If I’m not liking my art, I have to cover it up.

It’s usually the eyes and face I don’t like and it’s super scary to paint over them. I’m always afraid I won’t be able to recreate what’s already there (or do any better).

To make it easier, oftentimes I’ll repaint the character with closed eyes – like I did with the owl in your free painting workshop.

But another way I get over that fear and cover up my art is to splatter acrylic inks and liquid watercolors on top. Then sometimes I’ll dump some water and really make a mess.

This may sound crazy, but it’s the perfect way to be loose in your art.

I smudge the water, inks and paint together, then wipe it all off, leaving some of the old outlines showing through.

This usually leaves the features all blurred and wonky. Then I can redraw my face using what’s still there as my guide and try again (and again).

Sometimes this leaves me at an ugly stage, but if I take a step away, return to playing or paint whimsical animals, I can stay loose and let go, which always helps me uncover something new and unexpected.

You’ll see some of the playful techniques I use to add color and work through the ugly stage in my Free Painting Workshop (it’s all about having fun, which helps me keep my marks loose).

Click HERE to get instant-access and sign up to my Free Painting Class.

I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Happy painting!
xo Juliette