Feeling Stuck? Try This Creative Practice

there are no rules and it's okay if it's not perfect

I’m sitting in my studio, watching the sun rise and turn golden over the tallest pine trees as I sip my morning coffee. I just wanted to pop in with a quick note and say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined me live for my Zoom class last weekend—Color Inspired!

It was such a joy to share that time with you, answer your questions, and see your beautiful creations at the end. Moments like these remind me why I love teaching so much.

For so many years, I hid my creativity away. I stopped painting. But now, after painting full-time for more than fifteen years, I do whatever it takes to bring myself back to a less serious place.

Whenever I get frustrated with my work, I take a step back, start a new painting, fingerpaint, or return to my favorite techniques and colors. I do whatever it takes to bring myself back to a place of play so I can start having fun again—because that’s when the magic happens.

During the live class, I demonstrated a few of these paintings, showing how I layer high-flow acrylics, and I wanted to share them with you!

If you missed it, I’ve put together a replay of the live Zoom class—Color Inspired.

I had so much fun creating this class for you! As you may have seen, I’ve recently been filling my sketchbook with watercolor and water-soluble pencil pieces. This morning practice has been such a wonderful way to loosen up, let go, and spark ideas for my mixed-media paintings. With no rules, no right or wrong.

If I’m stuck with my work, this is how I find flow again.

If I am at a creative block, I usually want to paint something new, but beautiful.

Yet I can never paint something new, beautifully.

It always takes lots of mistakes and trying different things before I can make something new work.

Once I return to having fun, I let go. From there my creativity is free.

This live painting session is all about that freedom and color—intuitive, expressive, and playful. I share pages from my sketchbooks, talk about how I gather inspiration, and walk you through my painting process step by step. You’ll see everything unfold in real time, from that first uncertain mark to the final touches.

It’s perfect if you’ve been wanting to paint more but feel like you don’t have a lot of time. This approach is all about loosening up, letting go, and simply playing. You’ll receive my full art supply list, a simple shape template, and inspiration images. You can follow along with just a few basic materials. I use a black water-soluble pencil, watercolors, and high-flow acrylics—but you can work with whatever supplies you love.

A huge thank you to those of you who have joined my online classes and monthly membership. It’s truly inspiring to see all the beauty you are creating!

This is exactly the kind of creative play and exploration we’ll be immersing ourselves in at my France Retreat this May! A few spots are still available—including two single rooms. I’d love for you to join me!

Creativity has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. When we let go of expectations and simply play, we open the door to new ideas, new possibilities, and a deeper connection with our art. Every brushstroke, every color choice, every layer is part of the journey—one that doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Painting isn’t just about making something beautiful. It’s about showing up, experimenting, and trusting that even the messy, uncertain moments have something to teach us. When we allow ourselves to create freely, without pressure, we tap into a kind of magic that exists only in the present moment.

So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to begin, consider this your gentle nudge. Pick up your brush. Make a mark. Play with color. Let yourself enjoy the process—not for an outcome, but for the joy of creating itself.

Happy painting!

xo, Juliette