One way I have fun when I’m covering up a painting I don’t like is to fingerpaint and drip inks on top.

There can never be a wrong way and it’s so fun to just smoosh paint around.

I squeeze out 2-3 colors of acrylic inks and paint right onto my painting surface, smudge them together and add extra fingerprints to see what happens.

This usually helps me let go so that I feel free once I go back to painting the face.

And I love leaving parts of those abstract underneath layers showing through in the final painting like they often do in the body or hair in my work. It’s like a little piece of the initial story and inspiration that started the piece can still peek through.

That story and inspiration often begins in nature.

The fall colors have been gorgeous here in Wisconsin so I’ve been taking lots of photo walks. These colors and cloud patterns often get infused into the first layers of my paintings.

All of my experiences and emotions go into my artwork. I’ve realized that part of my creative process is trying new things and covering up what I don’t like, which is forever changing and evolving just like everything else in life.

Whenever I feel afraid to cover up a painting, I get out a few unfinished pieces that are often stacking up in my studio.

I know that if I wait too long with a painting, I simply cannot begin again where I left off. Not even close.

But I’m not afraid to ruin my ugly, unfinished paintings. I don’t care about covering them up. I can just layer all sorts of supplies onto my canvas and play.

Once I return to having fun, I let go. From there my creativity is free.

Happy painting!

xo Juliette