I’ve been taking some time to really slow down and indulge in being creative.

But a few days ago I was painting this big painting and she looked way too perfect. There didn’t seem to be any freedom or flow. Everything looked rigid and tight.

So I knew it was time to mix up my supplies and add an inky mask.

It’s usually the eyes and face I don’t like (especially in my large paintings), but it’s super scary to paint over them. I’m always afraid I won’t be able to recreate what’s already there. But I’ve learned, if I’m not liking my art, I have to cover it up.

That’s when I’ll drip a few drops of acrylic ink at the edge of one side of the face, then wipe it right across the eyes like a mask.

Oftentimes the mask is too thick and I think I’ve ruined everything, but, working quickly before the ink dries, I take a paper towel and blot off some of the ink. Usually this colors the whites and smudges my lines, but that’s the point – to make it all more loose and unintentional.

Then I go back in and slowly add more layers and definition – a little black water soluble pencil for the lashes, acrylic paint and inks for color and some more paint pen for the whites.

Here, you can’t even see the mask in the final painting. But it all gave me a new place to begin.

It’s so often in all of this mess making that I discover new techniques or my favorite painting. It all reminds me to let go and have faith in the creative process.

This new painting is finally finished. She’s an inspiration to follow your heart, remember your dreams and keep going. She’s called ‘Messenger Of Gifts and Dreams’ 20″ x 30” (original available). I hope she inspires you too!

There’s another large painting I’m working on that I’m so excited to share with you soon (she’s almost finished)!

This video is a project we create in my FACES – Mixed Media Portraits class.

It’s a project I come back to whenever I need to loosen up with eyes and faces. I hope you enjoy it!

Sometimes I can get so stuck in painting something perfectly that my faces totally look too lifeless.

Whenever I paint the eyes of my characters I feel like I can best express myself. But sometimes I just can’t get them right.

That’s when I know I need to loosen up and play.

Happy painting!
xo Juliette

P.S. If you’d like to paint more 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 Watch a Video Sneak Peek at the Happy Painting Mini Course.