Lately, I’ve been getting out my watercolors and painting in my sketchbook – it’s all about play, which helps me let go so I can keep my paintings loose.

After a few beautiful mistakes and a little loosening up with color, my creativity blooms just like the flowers in my garden.

It always seems that whenever I allow myself to have fun, my paintings come to life.

Sometimes all I need is to get out of my comfort zone and start having fun again so I can stop thinking so much and really get into a flow.

That’s when a whole new world opens up and creativity is set free.

I’ve always loved how connections and artistic adventures spark new inspirations. They remind me to let go and not take myself (or my art) too seriously.

I’ve always been an artist, but for years I felt stuck.

Sometimes I still reach a point where I want to paint over an entire painting. But I try to remember that if I let go, it might lead me to try something new or make a beautiful mistake.

It doesn’t mean I can’t paint or that I’ll never create something I love again. It usually means I’m on the verge of a breakthrough.

Often, just returning to my favorite colors and techniques or switching to a different painting whenever I’m stuck helps me overcome these creative blocks. This allows me to paint with freedom again. You never know where something might lead.

Here are three tips to spark your creative inspiration:

*Remember the ugly stage is normal: Whenever your inner critic emerges and you think you’re at an ugly stage, recognize it as something that happens to everyone.

*Start having fun: Do whatever you enjoy the most, whether that’s layering colors and watching what happens, doodling in your sketchbook, or taking a photo walk in nature.

*Go back to your comfort zone: To avoid staying stuck, return to your comfort zone. Do something that makes you feel confident and happy, collaborate with others, and get together in person or online. Sometimes, the most unexpected conversations can provide new perspectives and ignite creative possibilities.

Whenever I get frustrated with my work, I take a step away, sketch in my garden, or meet up with friends to paint and play. I do whatever it takes to get myself back to a less serious place so I can start having fun again. That’s when the magic happens.

The invitation is to feel more happiness and inspiration. Take a moment to create something just for fun. Grab a blank canvas and finger paint.

That’s one of the lovely creative activities we’ll be sharing at my painting retreat in WISCONSIN! In case you missed my last note, I expect this to fill quickly, so if you’d love to come paint and play together sign up for the waitlist by clicking here.

If you want something to help you get started, don’t miss my FREE Painting Classes. You’ll get instant access:

*Join My Free Sketchbook Class

*Join My Free Mixed Media Painting Class

I hope it all brings you a little calm and joy!

Happy painting!

xo Juliette

PS I’m also so excited to share my paintings and process at a week-long painting luxury retreat in beautiful France May 2025! Thank you to everyone who has signed up so far, I can’t wait to build lasting friendships, get incredible color inspiration, and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with you!!!