We were lucky to catch up with Juliette Crane recently and have shared our conversation below.

JULIETTE, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

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.

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 so grateful for my collectors and for the opportunity my work gives me to be creative and inspire others—not only to create art they love but also to let go, discover their unique creativity, and live a joyful, colorful life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an artist based in the scenic Driftless Region of Wisconsin. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota, where I studied painting and sculpture.

My colorful and enchanting paintings dance between abstraction and figuration, exploring overlapping themes of imagination, memory, and elements of nature. When I lost my job in 2009, I returned to what I loved most as a child: painting. I began by dripping and splashing color, then defining the figures I imagined in the layers and bringing them out of the paint.

After experiencing shoulder trouble last year, I found it difficult to paint large portraits at an easel and began laying the canvas on a flat surface instead. Dissatisfied with this vantage point for painting faces, I gradually developed those initial layers into transparent veils of luminous color, capturing the emotions I felt from the figures in my paintings. Through this process, I found a way to express connection through color, movement, and the creation of slow, intentional forms that represent the inner radiance of human life.

I use techniques that involve building up layers of acrylic paint and mixed media to create rich patterns, celebrating the beauty inherent in imperfection. My paintings challenge conventional expectations of everyday life, offering viewers a space to reflect on their personal histories. I allow marks and textures to overlap in layers, mirroring the human condition. Each painting becomes a journey of deeper understanding, revealing universal truths and a sense of connectedness.

I’ve faced many challenges over the last 15 years running my creative business as a full-time artist. Looking back, I realize those hurdles are nothing compared to the dread I felt in my old jobs.

Right after college, I worked at an arts and entertainment weekly in Minneapolis, thinking that writing about others’ art could be a good start since I wasn’t yet sure how to share my own. On the surface, it sounded perfect—free tickets to concerts, movies, theater—but in reality, I spent long hours under fluorescent lights, stuck at a desk. I even draped fabric over the light above me, trying to create some serenity.

Lunch breaks were my escape. I remember one afternoon when a cluster of monarch butterflies surrounded me, landing on my shoulders as I stood under the warm sun. It was pure magic, and all I could think was, “Why am I spending my life inside at that desk?” Soon after, I knew I had to leave, though I didn’t know what was next.

It took years (and many more dreadful jobs) before I had the confidence to truly put myself out there with my art.

Losing my job was the turning point—I opened an Etsy shop with a dream of selling my art, but I wasn’t confident enough to share my paintings right away. When friends stopped by, they encouraged me, and I finally got up the courage to ask about exhibiting at our local library. A month later, I held a small opening and invited family, friends, and friends of friends.

That’s how I sold my first two original pieces to people I didn’t know. The library even purchased one for their permanent collection. A few people requested commissions, prints and cards, so I began selling those as well. I also created mini prints for custom jewelry. It all sparked something in me, and I was on my way.

Step by step, I sold my work and hosted events, and within a year, I was making a living as an artist. It was so freeing to finally follow my own path, create, and connect with others who resonated with my art. Even with all the challenges in my art business over the years, none compare to the frustration of those office days.

The freedom to be creative every day, to bring ideas to life, to bring more beauty into the world, and to meaningfully connect with others is everything.

My creative process revolves around staying loose, playing, and experimenting in the initial layers, then building upon them as the painting progresses. This approach keeps me unattached to my work, and allows for imperfections and beautiful mistakes.

When I’m having fun and enjoying the process, I keep coming back to it and continue painting—you never know where it might lead.

After being a professional painter and teaching thousands of students online and in-person over the past 15 years, I know the biggest thing holding us back is often self-doubt. That’s why having fun and letting go have always been essential to my creative process.

If I’m feeling stuck with a painting, I’ll get out my sketchbook and watercolors or go for a walk. Then when I come back into the studio, I’ll layer at least three new colors or different supplies onto the painting. Sometimes this means covering up what I’m not loving, but I need a new place to begin.

If I’m feeling too intimidated to cover something up, I’ll start with my least favorite part. Then, layer by layer, working slowly, I add more color and detail to the abstraction that’s already there.

Sometimes all I need is to get back into my comfort zone and start playing again so I can stop thinking so much and really get into a flow.

Starting to paint again changed my life. Creativity is so healing. I encourage everyone to give it a try and just start. Grab a sketchbook, doodle, add words, use any medium that calls to you, and don’t hold back. Simply have fun with it—it can become a daily practice that inspires you.

To help anyone get started, I’ve put together a free sketchbook class: https://courses.juliettecrane.com/freeclass_loosenup

When you look back at your paintings, notice what you love and what you remember having the most fun with. That’s how I developed my style—as I painted daily, I’d take each element I loved and add that to my next painting. Over time, these details, techniques, and colors became uniquely my own, and others began to recognize it as my style.

In addition to my original paintings and commissions, I also offer painting retreats, 1-1 mentoring, a painting class membership, and online courses. In fact, I’m gearing up to lead my first retreat in France this May 2025.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2011, I basically stopped displaying my work in galleries because I had a painting stolen from a gallery show—an owl called She Stands Out.

I always try to see the positive side of things, but when She Stands Out was stolen from the gallery, it took me a while to find the good in it and stay motivated to create.

But I remembered that, at another gallery opening, there was a young girl who couldn’t take her eyes off that painting. She pulled a chair close, stood on it with her nose nearly touching the canvas, and stared at the owl.

A few months later, that same girl enrolled in my in-person workshop for adults, How to Paint an Owl. Having her in that class inspired everyone and reminded me why I paint.

For so many years, I hid my creativity away and stopped painting. Now that I’ve been painting full-time for more than fifteen years, I can’t stop. I do whatever it takes to bring myself back to a less serious place.

Whenever I get frustrated with my work, I step away, start a new painting, finger-paint, or return to my favorite techniques and colors. I do whatever it takes to bring myself back to a less serious place so I can start having fun again and keep showing up in the studio. That’s when the magic happens.

Now, I’m beginning to show my work in galleries around the world again, and it’s the most wonderful feeling to see others experience my art up close. I love hearing their interpretations, making connections, and learning what stories come to mind for them. To me, that keeps the painting alive—even after it’s complete and sold—the story continues to live on with its new owners.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

People often assume I had mentors when I began as an artist, but I didn’t have just one person to look up to or model my path after.

After opening my Etsy shop, I began connecting with other artists and makers. In 2011, I submitted my work to a magazine and launched my first online class, How to Paint an Owl. But I couldn’t have done it alone; I had the support and encouragement of so many creatives who were also beginning to share their art on a similar journey.

Back then, Instagram wasn’t around yet, but blogging and Facebook were. Many of us were looking for change, using creativity to heal in some way. We connected online and encouraged each other.

There was no path yet; the online creative space was just starting to happen, which meant many ways to explore, experiment, and find our way. We supported each other through each new step, making our way up this mountain and pulling each other up, cheering each other on.

I didn’t have just one inspiration; instead, there were many friends and artists—each on a similar path but taking different steps.

We connected initially through blogging, each of us realizing we needed to change something in our lives, and that making art brought us closer to feeling whole. I started a blog, created a Facebook page, launched my website, and shared my experiences and paintings.

Then I went on my first art retreat with friends I’d met online. This all started an amazing cycle of connection, encouragement, and friendship. Our heart-centered community grew, and we stayed in touch.

Together, we figured things out without any set right or wrong way. If someone got a printer for large-scale prints, they’d share their experience, encouraging me to try it and explaining their process. Others would suggest things like, “You should submit your work to this magazine” or “We should do a retreat together”—and I did! Step by step, with the support of an encouraging community, we helped each other find our way. We all just wanted to be creative, connect, and share our art.

I truly LOVE those connections and conversations! That’s why I’ve been focused on more personalized offerings and events this year, like coaching, gallery shows, and retreats. It’s been so uplifting to have real conversations, meet face-to-face, ask questions, see eyes light up with connection, and share smiles and revelations.

I know how important it is to stay inspired, uplifted, and connected with an abundance of encouragement and support. It’s so helpful to connect with and hear from others about their experiences, especially since creativity can be so healing, soothing, and calming,

I hope my paintings and process help you feel a little less alone and closer to that part of your heart that connects us all..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliettecrane.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/juliettecrane
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulietteCraneArt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliette-crane-4b860b52
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/juliettetcrane

Image Credits

The interior photograph is by Jenny Bradley. All others are by Juliette Crane.