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| FINDING JOY. 11×14″ Original (SOLD). Prints in my etsy shop. |
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
–Howard Thurman
……………….
Sometimes there are parts of a painting I just can’t touch.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that I usually have no qualms about painting over things I don’t like. But sometimes I get the hunch that they’re there for a reason.
That’s how the fox was in this painting.
So as much as the fox did not fit or I did not like it, my instincts said to leave it be.
And as the girl changed, and changed and changed, the fox remained… hardly touched from beginning to end.
The painting evolved and it wasn’t until I posted it on facebook, that others said they saw a “J” “O” and “Y.”
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| FINDING JOY. 11×14″ Original (SOLD). Prints in my etsy shop. |
Perhaps that fox needed to stay there as the “Y.” I’m not sure. But it is pretty amazing just how prominent those letters really are in this piece and that I had no intention of revealing them.
This was definitely a painting I struggled with. The girl just never felt right. And even once I found her face, carving out a body that fit took layers and layers.
I know I stopped having fun.
But every once in a while, painting for me is not about having fun. Instead it’s like pulling and pulling this giant thread out of my heart until the story that needs to be told can come out.
That’s how this piece got it’s title and story…
In this heart, bliss exists, which can only accommodate growth on journeys and share the distance in FINDING JOY.
ps. If you’re interested in painting together find details for my online mixed media classes here.
pps. I cannot wait for the Lucky Star art retreat in Texas this October 9-13!
Registration closes September 30. Find all of the fun and details here.
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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.
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6 comments
Eulita
I love the fox !
Judith Burnett
you simply amaze me…
Judith Burnett
juliette – is there ANYTHING PARTICULAR you think would be to our advantage to start out with when class begins??? just wanted to be ready – besides the fact that i have to clean up my work space… I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Juliette Crane
thank you! i'm loving him now too 🙂
Juliette Crane
thanks, judith! other than having your supplies on hand for class, you can loosen up and get ready to paint by watching some of my painting videos (if you haven't seen them yet) and find inspiration on my pinterest boards (i especially have been adding to the whimsy inspirations board)…
videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/juliettetcrane
inspiration:
http://pinterest.com/juliettecrane/
Lilla
Your style is very unique and beautiful! All your drawings are very nice and whimsical :))
xxx,
Lilla
http://lilycupcake.blogspot.com