A Year to Paint & Play
Loosen Up and Let the Magic Flow!
Hello Friends!
Happy New Year! I hope you’re off to a beautiful start in 2025.
When I sat down to write this letter, I was feeling a bit low—like I hadn’t accomplished much in 2024. But then I looked back at photos of my paintings and read through your kind emails, and they uplifted my spirit. They reminded me why I paint and share my creative journey with you.
As we begin this new year, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of this creative community. Whether you picked up a brush for the first time, tried a new technique, or simply allowed yourself to dream, every step you’ve taken is worth celebrating.
Now, as 2025 unfolds, it’s the perfect moment to get inspired. What sparks your curiosity? What new techniques or ideas do you want to explore this new year?
Paying attention to my intuition while I paint is something I’ve learned to do. Having fun and playing allows me to capture the soul in my paintings.
But sometimes, I need to get out of my own way and just start playing. It helps me stop overthinking and truly uncover the beauty in my work.
That’s why I always return to play—it makes me feel like a kid again, brings a smile to my face, and reminds me to loosen up and have fun with my art.
Because when I’m at a creative block, I’ll come up with a million reasons why I can’t or shouldn’t paint.
In case you haven't seen it yet, I had an amazing conversation on the She Designs Podcast about creative inspiration and resilience—I hope it keeps you motivated all year long!
I also recently revisited my first email to you from 2024. In it, I described my dream retreat:
“I would be overlooking the hills, shaded from the sun. Behind me would sit the house, gardens, and pool. There’d be a stone terrace with a trellis overflowing with pink blooms and a big wooden table where I could create.”
It’s incredible to think that when I wrote those words, I hadn’t even started talking with UpTrek about my dream retreat. And now, it’s actually happening this May! Come join me for art, rest, play, and so much inspiration in France!
This year’s invitation is to feel more inspired and creative. Take a moment to let yourself paint—grab a sketchbook and create a few pieces of your own!
I’ll often feel uninspired, especially when I’m pushing myself creatively to try something new.
But instead of staying stuck, I go back to having fun and paint with colors I know I’ll love – like cobalt teal and neon pink.
I keep it simple.
I keep it easy.
I keep it fun.
I do whatever it takes to get me feeling free again.
Then I can be loose in my art, remembering there’s no right or wrong way.
So today I also want to share with you one of my favorite ways to loosen up and let go in my art! This project always frees me up so I feel playful and can start painting again.
I hope it all brightens your day! May your 2025 be filled with so much goodness and fun ahead!
Love, Juliette
I agree with play!!!