Welcome to Living the Way of the Happy Painter
Subscribe to let me know you're on this creative life journey too. I'm sharing my own story, creative process, and life as a full-time artist, hoping it serves as inspiration for you...
Hello, friends, I’m so glad you’re here!
Years ago, when I was hopping from job to job, feeling like there was no way I’d ever get back to painting again, I wished for a creative community. I even dreamed of living a full-time creative life. It wasn’t until I was fired in 2009 from the only job I ever really liked - as a landscaper here in Wisconsin - that I finally started painting again to heal my heart.
I didn’t think anyone would want to see my art, let alone buy it. But when friends stopped by, they said they liked my work. I finally got up the courage to ask at our local library and exhibited my art the next month. I invited family, friends, and friends of friends to a little opening. That’s how I sold my first two originals to people I didn’t know. The library also purchased a piece for their permanent collection. A few people asked for prints and cards, so I started selling those too.
Little by little, it all gave me the confidence to take another step and share more. I signed up for an online creative business course and started a blog. And that was what started my whimsical paintings and a creative life I love.
In 2009, I founded The School of Happy Painting, a suite of online courses in fearless art and mess-making that encourage thousands around the world to loosen up and let go. As often as possible, I paint barefoot, preferably outside on my studio balcony, surrounded by flower gardens and the tallest trees – my main sources of inspiration.
Recently, I’ve been longing for more connection and creative community. While I’ve been sharing my paintings, creative practice, and online courses on social media and on my personal blog, I kept hearing about this new space called Substack. So, I thought I’d give it a try and share the behind-the-scenes of life as an artist, writer, and creative educator living with my bluegrass-singing husband on 10 acres of magical pine woods in the countryside.
The question is to paint or not to paint? Looking back, I can hardly imagine not taking that first step forward to paint again. It has brought so many opportunities, and, most of all, it brings me so much joy. What I’m finally starting to see is that my entire life and living are creative. Even when I feel off track, like I’m not accomplishing anything, it’s the journey. So whether I’m painting or writing, cooking, or gardening, everything is creative. Every moment, every story, every emotion gets infused into my work. It’s often only when I’m looking back that I can see how all of the pieces finally fit together.
Sometimes there’s just no logic to living a creative life. It’s so much about staying open and being present, following your instincts and intuition. But there’s so much beauty in the unknown and in the exploration, yet there’s also frustration, especially when I try to hurry up the process.
I hope that sharing my own story, creative process, and life as a full-time artist can serve as an inspiration and be of help, so you feel more connected, encouraged, and supported in your own creative life. Let me know you’re on this creative life journey too by subscribing below. Please feel free to leave comments too. I’d love to know more about you and can’t wait to connect…
xo Juliette
“Sometimes there’s just no logic to living a creative life. It’s so much about staying open and being present, following your instincts and intuition.” This is so true, I just restacked it 🙂. When my husband bought me a Nespresso coffee machine, I could have NEVER predicted that I’d end up making art with the capsules (or starting a Substack to share them). I love the unpredictable nature of art, and the community of artists that I have the privilege of engaging with daily. As you say, it starts with being open, and trusting our intuition
Love your photos and writing!