No products in the cart.
Return To Shop
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 are 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.
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.
"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!"
I am 64 and have always wanted to draw and paint. You show us all of the phases of the piece – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the finished wonderful face. Then we see the finished piece. Now when I struggle to get to the end of the process, I know that it’s okay to take a while to get there.
Juliette’s instruction is very clear and her painting is very inspirational.
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!
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’s classes are soul-filling! I WISH I could express how you have changed my vision and freed my mind.
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.
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.
I’ve been working on developing my own style and exploring mixed media backgrounds. This class has taught me to trust in the process and when something doesn’t seem right you can just go over it and allow something new to emerge.
I have a long way to go until I am working as completely from my soul as Juliette works, but I am finally on that path.
Juliette shows how she works through creating a painting. What is especially great about this, besides the tips on technique, methods, and art materials, is that she shows how she goes through the ugly stages or the “this isn’t working” stages and pushes through. It is very inspirational (and comforting) to see a person who paints for a living also struggles with these issues.
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.
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 will recieve 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 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). 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).
Weeks At A Glance
Introduction
How To Draw Any Character
How To Draw Eyes
Top Coats (my 3 Step Process)Week 1
Letting Go + Creating Painted Pages
Painting An Animal With Big Eyes
Let Your Background Be InspirationWeek 2
Staying Loose – Covering Up What You Don’t Like
An Animal With Closed Eyes + Adding Painted Pages
Adding Sheer Color + Organic ShapesWeek 3
Working Backwards
Creating A Whimsical RabbitWeek 4
Art Journaling
More Ways To Add Painted PagesWeek 5
Keeping It Simple
Sketching With Paint
Covering Up A Background You Don’t LikeWeek 6
Line Drawing
Adding ContrastWeek 7
Charcoal + Ink Drawing
Adding Layers To Change Your Animal
When Is A Painting Finished?Week 8
Pastel + Charcoal Drawings
Creating A Primitive Animal
Adding Shapes + EmbellishmentsWeek 9
Art Journaling + Adding Your Sketches
Adding A Second AnimalWeek 10
India Ink Sketches
Inspiration Gathering
Etching Into The PaintWeek 11
Art Journaling With Sketches
Painted Pages
Allowing For Beautiful MistakesWeek 12
Adding Scene
Making It All Fit Together
Finding Joy In The Process
Take What You Love In New Directions
Your Investment
WHAT: 12 Week Online Class
WHEN: Click HERE to get emailed about early bird pricing, when registration next opens.
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 [email protected]
Sorry, no refunds once you have paid for this course.
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.
"Juliette shares every step of her creative process in an honest way. The videos are worth watching over and over. I am inspired to try so many new things!"
I always have trouble starting something because I’m never really sure what I want and I’m super intimidated to paint anything specific. It’s almost paralyzing, really. The background techniques really let me loosen up from expectation and just start, then take the next step, then the next and things start to appear rather organically. I LOVED that! I also enjoyed the feeling that nothing is sacred and you can just paint over it and keep pushing through until it really comes alive, and that it’s totally OK that it might not end up at all where you thought it would.
I’ve had so much fun re-connecting with my painterly side! I love the results of trying to be more free and relaxed in my style. Keeping my style as loose as I can get it is what I want most out of your class, and I definitely feel that I’ve improved in that area.
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?
Click HERE to get emailed about early bird pricing, when registration next opens.
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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.
Sometimes I get stuck and often I wonder how I can be sure to paint something really ugly and awkward. But that’s something I’ve learnd from you: to let go, LET IT BE, to relax and to be patient.
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!
Juliette was always welcoming and helpful, quickly answering questions and commenting on everyone’s work–very hands-on and involved.
I can’t tell you how much I learn from you explaining what you’re doing wrong and right while you’re painting. I feel so much more confident in my own art because of this, I am forgiving myself when I can’t paint a perfect picture, make a perfect doll or quilt on the first try
Thank you for teaching me to let go, splash paint, enjoy and discover the joy of serendipitous moments.