One of my secrets for letting go and painting more freely is to make it easy for myself to create.
That’s why I always have a few backgrounds going at once in my studio.
I add layers whenever I have a few minutes – some acrylic inks. acrylic paints, paint pen and water-soluble oil pastels.
Painting these first layers helps me stay loose and adds whimsy to my artwork.
It gets me in the mood of playing, with no right or wrong, so I can be more in the flow when I begin to add my character.
I’ve realized that part of my creative process is trying new things and covering up what I don’t like, which is forever changing and evolving just like everything else in life.
When I reach a creative block, I return to whatever it is that makes me feel joy. This reignites my passion, so I can be brave and let go.
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.
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 video you’ll learn:
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- 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 with your owl, you can try this quick project in your sketchbook.
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.