The first layers in my paintings are all about color and play.
But when it comes to creating my character, it’s like putting together a puzzle.
My characters never really start to come together until I find the eyes.
But the other day I was in the middle of this new painting and everything came together once I found her posture (she’s called ‘In Dreams’ 11” x 14”).
If you look closely, you’ll see lots of beautiful mistakes.
I’d been using my black, water-soluble pencil to create her hair (a style I used to wear by wrapping my hair around wooden chopsticks that had giraffes on the ends – I wish I still had those).
Then I went back with a calligraphy brush and dripped water to smudge out the lines. But what I thought was a tiny bit of water turned into a HUGE drop.
The painting got out of balance.
I tried all sorts of marks and color and I just couldn’t get her wings and body right… until I closed my eyes and scribbled.
I’ve finally realized the magic doesn’t happen unless I loosen up and that means making mistakes, playing and trying something new. Then I can finally let go.
It’s always so freeing to play and I’m having so much fun with these latest paintings – there’s a few more small portraits I’m excited to share with you soon!
This video is one I come back to whenever I need to paint a character with more softness. I hope you enjoy it!
In Enchanted, you’ll learn many different techniques to help you develop your own recognizable style, be loose in your art and build a cohesive body of work.
In every class video I slow down and explain my creative process, so you can overcome the ugly stages, be brave, and achieve soulful eyes and faces that are unique to YOU.
As you’re painting, you might want to try these next steps to stay loose and free in your art:
- Whenever you’re stuck, go back to using your favorite colors.
- Use a pencil or chalk to outline your favorite parts of your painting so you don’t accidentally cover them up.
- If your colors start to get muddy… STOP and let your painting dry.
- Work on a few paintings at once. That way you’re not so attached to a single piece and can be loose.
Happy Painting!
xo Juliette Crane