Whenever I’m stuck with my art, I’ll add bright pops of color.
It’s usually the eyes and face I don’t like, 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.
For this new painting I dripped a few drops of cadmium yellow and peach acrylic ink at the edge of her eyes and forehead, then wiped it right across her face like a mask.
You can still see a bit of the ink. It mostly got covered up again.
But it helped me to see her in a new light so I could repaint her eyes and finish the piece.
She’s called ‘Ready To Bloom’ (11” x 14” on cradled wood).
Once I’m close to getting the eyes looking less painted on, I usually have to go in and ruin them again (and again). Then, finally, I might get them right.
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.
I’m finishing up a few more paintings that are smaller studies for larger projects… I can’t wait to share them all with you soon!
In this 19 minute video I share some of my favorite mixed media techniques and supplies (it’s all about color and play, which always helps me loosen up in my art, especially once I paint my eyes and faces).
With every project in Serendipity 1 – Develop Your Style, I show you what inspired my painting and how I add those inspirations into each new piece. I also share my frustrations, mistakes and the tricks I use to move out of my comfort zone and strengthen my own artistic voice.
“This course was the in depth instruction that I was really looking for to take some of the quick pieces I’d done and really develop them further. Watching Juliette work through a piece until she really felt the character develop was so helpful. Knowing that I wasn’t making any mistakes and that if something wasn’t working – just changing my tool or supply could get me right through that tough spot was so useful.”
Happy Painting!
xo Juliette Crane
P.S. Want to watch an owl painting from start to finish? I’ve posted a fun owl painting project from my Whimsical Animals class here on my blog.
P.P.S There’s also more details about how I paint my eyes and faces in this blog post.
I hope it all is useful for you and keeps you inspired!