I’ve just finished recording a video to share more details with you about my upcoming retreat in France!
Sign up for the waitlist by clicking here.
As I’ve mentioned, planning this retreat has been a dream. But recording a video of me talking to a camera is not easy… I just might put together a blooper reel for you.
It all reminded me of my painting process and the importance of letting go.
I had a plan for everything I wanted to say in my video. I knew how to get started, much like how I begin every painting with a few layers of color.
But when it came to actually recording the video, I got tongue-tied and needed many do-overs to loosen up and speak from the heart.
Whether I’m painting, recording a video, or trying anything new in life, it takes lots of experimenting and seeing what works.
Imperfection is part of the process, but starting with fun makes everything flow.
I think that’s one of the reasons my favorite way to cover up a blank canvas is to fingerpaint. There can never be a wrong way and it’s so fun to smoosh paint around.
I squeeze out 2-3 colors right onto my painting surface, smudge them together and add extra fingerprints to see what happens.
I usually begin with colors I’ve bought but don’t love or never use, since my first layers generally get covered up. It’s a fun way to uncover new color combinations and keeps me less attached to the outcome.
Now, whenever I’m stuck, whether it’s in life or with my art, I always remember to return to whatever it is that makes my heart sing. This helps me reignite my passion so I can be brave and let go.
These past few weeks, as I’ve been planning my retreat in France, I’ve been reflecting on my favorite paintings, techniques, and supplies.
Bright color has been such an inspiration.
While the colors in nature inspire my work, they change with the seasons and my location. I can never quite capture that same soul in my paintings. However, I come close whenever I take a step back to renew my inspiration.
If you ever worry about how you can jumpstart your creativity and stay motivated, here are a few simple guidelines I follow…
These are ways to get past the ugly stage:
🎨 Return to having fun: Do whatever you enjoy the most, whether that’s layering color, doodling, or taking a photo walk in nature.
🎨 Explore New Mediums: Experiment with different art forms or materials you haven’t tried before. Experimentation keeps your practice fresh and helps you discover your unique style.
🎨 Go back to your comfort zone: To make sure you don’t stay stuck, get back to your comfort zone, do something that makes you feel confident.
The invitation is to be gentle with yourself; create something you know you’ll like. Repeat a painting that you’ve created and love. It’s okay if it feels too easy. The point is for it to feel fun, to start painting again, and finish a piece that you love, so you feel good about your art again.
That’s when the magic happens, and everything falls into place.
I also want to offer a gentle reminder that the doors close soon to The School Of Happy Painting Membership – monthly access to seven of my online classes!
I also think it’s super helpful to hear from others about their experiences, so I’m including some reflections from students below. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Happy painting!
xo Juliette
“Starting was a big milestone for me but once I did it became my savior! I’d say that if anyone out there is looking for an online class that gets you just ‘doing’ instead of ‘thinking’ this is the one for you. At last I’ve found the style of art that I absolutely love and even though I can’t draw for peanuts I’ve been happy with the pieces that I’ve created – thanks to the amazing guidance of Juliette who has the most lovely teaching style.” – Stephanie B.
“I’m having so much fun with Juliette and her Joy Of Painting class. Playing with new materials and exploring different styles and techniques is such a nice way to switch things up when I need a little creative boost.” -Steph H.
“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 E.
“So many videos and Juliette’s helpful commentary and guidance through the whole process. It really helped me loosen up while experimenting with many different media and techniques. Other classes I’ve taken just speed edit through the most important parts, while Juliette takes the time to explain what motivates her artistic process. That, for me, is the value of a class.” -Isabelle L.
“Your instruction is not just an instruction on how to paint pretty pictures but it’s for creative process. It helped me in facing my fear of I’m-gonna-mess-this-up or I’m-not-a-good-artist. I really love that you guided me through openness so I can let what wants to appear, appear. So grateful” -Zoi F.
“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 L.
“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 B.