Do you find it difficult to be loose in your art? I do (a lot). A few weeks ago I was painting and I started to feel like all of my characters were looking too perfect. You know, like the woman’s eyes and face looked pasted on and she just didn’t flow. There was no freedom or whimsy. I’d been trying lots of new techniques... Continue reading

Whenever I’m stuck with my art, I don’t let myself look at any other artwork (not even my own). If I do, I start to feel like an imposter. I waste so much time “getting inspired” that I feel paralyzed. The other day when this happened, I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Finding Your Light’ 11” x 14”). You can find originals... Continue reading

When I’m struggling to be loose in my art, I get out new supplies and play. This makes me stop and look around, so I’m not so focused on painting something perfect. My entire process is all about play. But sometimes I still get super stuck. The other day I was painting and I tried all of these different supplies and colors, and just couldn’t... Continue reading

When a painting starts to get muddy, I take a step away and let it dry Then I cover up any parts I don’t like with a little (or a lot) of bright color. This helps me get back into my comfort zone so I like the painting again. But sometimes it takes covering up a painting again (and again). The other day, I was... Continue reading

Whenever I’m struggling to be loose in my art, I have to take a step away. I’ll look back at my past work and discover little things I love: a circle of turquoise ink on an owl’s belly, a splash of cobalt teal acrylic paint in the corner, or a rainbow of water soluble oil pastels. Then I keep those small elements in mind and... Continue reading

If I paint over something again and again, I know I’ve stopped having fun. I’m usually trying to paint an idea I’ve got in my head and wanting to make my painting perfect. It always takes trying, again and again, to get to a place where I can finally let go and allow a painting to come together ❤️ The other day, I was working... Continue reading

Whenever I’m stuck with my art, I’ll often give my character an ink mask. It’s usually the eyes and face I don’t like, but it’s super scary to paint over them. I’m always afraid I won’t be able to recreate what’s already there. But I’ve learned, if I’m not liking my art, I have to cover it up. The other day when this happened, I... Continue reading

Part of my creative process is trying new things and covering up my art. I cover up what I don’t like, which is forever changing and evolving just like everything else in life. When I reach a creative block, I return to whatever it is that makes me feel joy. This reignites my passion, so I can be brave and let go. But the other... Continue reading

When I want to add more depth to my eyes, I make a mess of what’s already there. I cover up my lines with paint pen, drip water on top, then add more water-soluble pencil smudges, wispy lines and dots at the lashes. This creates softness (and beautiful mistakes). The other day when this happened, I was in the middle of this new painting (she’s... Continue reading