Do you ever get stuck with your paintings? I do (all the time). Whenever I try to be loose in my art, it never works. Sometimes it seems like it’s only the happy accidents and mistakes that lead to freedom in my paintings.

The other day, I spilled a brand new bottle of neon pink ink onto my nearly finished painting. The color spread all across my table and down onto the floor.

I thought for sure my painting was ruined. The ink got all over the woman’s eyes and face. There was no way I could just wipe it off.

Yet, somehow, when the pink ink dried, it added all sorts of lovely dimension and depth to the face that I never would’ve added otherwise (especially on her cheeks).

Now I’m trying to recreate that mistake again, but I simply cannot get it right.

I’ve been getting so many questions about how to fix mistakes when painting eyes and faces, so I’ve put together my Faces Mixed Media Portraits class (registration is open for a limited time).

FACES class is perfect if you’re looking to loosen up and let go, especially when painting eyes and faces.

Click Here To learn more about Faces Mixed Media Portraits.

In this video from Faces Mixed Media Portraits class you’ll see how I begin to create a more primitive portrait, using some of my favorite mixed media supplies like tissue papers, acrylics, inks, oil paintsticks, pen and pencil.

Mistakes can be SO frustrating, but often it’s these beautiful accidents that lead me to new techniques or my favorite painting. It all reminds me to let go and have faith in the creative process.

Happy painting!
xo Juliette

P.S. I’ve also put together a Free Painting Class… you can get instant-access and sign up by clicking HERE and learn more of my favorite supplies and techniques.