Whenever I’m stuck with my art, I don’t let myself look at any other artwork (not even my own).

If I do, I start to feel like an imposter.

I waste so much time “getting inspired” that I feel paralyzed.

The other day when this happened, I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Finding Your Light’ 11” x 14”). You can find originals available in my shop.

I had to take many steps away from this piece to be sure I didn’t overwork her.

I wanted to keep her strong and with purpose, so she seems to be finding and spreading her light even in clouds and darkness

It wasn’t until I added those splashes of teal like electricity that she stepped into her power.

Whenever I take a step back to accept the imperfections, then a whole new world opens up. It all reminds me to be a little kinder to myself and have more fun with my art.

The eyes in my paintings reflect a bit of me and the people and stories I see and hear everyday. From there, the rest of the features, hair and body can come into focus, layer by layer, until everything, finally, fits together.

I’ve been getting so many questions about how I cover up my art and stay loose, especially when painting eyes and faces, so I’ve put together my Faces Mixed Media Portraits online class.

Click here to learn more about Faces Mixed Media Portraits.

Here’s a few videos to get you started too. I hope it all keeps you inspired!

In this video you’ll see how I begin to create a more primitive portrait, using some of my favorite mixed media supplies like tissue papers, acrylics, inks, oil paintsticks, pen and pencil.

Whenever I find a new color, technique or supply that helps me pull together a painting, I take a photo so I remember to use it again the next time I’m stuck. These favorites then eventually make up my style and help me paint more intuitively.

In Faces Mixed Media Portraits class, we layer all sorts of art supplies – oil paintsticks, watercolors, pastel, ink, acrylics, pencil, papers and pen to create all sorts of faces and portraits you’ll love, so you can easily develop your own style.

I love using pastels and oil paintsticks to really create softness in my paintings.

In this video sneak peek, you’ll see how I use these supplies along with acrylics, papers, inks, pen and pencil to begin to create a whimsical animal.

Happy Painting!
xo Juliette

P.S. If you’d like to paint together, but don’t have a lot of time, I’ve also put together my Happy Painting Mini Course, which has five-instant-access projects to get you started.

P.P.S. Want to learn more about how I paint my women’s faces and portraits? I’ve also put together my Enchanted Soulful Eyes and Faces online class to share more of my process and techniques. Click here to get the details.