The Studio Journey

Letting Go + Embracing Imperfections in Mixed Media Art

My creative process is all about staying loose, so I always play and experiment in my first layers. I also often find myself setting aside my brushes and focusing on finger painting. This keeps me unattached to my painting, preventing me from getting into my head and “thinking” the eyes and face should look a certain way or be a certain shape. It allows for imperfections and beautiful mistakes.

Yet, even after all the layers, the eyes can sometimes still look too painted on. That’s when I go back in, cover up more of my lines, and add more pencil smudges at the lashes to create extra softness. I also find that this inspires new color combinations, postures, and features.

Like in this painting… she’s called IN PEACE YOU ARE LIGHT (SOLD).

I just couldn’t get her expression right, but once I started experimenting with color all around her (which eventually became her hair and body), the emerged from all the paint and layers.

After painting nearly every day for the last 15 years, I’ve learned that when I feel like my painting is going nowhere, it’s usually because I’m onto something new and really beautiful. And I wouldn’t be able to get there without all the layers. But I’ve also recognized that I don’t need all the negative self-talk to be part of my process.

Early on, when I started painting again in 2009, I realized my self-criticism was holding me back, and it was something I could stop as I became more aware of the thought patterns I go through as I paint. It’s all about showing up and recognizing that self-doubt. But also, the first step is always to get into the studio. Sometimes the biggest block is in taking that first step.

Here are 3 Tips for Being Loose In Your Art:

• Embrace Playfulness: Infuse a sense of play into your creative process. Experiment with different techniques, colors, and supplies to keep your work spontaneous.

• Be Perfectly Imperfect: Instead of viewing mistakes as setbacks, see them as opportunities. Happy accidents can lead to creative solutions in the moment that you just can’t create with intention.

• Finger Paint With Freedom: Don’t underestimate the power of hands-on creativity. Finger painting can bring a new level of freedom and detachment, allowing for unexpected and delightful beauty in your art.

If you make a mistake and want to start over or make your face perfect again – especially if something unexpected happens – I encourage you to allow those happy accidents to shine in your work.

I’ve finally realized that freedom doesn’t happen unless I’m having fun, and that means keeping things simple by dancing between what’s in my comfort zone and playing. I have to experiment, paint something completely imperfect, then keep following my joy and doing more of what I love.

Happy Painting!

xo, Juliette

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PS If you’ve been wanting to paint, but feel like you don’t have a lot of time, you might enjoy my latest mini course called  Watercolor Joy, which has six instant-access projects. It’s all about loosening up, letting go, and play.