Being loose and free in my art is something I’ve learned to do. Having fun and playing as I paint allows me to capture the soul of my characters.

But sometimes I need to get out of my own way and start playing, so I can stop thinking so much and really uncover the beauty.

That’s when I go back to painting whimsical animals. Animals and nature have always made me smile and remind me to have fun and loosen up in my art.

Because when I’m at a creative block, I’ll come up with a million reasons why I can’t or shouldn’t paint.

I don’t know what to paint…

I don’t have enough time…

It’s too cold (or too hot, too sunny, too rainy).

I’ll often feel uninspired, especially when I’m pushing myself creatively to try something new.

But instead of staying stuck, I go back to having fun and paint something I know I’ll love – like an owl or a cat.

I keep it simple.

I keep it easy.

I keep it fun.

I do whatever it takes to get me feeling free again.

Then I can be loose in my art, remembering there’s no right or wrong way.

So today I want to share with you one of my favorite ways to loosen up and let go in my art! This project always frees me up so I feel playful and can start painting again.

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.