HELLO, I’M JULIETTE.

Welcome to Living the Way of the Happy Painter—the heart-centered newsletter from me, full-time artist Juliette Crane. For more than fifteen years, I’ve made my living as a painter, writer, and creative educator.

Here, I share my creative process and life as an artist—all from my studio in the scenic Driftless Region of Wisconsin, USA. I post videos, stories, and colorful art to spark your spirit and uplift your soul. My newsletter will give you early access to my upcoming shows, new originals, workshops and retreats around the world.

Join me on this creative journey! Subscribe to stay connected, encouraged, and inspired.

WHY I STARTED PAINTING AGAIN

If you’ve been following my creative journey for a while, you might know that when I started painting again in 2009, I never imagined it would lead to a 15-year career as a professional artist.

I just knew I needed to heal my heart and reconnect with my true self—the part of me I had been hiding away for years. I had tried out so many different jobs, and nothing felt right.

I’ve always loved art and been creative, but for years, I stopped painting. All my artwork ended up in the basement or the trash. I remember thinking, “What’s the point of painting?”

Art had been my passion growing up, but I didn’t believe it had any real value. So, I moved from one job to another—copywriter, journalist, photographer, programmer, graphic designer, floral designer, website developer, and more.

Then I lost my job. It was the first job I truly loved (as a landscaper). To heal my heart, I returned to what I loved most as a child—painting! I grew up vegetarian, so healthy eating and wellness have always been important to me. I’ve also loved traveling, color, and nature for as long as I can remember—they're some of the biggest inspirations for my work.

In addition to my original paintings and commissions, I also offer painting retreats, 1-1 mentoring, and online courses. In fact, I’m gearing up to lead my first retreat in France in May 2025.

I hope that sharing my story serves as an inspiration and helps you feel more connected, encouraged, and supported in your own creative life.

xo Juliette

ABOUT ME

I am an artist based in Wisconsin. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota, where I studied painting and sculpture.

My colorful and enchanting paintings dance between abstraction and figuration, exploring overlapping themes of imagination, memory, and elements of nature. When I lost my job in 2009, I returned to what I loved most as a child: painting. I began by dripping and splashing color, then defining the figures I imagined in the layers and bringing them out of the paint.

After experiencing shoulder trouble this year, I found it difficult to paint large portraits at an easel and began laying the canvas on a flat surface instead. Dissatisfied with this vantage point for painting faces, I gradually developed those initial layers into transparent veils of luminous color, capturing the emotions I felt from the figures in my paintings. Through this process, I found a way to express connection through color, movement, and the creation of slow, intentional forms that represent the inner radiance of human life.

I use techniques that involve building up layers of acrylic paint and mixed media to create rich patterns, celebrating the beauty inherent in imperfection. My paintings challenge conventional expectations of everyday life, offering viewers a space to reflect on their personal histories. I allow marks and textures to overlap in layers, mirroring the human condition. Each painting becomes a journey of deeper understanding, revealing universal truths and a sense of connectedness.

My work can be found in private and public collections worldwide, including American Girl, the Madison Arts Commission, and the Madison Public Library. I have been an artist-in-residence at various locations in Wisconsin and Florida, and my work has been featured in Glamour Magazine, Somerset Studio, and Oprah.com.

I’m so happy to connect with you here! I’d love to hear from you and know a bit more about YOU and your creative journey!

my website | Instagram @juliettecrane