No products in the cart.
Return To Shop
My paintings come together in many layers.
When I begin, I might know whether I’d like to paint a woman or an animal or something completely imaginary, but it’s in the process of creation that I discover what the piece needs to be.
This involves lots of happy accidents and beautiful mistakes, but sometimes it’s so hard to just flow with it all in the moment.
The other day when this happened I was in the middle of this painting (she’s called ‘Acceptance’ 12” x 12”).
I’ve always loved primary colors, so for this piece I wanted to keep her bold and full of vibrance, so her true colors would shine through.
But I couldn’t get her hair or body right. She kept looking too perfect.
I’d been dripping inks and watercolors in my first layers of another painting, so I grabbed this piece and dripped cobalt blue and florescent yellow acrylic ink. Her hair got too muddy, so I let it dry and then added layers of fluorescent pink liquid watercolor and pyrrole red ink.
It was so much fun! I splashed on more and more and when it got too muddy I used the ink for fingerprints.
Suddenly the painting didn’t seem so precious anymore and she came to life!
Whenever I play, it reminds me there’s no right or wrong way. Then I can follow my heart and paint without the pressure of everything having to be perfect.
There’s a few more small paintings in the works that I’m excited to share with you soon!
If you’ve been wanting to paint faces with more freedom, I’ve put together my FACES – Mixed Media Portraits class to help your loosen up and let go.
In this video, you’ll see how I add layers to my eyes and faces, using some of my favorite mixed media supplies like tissue papers, acrylics, inks, oil paintsticks, paint pen and water-soluble pencil.
“I’m taking FACES to help me find more freedom and whimsy in my style. What I have also found as I take this class is inspiration-inspiration in finding “my voice” with the art I create. The class group has been so fun! All the lovely comments and art from co-students has been a joy for me.” – Alison Pillette
Click here to learn more about Faces class.
Happy Painting!
xo Juliette Crane
P.S. If you’ve been wanting to paint together, but don’t have a lot of time, I’ve also put together my Happy Painting Mini Course, which has five-instant-access projects to get you started.
Click here to Learn More About My Happy Painting Mini Course.
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