Do you struggle to cover up your art? I do (all the time).
In my free workshop I shared a bit about how I draw my character with the eyes closed whenever I’m having trouble with the face.
Another way I cover up my art is to splatter and drip. There can never be a wrong way and it’s so fun to just smoosh paint around.
I squeeze out 2-3 colors right onto my painting surface, dump a bit of water on top, and let the color do the work to see what happens. This usually helps me let go so that I feel free once I go back to my whimsical character.
But the other day I was painting and I started to feel super rigid and tight. Not even dripping acrylic inks seemed to be working. I just wasn’t feeling any freedom or flow.
So I got out of the studio. I went for a long hike in a place I hadn’t been before. I found a new path through the woods and I started to explore. I saw new birds and took photos of the sky… and a whole new world opened up. I felt my spirit soar.
I finally realized my freedom doesn’t always happen in the studio. I have to try something new, shift my perspective and keep doing more of what I love. Then that joy and love can flow into my art.
I’ve been reading and writing fairy tales for a creative project I’m in the middle of, so I’ve been inspired to create paintings to reflect that same wonder and magic. This new painting is called ‘Surround Yourself With Love’ 12” x 12” on stretched canvas.
There’s a few more bigger portraits I’ve been working on that I’m excited to share with you soon (also inspired by fairy tales and magic)!
If you’ve been wanting to paint faces with more freedom, I’ve put together my FACES – Mixed Media Portraits class to help you loosen up and let go.
In this video, you’ll see how I add layers to my eyes and faces, using some of my favorite mixed media supplies like tissue papers, acrylics, inks, oil paintsticks, paint pen and water-soluble pencil.
“I’m taking FACES to help me find more freedom and whimsy in my style. What I have also found as I take this class is inspiration-inspiration in finding ‘my voice’ with the art I create. The class group has been so fun! All the lovely comments and art from co-students has been a joy for me.” – Alison Pillette
Click here to learn more about Faces class.
Happy Painting!
xo Juliette Crane
P.S. If you’ve been wanting 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.
Click here to Learn More About My Happy Painting Mini Course.