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 when this happened, I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Phoenix of Light’ 11” x 14”).

I got stuck on the face because I’d added too much fluorescent pink paint pen to her nose and cheeks.

I wanted to cover it up, but I knew that if I did she’d end up with a ton of layers and turn into someone else.

Since her lips were dark, I scribbled some of that black, water-soluble pencil into the background. When I didn’t like that, I splashed water on top.

This gave everything a more organic, loose look – like she was an angel or a fairy, so I added her wispy wings.

Sometimes it just takes a new technique or art supply to get me playing again. It reminds me of being a child and the freedom I felt drawing on a blanket in the backyard. From that place of joy, I can let go and be loose in my art again.

I’m putting the finishing touches on a few more female portraits and can’t wait to share them with you!

This project is one I come back to again and again to cover up my art and loosen up. It’s part of an owl painting project from my Whimsical Animals class.

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite techniques for painting animals in the next session of Whimsical Animals class – Click Here to Learn More About It.

In the video I talk you through my process, explaining my mistakes and frustrations, so you can create more work you love.

Sometimes I just get super stuck and don’t even want to paint. This is one of those projects that I come back to whenever I need a little creative boost to have fun.

In this 8 minute video you’ll learn:

• • My techniques for loosening up and creating mixed media layers
  • The process I use to fix mistakes and cover up my art
  • My method for letting go and finishing paintings I love

To get started, you can also try this quick project in your sketchbook – just click here to watch the video.

Here’s a little of what students are saying about their experiences in my classes…

“This class changed my art life forever! One of the best classes I have ever taken. Juliette is so clear and easy to follow along. I never thought I would be able to paint an owl, or any animal. now I just paint them easily! I am forever grateful to this class!” -Angelica Escalera

“I love your forgiving approach and so appreciate your personal thoughts, especially tips for working through the creative ruts and dry spells we all encounter from time to time.” -Kim Lacefield

“Juliette shares every step of her creative process in an honest way. The videos are worth watching over and over. I am inspired to try so many new things!” -Mo Brady

“Juliette, you gave me more inspiration and courage than you will ever know — I enjoy your easy going nature and that you show us your frustrations and how you make what you consider ugly characters into wonderful ones.” -Joanne Summy

Click here to learn more about Whimsical Animals class.

Happy painting!
xo Juliette

P.S. If you want to paint more together right now, but feel like you don’t have a lot of time, I’ve also put together my self-paced, Happy Painting Mini Course, which has five instant-access projects. Like Whimsical Animals class, Happy Painting is also perfect for beginners or anyone looking to get creative and play.

Click here to learn more about my Happy Painting Mini Course.