Do you find it difficult to be loose with your art? I do (a lot).

A few days ago, I was painting and I started to feel like I’d never get the face right. I just couldn’t loosen up and let go. It all looked too simple. Everything felt like a struggle.

That’s when I take a step away and start a new painting. I drip all sorts of acrylics and inks onto my canvas and play. Having fun with my artwork helps me to be loose and more free when I paint my whimsical characters.

The background I created in my Free Painting Workshop was inspired by color blocking, using fingerpainting and a foam brush (I hope you’ve been able to enjoy it… there’s a link below in case you missed it).

I also find inspiration in vast sunsets, open meadows and flower gardens, so I often keep these dreamy landscapes in mind when it comes to covering up the white space.

I’ll squeeze 3 colors right onto my painting surface (maybe neon pink, green gold and titanium white fluid acrylic paints, then a spill of cadmium yellow acrylic ink) and spread the color in circles until I have a soft, very imperfect bouquet of flowers.

It all becomes a meditative process, working with the color and remembering there’s no right or wrong.

Oftentimes, I begin with colors I’ve bought but don’t love or never use. It’s a fun way to uncover new color combinations and keeps me less attached to the outcome so I can be more fearless and loose when I paint.

This new painting was inspired by a few smaller studies meant to reflect a sense of peace and tranquility. I wanted to capture a sense of calm, even when the outside world presents change and challenge. She’s called ‘Tranquility’ 20” x 24” (original available). I hope she inspires you too!

I’m finishing up a few more (even larger) female portraits and can’t wait to share them with you 😊

If you’ve been wanting to paint together, but feel like you don’t have a lot of time, I’ve put together my self-paced, Happy Painting mini course, which has five instant-access projects. This online workshop is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to feel more connected and creative.

In this video preview you’ll see how I create a portrait using just a few supplies in my sketchbook. This is a project you can do in just a few minutes, so you can still paint, even if you don’t have a lot of space or time.

Click here for more details about Happy Painting.

“You’ve really inspired me in the VERY FUN CLASS of Happy Painting. I’ve gone from cut and paste to fearless, throwing paint on paper and actually painting and trusting in the process. I’ve been actually creating little beings.” -Nancy Rose

Happy Painting!

xo Juliette Crane

P.S. I’ve also put together a Free Painting Workshop to share more of my favorite techniques – from covering up the white space to finished painting… click HERE to join my Free Painting Workshop and learn how I create a painting in 30 minutes.