 |
| LET IT BE. Original Painting on Canvas Board. 11 x 14″ available here. Prints Available in my etsy shop. |
these last few paintings have been a test for me to not be afraid to paint something ugly or too bizarre.
i push myself to create something new in my artwork and to follow what pops out most at me.
i wasn’t sure where these new paintings would lead, but i knew they were characters i just had to get out. and i knew i had to trust the process and continue to show up and paint.
this painting started as another girl i created in my friend mindy lacefield’s true free spirit class.
i had so much fun painting and layering the background. then when it got time to add my character, i froze up. and painted something cute and pretty. that was a wonderful place to begin, but it didn’t feel right.
it was a first layer with a story to tell. and i knew i had to cover her up and define everything again.
i added a few more layers of bleeeding art tissue paper and white acrylic paint.
and then this girl emerged. i hated her a million times more than the first girl. but she revealed something new in all of that bright colored paper.
so i covered up what i didn’t like…
 |
 |
| LET IT BE. Original Painting on Canvas Board. 11 x 14″ available here. Prints Available in my etsy shop |
i made sure to keep what i was loving... the pink and orange body area with the white shiva paintstick streaks and the wings filled with poetr
y.
y.
then i went back to using my favorite colors (turquoise blue and hot pink) and my favorite art supplies (india ink, foam brushes and my new shiva oil paint sticks).
from there, this crazy, square- faced character emerged. he’s so wild and organic and new, i fell in love with him. i can see him in a story, just waiting to speak and say…
when it seems things just are not going right, have faith that in the end, everything will work out. just LET IT BE.
…………………..
ps. i am so excited to have just finished the design for my new website! i’ve been working for weeks to put the finishing touches on the redesign with my lovely husband, brian.
he’s having a sale this month… 10% Off any website, blog and e-course.
find details here. i can’t wait to share my new website with you soon!!!
……………………
pps. i am so honored to be featured in Brava magazine’s Women To Watch issue...read the interview here on page 58.
Add comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
HELLO
I'M JULIETTE
A painter, writer, and creator of The School Of Happy Painting, online courses to help you loosen up, let go, and develop your own unique style.
Join me for a Free Workshop!
Want to know how I create my paintings? Join this free workshop to learn the fundamental principles I use to paint with style and whimsy, from covering up the white space to final artwork. Follow along to paint your own character in 30 minutes.
Related posts
A few years ago, I wrote a novel about a magical world. I was one of 14 writers accepted into a 6 week writing workshop on the east coast. And when I finished my novel, I flew out to Washington DC to meet with my ideal literary agent. But then I got super scared and burned out. Because of that burn-out, I needed to heal... Continue reading
I used to be afraid to raise my hand in class. I’d learned that my ways of thinking and seeing were different from everyone else. When I shared an idea, I was often laughed at or told it was impossible. So I learned to stay quiet and be shy. When I was in the third grade we had an art project where we were supposed... Continue reading
Lately I’ve been going back to painting owls. For awhile I had been creating these very renaissance-style portraits with soft, realistic faces and incredible hair. I enjoyed that I could make them look very human, but still full of magic and color. While I still adore creating these flower girls, I found that these paintings were missing something. After countless attempts in the studio, many... Continue reading
10 comments
Lynda M. Metcalf
I love the color and texture you get in your paintings!
Juliette Crane
thanks! there are quite a few layers in this piece 🙂
rebecca
I know I've said this before-I really love watching your process. At some point I will sit down and play like you do!
Deb
I'm in love, with the painting and the name! 🙂
Lisa Crail
Love the painting -nothing wrong with the ugly! Its great to see the transformation from one stage to the next. I am afraid to cover what I have done – but I shall try it if stuck. I used to make cloth dolls and just loved the primitive grungy ugly ones – I'd love to get that into my paintings too – one day.. Thanks for sharing…
premier paving
hi juliette
i love these paintings, not ugly in my eyes one bit…
Well done
driveway paving hornchurch
Shelly Penko
Wonderful article and just what I needed to be reminded of today. Thanks so much. ♥ ♥ ♥
Anna
your painting is awsome and very expressive and never never ugly!
Kelly Cotner
Love the story. Thanks for sharing.
Mihaela
I said this before but I love your artistic process and the way you change your painting so many times before the end result. All the layers look just great at the end. Love it!