My husband and I took a boat out on the lake in Wisconsin the other day.

We sat in the sunshine, reading and listening to the gentle breeze. I’ve always loved the water and find it completely calming, just like creating.

My motivation to keep painting has always been rooted in personal healing and expression.

I had always been an artist, but I reached a point in my life where I no longer allowed myself to be creative. It just hurt too much, so I stopped. I had all of these art supplies, and I just shoved them into a closet.

Then in 2008, a few years after we moved from Chicago to Madison, I lost my job. I was extremely burned out, and I felt the urge to return to what I enjoyed doing most: painting and creating.

I loved coloring, drawing, and painting as a kid. To heal my spirit as an adult, I took out all my art supplies, went into the backyard, and allowed myself to play, paint, and create just for me.

That’s what led to my current business and life as a full-time artist.

I can’t express how happy I am that I allowed myself to be creative again. It’s phenomenal to let that part of yourself come out. Now, I paint and create every day, especially in my sketchbook, which I take with me on the boat or when I’m relaxing in the garden. It’s my way of grounding myself, and I revisit it throughout the day whenever I need calm.

I thought you might enjoy a look inside my sketchbook… watch this video sneak peek below.

All of these paintings were created with water-soluble pencil and watercolors (except for one, I added high flow acrylics in the background). I love layering these supplies in my sketchbook.

The invitation is to feel more joy and calm in your day, take a moment to pause and let yourself paint. Take a sketchbook and create a few paintings of your own.

If you haven’t seen it yet, or if it’s been a while and you need extra inspiration ❤️ there are some Free Resources for you here.

I hope they help you get started and spark your creativity!

If you want to learn more about sketchbook painting and mixed media – I’m teaching my process at my upcoming in-person retreats (we’ll paint from our beautiful surroundings, memories, and our imaginations).

I’ve also put together my self-paced online course, The Portrait Painting Masterclass (we also paint portraits using mixed media on canvas).

Happy painting!

xo Juliette