While I generally take chances and am carefree with my artwork, I often feel like I’ll never be able to fix a painting (especially the eyes and face).

That’s why I have many paintings going at once.

When I make a mistake or get frustrated, I set the painting aside and pick up another piece that I feel I’ve ruined.

But the other day I was in the middle of this painting and I just couldn’t let go (she’s called ‘Messenger of Strength’ 11” x 14” on flat canvas).

I covered up her face at least ten times. I just couldn’t get it right.

I was ready to cover up the entire painting. But then I grabbed my favorite pearlescent green goddess ink and splattered it over everything!

It made a HUGE mess, but that bit of glimmer was exactly what she needed… and that’s how she got her glitter wings.

Once I return to having fun, I let go. Then my creativity feels free.

I’m almost finished with a few more female portraits and can’t wait to share them with you!

I love mixing acrylic paints and inks together to get unusual colors that I then repeat throughout a painting collection. If you’re looking to add more whimsy and freedom to your artwork, don’t cover everything up in your painting. Instead, when you don’t like something, add a thin layer of ink on top to redefine your painting, but keep the underneath layers showing through.

Mistakes always happen while I’m painting. But whenever I paint I feel the freedom to let go, play and make a beautiful mess. That’s when the magic happens.

If you’d like to experiment with art supplies and have more fun with your paintings, I’ve also put together my Joy Of Painting class. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to paint loosely and whimsically (and have more fun).

With every in-depth painting tutorial, I also share a quick, more playful project you can do in under ten minutes with just a few supplies, so even if you don’t have a lot of time or space, this class will give you the tools and inspiration to get creative and play.

We’ll explore watercolors, paint luscious layers with our fingertips, add glitter and so much more.

There’s over twenty-one mixed media exercises and more than thirty projects to help you renew your creative expression.

Click HERE to learn more about Joy Of Painting class.

Happy painting!

xo Juliette

P.S. I’ve also put together a Free Painting Workshop to share more of my favorite techniques – from covering up the white space to finished painting… click HERE to join my Free Painting Workshop and learn how I create a painting in 30 minutes.