A Look At My Creative Process

Painting Abstracts & Whimsical Animals

Hello Friends!

I hope you’re all having a peaceful weekend. I’m writing to you from my studio in Wisconsin, where I have the French doors wide open and have just finished a new abstract painting!

When I lost my job in 2009, I returned to what I loved most as a child—painting. I started by dripping and splashing color, then defining the figures I imagined within the layers and bringing them to life. Before that, I rarely took out my art supplies, assuming my creativity wasn’t worthwhile. When I did paint, I created abstracts, always drawn to color and fascinated by how it merged organically. But when I began painting again, it was the first time I introduced figures like my whimsical animals and women.

Last year, after experiencing shoulder trouble (not to worry, I have a fabulous PT), I found it challenging to paint large portraits at the easel, so I started working with the canvas laid flat instead. Dissatisfied with this new perspective for painting faces, I gradually transformed the initial layers into transparent veils of luminous color, capturing the emotions I felt from the figures that emerged in my work.

Through this new process, I discovered a way to express connection through color and movement.

The work depicts a feeling of staring at the clouds. I’ve been thinking a lot about the ever-changing patterns and colors in the sky. With these pieces I wanted to celebrate and recognize how you can see something different at any given moment, that point when timing aligns with meaning.

I use techniques that involve building up layers of acrylic paint to create rich, intricate patterns that celebrate the beauty of imperfection.

I don’t normally keep notes on my creative practice, as I’ve always recorded videos for classes and used those to reflect on my process. I’ve also taken progress photos and videos for social media, and while I’d look back on those to remember an 'ugly stage' or track how a painting evolved, I’ve recently started keeping a document of colors. It helps me know which paints to buy—or avoid—and serves as a place to jot down ideas for how I can make my new abstract paintings work (or not work). This way, when I get stuck or frustrated, I can remind myself that it’s all part of the creative process.

I’ve been working on two or three paintings at a time, side by side, mirroring movements and colors across each canvas. This approach results in subtle differences between the pieces, shaped by how I lift the canvas, let the paint flow, and allow the colors to merge.

Of course, there are always those unexpected moments when colors veer off in surprising directions. I never know exactly how a painting will look once it’s dried and I return to the studio. Paying attention to these subtle variations and embracing the beauty in their imperfections has become an essential part of my studio practice.

I hope you feel that same energy of beauty, love, and kindness when you look at these new paintings!

I'm in the middle of a few more colorful pieces that I can't wait to share with you soon.

In the meantime, for my collectors, I've added some of my favorite whimsical animals along with these new abstracts to my shop. If you've envisioned having my work in a particular size or color for your home, I’ve also opened up a few more spots for commissions this year.

Thank you for all of your love for my paintings If you love my work, please help me spread the good word by telling friends and family.

❤️ Sending lots of love and wishing you a beautiful weekend!

Love, Juliette

P.S. A few spots have opened up for my France art retreat that starts May 12th to 19th. Come spend the week painting and exploring with me!