When a painting starts to get muddy, I take a step away and let it dry
Then I cover up any parts I don’t like with a little (or a lot) of bright color.
This helps me get back into my comfort zone so I like the painting again. But sometimes it takes covering up a painting again (and again).
The other day, I was in the middle of this new painting (she’s called ‘By The Light Of The Moon’ 11” x 14” on cradled canvas).
I never start with a plan. I start with my background layers, then sketch a few simple shapes and see how it all evolves (working on many pieces at once – all at different stages).
Whenever I try to be loose with my faces, it never works.
If I’m trying, then I try too hard, which completely stops me from letting go.
Sometimes it seems like it’s only the happy accidents and mistakes that lead to freedom in my paintings.
And when I came back to this painting, I loved her without any extra layers. But she was still missing something.
I knew I wanted to keep her initial magic, so her emotion and story could shine through.
So instead of adding my usual inks, oil paintsticks and acrylics, I defined the parts I liked with a little chalk pastel and watercolor. This kept her softness.
From there she seemed to come alive. She reminds me of all of the imperfections I used to try and hide and cover up.
Oftentimes I just need to get out of my own way so I can stop thinking so much and really get into a flow.
Whenever I play and layer art supplies I love in new ways, my paintings come to life and a whole new world opens up. Then I can be loose and let go with my characters again, remembering there’s no right or wrong way.
If I paint over something again and again, I know I’ve stopped having fun.
I’m usually trying to paint an image in my head (and wanting to make it perfect).
But it always takes trying, moving on to another painting, or taking a step away, again and again, to get to a place where I can finally let go and allow a painting to come together.
Oftentimes when I look at my finished paintings I remember all of the layers underneath, but I forget that I was also painting many pieces at once and that each of those pieces went through their own ugly stages.
So many of you have been asking about my FACES – Mixed Media Portraits class, so I’m opening early registration for you this week… just use the special discount code SMILES. Click here to register and learn more about my FACES – Mixed Media Portraits class.
In these videos, 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.
Sometimes my paintings happen intuitively.
I might see an eye or a spot that looks like a nose in my playful background layers.
When that happens, I go with those instincts. But most of the time, I don’t see anything in the paint
I’ve found I return again and again to doodling with just a few supplies – starting with a loose layer of watercolors.That’s when I return to starting with a few simple shapes.
I draw a circle for the head and a loose rectangle for the body.
The character always changes as I go, but these simple shapes give me a place to begin so I don’t feel stuck and frustrated.
Then I add more details with every layer – penciling in the lashes, lips and nose with water-soluble pencil (allowing the lines to smudge).
I created Faces class to help you overcome creative blocks and develop your own style, especially when painting eyes and faces.
“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.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.
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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.
