This is Part 3 in a 4 part series about my Artist’s Journey. I encourage you to go back and begin with Part 1 here

I’m sitting in my studio, watching the sun rise over the oak trees as I sip my morning coffee. It’s felt like summer lately, reminding me of that summer when I started painting again in 2009 (I realize I mistakenly said 2008 before!).

Today, I’d love to share more about that time I first began as a full-time artist—the people who inspired me and the community that grew around us. This is Part 3 of my four-part series.

People often assume I had mentors when I began as an artist, but I didn’t have just one person to look up to or model my path after.

After opening my Etsy shop, I began connecting with other artists and makers. In 2011, I submitted my work to a magazine and launched my first online class, How to Paint an Owl. But I couldn’t have done it alone; I had the support and encouragement of so many creatives who were also beginning to share their art on a similar journey.

Back then, Instagram wasn’t around yet, but blogging and Facebook were. Many of us were looking for change, using creativity to heal in some way. We connected online and encouraged each other.

There was no path yet; the online creative space was just starting to happen, which meant many ways to explore, experiment, and find our way. We supported each other through each new step, making our way up this mountain and pulling each other up, cheering each other on.

I didn’t have just one inspiration; instead, there were many friends and artists—each on a similar path but taking different steps.

We connected initially through blogging, each of us realizing we needed to change something in our lives, and that making art brought us closer to feeling whole. I started a blog, created a Facebook page, launched my website, and shared my experiences and paintings.

Then I went on my first art retreat with friends I’d met online. This all started an amazing cycle of connection, encouragement, and friendship. Our heart-centered community grew, and we stayed in touch.

Together, we figured things out without any set right or wrong way. If someone got a printer for large-scale prints, they’d share their experience, encouraging me to try it and explaining their process. Others would suggest things like, “You should submit your work to this magazine” or “We should do a retreat together”—and I did! Step by step, with the support of an encouraging community, we helped each other find our way. We all just wanted to be creative, connect, and share our art.

I truly LOVE those connections and conversations! That’s why I’ve been focused on more personalized offerings and events this year, like coaching, gallery shows, and retreats. It’s been so uplifting to have real conversations, meet face-to-face, ask questions, see eyes light up with connection, and share smiles and revelations.

I’m incredibly grateful for this community (thank you!) and hope to continue supporting and inspiring you on your journey.

I hope my stories, art, and process help you feel a little less alone and closer to that part of your heart that connects us all.

Next week, I’ll share where I am now and where I’m going next—it’s all coming full circle, and I can’t wait to tell you more. Thank you for following my creative journey!

Be sure to sign up for my VIP Newsletter and keep an eye on your inbox if you’d like to hear more.

With love and gratitude,

Juliette

P.S. If you’d like to know more about my retreat in France next May, you can learn more here.