When I get stuck with my art, it usually means I’ve reached an ugly stage and need to return to play.

The other day when this happened, I went back to splattering acrylic inks over wet acrylic paint. Then I squirted a little neon pink liquid watercolor on top to see what would happen (I got this incredible stained glass effect).

This is one of the easiest ways to give freedom to a painting as I cover up the parts I don’t like. It almost feels too easy – dripping and playing with color, but I’ve learned to follow my joy (that’s when the magic happens).

Whenever I allow myself to have fun, my paintings come to life.

Sometimes all I need is to get out of my comfort zone and start playing again so I can stop thinking so much and really get into a flow. That’s when a whole new world opens up and creativity is set free.

This new painting is called ‘The Gift,’ 11″ x 14″ ❤️ I had to take many steps away from this piece to be sure I didn’t cover up her color. I wanted to keep her strong and with purpose, so she seems to be finding and spreading her rainbow light. I hope she inspires you!

I’m so excited to share a few more small paintings with you soon! I’ve been working on them as smaller studies for some larger pieces I’ve got in mind.

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).

This is a project from my Serendipity 1 – Develop Your Style online class. You can get more details and register here.

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!