I often get stuck when I paint my eyes and face.
Initially, I often feel like the face is just floating in space. That’s one reason I like to cover up the white space with playful colors in my first layers.
But the eyes have to resonate with my heart before I can continue with the rest of the painting.
The other day I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Reaching For Stars’ 11” x 14”).
I’d fallen in love with her eyes, but the rest of her face and posture seemed so wonky and weird.
I kept trying to make her perfect (more normal like a human body ‘should” be).
Finally, I realized I was trying way too hard. I remembered there’s no right or wrong.
That’s when I went with my intuition and just added white dots for no reason. I started to have fun with her again and then she came to life.
Oftentimes, just having those few reminders that I can come back to whenever my inner critic steps in, helps me to overcome creative blocks, so I can be brave and let go, especially with eyes and faces.
Another way I loosen up in my art and let go is by painting abstract backgrounds for my first layers.
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 be loose, especially once I paint my eyes and face).
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.” – Abi Bell
“I learn best when I see you paint while you give information as to why your painting is working or is in need of correction. The way you work through your corrections gives me insight into my own issues and encourages me to keep going. Your videos are fun, light, colorful and always a pleasure to watch. Because of you, I enjoy painting and will try anything.” – Peggy McDevitt
“If anyone out there is looking for an online class that gets you just ‘doing’ instead of ‘thinking’ this is the one for you. At last I’ve found the style of art that I absolutely love and even though I can’t draw for peanuts I’ve been happy with the pieces that I’ve created – thanks to the amazing guidance of Juliette who has the most lovely teaching style.” – Stephanie Banks
When I’m struggling to be loose in my art, I’ll often go back to painting one of these backgrounds, either to start a new painting or to cover up a piece I don’t like. That way I’m not so focused on painting something perfect.
Then I can get out of my head and paint from my heart again.
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!