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Most of my paintings begin with the eyes, but they are always the hardest thing to paint and I can never stop until they resonate with my soul.
I begin with a few colored fingerprints on a solid background. Then add in my eye outline and definition with water-soluble pencil.
Next, I go back in with more color and a little white paint pen on the sides and at the center to show a light reflection. After this initial layer dries, I add more definition with my pencil, then more color, again and again.
If I get super stuck on the eyes and repaint them ten times, I know it’s time to try something new. This happens all of the time.
To loosen up and start liking my painting again, I often paint a character with closed eyes. This instantly brings peace and calm to my painting… and makes me feel so much calmer too.
I’ve been getting so many questions about how I cover up my art and stay loose, especially when painting eyes and faces, so I’ve put together my Faces Mixed Media Portraits online class (registration ends soon).
Click here to learn more about Faces Mixed Media Portraits.
Here’s a few videos to get you started too. I hope it all keeps you inspired!
In this video I share mixed media techniques for getting started. This is how I begin all of my paintings… with play. It helps me stay loose so I can let go and allow for beautiful, unexpected mistakes (the beauty is in the imperfectiosn, especially with faces).
In Faces Mixed Media Portraits class, we layer all sorts of art supplies – oil paintsticks, watercolors, pastel, ink, acrylics, pencil, papers and pen to create all sorts of faces and portraits you’ll love, so you can easily develop your own style.
I love using pastels and oil paintsticks to really create softness in my paintings.
In this video sneak peek, you’ll see how I use these supplies along with acrylics, papers, inks, pen and pencil to begin to create a whimsical animal.
Happy Painting!
xo Juliette
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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.
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