My Artist's Journey Part 1

From Fear to Freedom & Art As Healing

Hello Friends!

I thought I’d take a moment to share a bit more about my journey as an artist.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my story—from why I started painting to becoming a full-time artist and where I am now—in a four-part series.

I’m so happy to connect with you here!

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, I returned to what I had adored most as a child—painting, cutting out outfits for figures, and making up stories for them. Around that time, my sister-in-law gave me some beautiful vintage wallpaper books, and I fell in love with the colors and patterns. I knew I had to use them!

Painting has always been a healing process for me, so I gathered all the art supplies that had been collecting dust and spread them out on a blanket in the backyard—and I just started to play. It made me SO HAPPY to create and paint again.

I loved it so much that I kept doing it, and it completely healed my heart. It changed my life.

Here’s a look at one of those early paintings of mine, owned by one off my first collectors, author Ann Garvin. This piece is created on masonite board, incorporating vintage wallpaper, chalk pastel, pencil, and acrylic paints.

Starting to paint again back then was a big deal for me, let alone sharing my work, especially since I’ve always been an introvert. But with every small step, I began to come out of my shell (and get out of my own way).

For a long time, I thought it was too painful to create if I couldn’t do it all the time. But now I realize that not creating from my heart was what really held me back.

Today, I’m grateful that my work allows me to be creative and inspire others to not only make art they love but to let go, discover their own unique creativity, and live a joyful, creative life.

I feel so honored and humbled to share my art and this journey with you (thank you!!!).

Next week, I’ll share how I began developing my style and found the courage to put my paintings out into the world. Be sure to subscribe or sign up for my VIP Newsletter if you’d like to hear more.

I hope this series inspires and encourages you to follow your dreams too.

Happy painting!

xo Juliette 

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Here is a snippet of one of my recent sketchbook paintings. I invite you to learn more about my process and techniques in My Sketchbook Class (Free).