I used to be afraid to cover up my art.

I didn’t want to ruin a painting. I feared I wouldn’t be able to create anything better.

Having photos of my art in progress helps me understand what works and what doesn’t, where I’ve gone too far and how I got to a finished painting I love.

It reminds me there’s always an ugly stage. But my progress photos also help me recreate a painting I’ve covered up.

A few days ago I was painting this new work – she’s called ‘Wishes For Abundance’ 12″ x 12″ on cradled wood (original available).

I’d started to feel like her face looked too pasted on. So I added a ton of drips, splatters and color. I pushed it all too far and made it super busy and muddy.

I got frustrated. I stopped having fun. I knew it was time to look back at my progress photos.

This is one of the easiest ways to get a painting back to something I love. I try to recreate the past painting and then allow the color and inspiration in the moment to lead me to something new.

I was having trouble getting her shape, so I started dripping inks in earthy colors like green goddess and cobalt teal. And once I finally let go and allowed all of my ideas to come forth and emerge, it felt like magic… now she seems to be spreading hope and abundance.

Sometimes all I need is to get out of my own way and start playing again, so I can really get into a flow.

I’ve started a few more paintings with lots of color… I can’t wait to share them with you soon!

If you’d like to learn more about the inspiration behind the Portrait Painting Masterclass, what’s included, and how it works, you can learn more HERE .

I’d be honored to have you join me for this new class. It’s going to be so good and I can’t wait to see the gorgeous paintings you create!

With love + gratitude,
xo Juliette

PS In case you missed my interview with the lovely Kate Shepherd for The Creative Genius Podcast – we talk about my creative process and my journey to becoming a full-time artist.

PPS I’ve also put together a Free Painting Workshop to share more of my favorite techniques – from covering up the white space to finished painting… click HERE to join my Free Painting Workshop and learn how I create a painting in 30 minutes.