sell originals or reproductions of the work I create from this workshop?
I kindly ask that you use good judgement when doing so. If you take what you learn from what I share, be sure to add your personality and make it into your own. If you have questions about whether your artwork is created in your own style, please feel free to email me at info@juliettecrane.com
If you’re selling originals or reproductions of something similar to one of my characters or class projects, please also mention my name and the class you’ve taken as your influences in your shop listing and/or on social media and include a link to juliettecrane.com.
Can I use the work I create from this workshop for publication or submissions?
I kindly ask that you use good judgement when doing so. If you take what you learn from what I share, be sure to add your personality and make it into your own.
If you are entering your work for publication or any other submission, please be sure you have infused the artwork with your own original ideas.
If you’re selling originals or reproductions of something similar to one of my characters or class projects, please also mention my name and the class you’ve taken as your influences in your shop listing and/or on social media and include a link to juliettecrane.com.
Are payment plans available?
Absolutely. When you click on the button to register, you will have the option to choose a payment plan.
This class has been the best experience ever! I love how Juliette teaches. I love that there are no hard & fast rules, and I love the fact that even scribbles look like art. The best thing about this course, is that I can share it with my 5 children (well, the baby is too little yet; but she loves to watch). I am a homeschooler, and my 3 girls & son cannot wait for our weekly “art classes” with Juliette.
I especially like the fact that you embrace when you make mistakes, when things are not working, and then explain your thought process when you fix them. I have discovered that when I teach like this in my classroom, my students are quicker to embrace their own mistakes and learn how to problem solve! Thank you for teaching in this way because it’s how I learn best…by fixing my mistakes!
Juliette’s class was so inspiring the way she creates her backgrounds and her characters. She taught me to sketch (I didn’t think I could do that). I thought each time I wanted to draw something, I had to find something to copy... no way could I just put pencil to paper and come up with something. WRONG! I CAN!!!
We love how you change your mind and give us the freedom to do the same! Plus, we get to see lots of works all in one which gives technique while allowing for courage and freedom at times of possible frustration!
Thank you for teaching me to let go, splash paint, enjoy and discover the joy of serendipitous moments.