I’m always working on many paintings at once, adding to a background or character for a few days (sometimes a few weeks).
The time it takes to finish a painting completely depends on my mood and inspirations.
Oftentimes I’m surrounded by unfinished pieces in my studio, especially when I’m pushing myself to do something new or painting something large.
As one painting dries, I start a character on another piece.
I move from one painting to the next, starting again and again until a painting uplifts my soul. This helps keep my paintings loose and free.
Whenever I’m fearful and doubt creeps in, I’ve learned to put a painting aside and pick up another unfinished piece and try again. I always have to return to loosening up with first layers and making sure I’m having fun.
Then I feel that freedom and flow. That’s when the magic happens.
It’s taken a lot of paintings and mistakes to develop my style and be loose in my art. But learning to paint with freedom and find your artistic voice is completely do-able.
In this 19 minute video you’ll see how I begin my paintings, using inspiration from the world around me. Nature is my biggest inspiration, so I’ll often begin my paintings with colors I find in my garden or an abstract landscape.
When you watch the video you’re going to discover…
- My EXACT techniques for getting started and loosening up
- The SECRETS that I use to stay inspired and know what ideas to follow so I can get unstuck (every time I reach an ugly stage)
- My practice for turning off my inner critic and covering up my art
I hope you find it uesful!
These are the techniques I return to again and again to overcome creative blocks, build a cohesive body of work, and develop style (it’s all about play, which helps me keep my characters loose).
As you’re painting, you might want to try these next steps to develop a style that’s unique to YOU:
- Repeat 2-3 colors you love (this will help you build a collection)
- Use one new supply or color to help push your style and loosen up
- Paint on an untraditional surface (this will help you paint more freely and let go)
- Start a few paintings at once to stay unattached to the outcome and be loose
- Create in an art journal so you can paint anywhere (even when you don’t have a lot of time)
- Pick up an old painting you’re not liking and paint over the parts you don’t like with your favorite colors and techniques
Wherever you begin is the perfect place to start. The important thing is to have fun and follow whatever you love.
Happy painting!
xo Juliette