I woke this morning thinking and singing this song, Your Faithfulness, by Brian Doerkson.

I don't know what this day will bring
Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?
I don't know what tomorrow holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

I don't know if these clouds mean rain
If they do, will they pour down blessing or pain?
I don't know what the future holds
Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

Certain as the rivers reach the sea
Certain as the sunrise in the east
I can rest in your faithfulness
Surer than a mother's tender love
Surer than the stars still shine above
I can rest in your faithfulness

I don't know how or when I'll die
Will it be a thief, or will I have a chance to say goodbye?
No, I don't know how much time is left
But in the end, I will know your faithfulness 

When darkness overwhelms my soul
When thoughts are storms of doubt
Still I trust You are always faithful, always faithful (© 2002 Brian Doerkson)

Recently, I heard this again as I listened to an online concert by Brian Doerkson. He wrote the song at a time of uncertainty in his own life, which he shared during the concert.
His songs have a wonderful depth to them that I connect with. Music, like painting, can help me engage my feelings.

It is rainy this morning as I write this. I feel melancholy. This Covid-19 isn’t going away and continues to impact us. How we do things has to change. How I teach will be affected. There is unrest, violence, and protests in so many places. I needed those words today:

"When darkness overwhelms my soul
When thoughts are storms of doubt
Still I trust You are always faithful, always faithful" (© 2002 Brian Doerkson)

God is faithful. Always faithful.

God isn’t going to make the problems disappear, but walks with me through the difficulties, holding my hand, giving me courage to face things and uphold me, uphold us as we grieve for the changes, for the heartbreaking violence in the news. We are in a time where we need each other, to set aside our independent stances and to work together, instead of being not be divisive.

I am reminded of Psalm 33:13-22 which speaks of God looking down on all the inhabitants of the world, whom he knows and created. He sees: “the king not saved by his great army, warrior not saved by his great strength, war horse vain hope for victory”… “Truly the eye of the Lord on those who fear him, who trust in his steadfast love” (And then comes the move from individuality to corporately) “Our soul waits for the Lord, he is our help and shield, Our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name.” There is something to be said about working together, caring for and helping each other, standing with each other.

Sometimes I just need a good cry, to let myself feel melancholy, and accept this part of me too. We need our rainy days to grow, too. Last summer, I sat in our tent which has a covered day use area, and painted the scene above of the inlet at Ucluelet, BC as the mist rolled in and the rain came down. It was a day much like today, with the sun coming out later. Once I am able to express my feelings, the load is lighter, and a shared load is lighter still.

Are you able to connect with your feelings, with the depths within yourself? How does that happen in your life?

As I sit here to write on this last day of April, the snow is falling outside. This is typical spring weather in Alberta. Hopefully, this is the last snowfall, and we all know the snow won’t last, plus my daffodils and tulips are getting their water. (painting: Is it Spring yet? Watercolor, 11x7 in. ©JulieDrew)

I so enjoy watching the signs of life and new growth that come at this time of year as the greening ripples slowly through the trees and bushes and the perennials are waking up from their winter sleep.

Inside the house I am enjoying the last three buds blooming on my Christmas/Easter cactus. The buds started appearing in the beginning of March when I counted 24 blooms. I have lost count of how many more there have been. The blooms look like dancing fairies. I took some mornings to sketch out a portion of my plant in color pencil.

Spring! New Life! Hope!

As it is spring, I can work again on the last bridge painting I wanted to do for the Connection: Building Bridges Series, the Tawatinâ LRT bridge. On the ceiling of the bridge pedestrian walkway is the story of the indigenous people here in Treaty 6 territory painted in shaped panels.

I can see a hint of the panels, the walkway and the bridge from the spot where I plan to paint the bridge. I can also capture the new growth of the trees on the bank.

Why paint it in spring? I want it to be a painting of hope. A willingness of people to come together – to bridge the gaps of what separates us from each other. There is much we can learn from one another. There is much we can appreciate and value.

Last year, I was particularly mulling over the disparity between factions and all the divisions cropping up in our world. I firmly believe we need each other. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. The focus on building bridges was to find ways to connect with each other again.

Along the lines of connection, even as I complete the bridge project, I am thinking of where it is taking me next; Connection => Collaboration. We not only need to connect, but to trust each other enough to work together.

Part of this is figuring out what collaboration means for me, and for us as a community, society.

We live in a very individualistic society. We have our own property, possessions, etc. We work our own jobs, have our own income which we can spend however we want. Competition is pushed and individual profit, success, and gain are glorified.

I like to play cooperative games. We purchased a couple new ones for Christmas to try out. It is a nice change to work together to solve the game, the puzzle or the clues. Working together includes listening to each other, waiting for each other and letting new ideas come forth. This is so different from the competitive games where there is only one winner and lots of losers.

This painting of the Seal is, for me, a metaphor for collaboration. I used handmade paper, eggshells, sand and acrylic paint, and an ink drawing with the transfer process to create it., The different mediums I used are like individuals contributing their part to the whole project. And the end result is not something that could have been accomplished with just one individual part (or medium).

Collaboration is the theme we will be contemplating at this year’s Art Vocabulary for the Soul retreat. We will see where it takes us. I look forward to the collaboration.

As collaboration is a new theme for me, I welcome your comments and feedback.

One of the things I do when I teach is to demonstrate painting techniques. Sometimes I already have a painting in mind and sketch it out before class, knowing it can work for a demo.

However, most of the time it is a technique or project that I start with the class or a demonstration of a technique for one of my student's projects. Then, I have a partial painting or just some random colors and texture that I can turn into something else.

Over the last couple of years of teaching, I have accumulated more unfinished pieces than I have managed to complete. I just counted 59 I had photgraphed last fall to record the process of painting. Rather daunting. I had no idea there were so many.  Not all of them will be completed. For those that will be completed, something about them inspires me to press on with them.

I am excited to have finished mixed media painting, Regeneration 3, I started working on in the Acrylic Explorations class in the fall! 

It will be shown for the first time at the Nina Haggerty Gallery, 9225 118 Ave NW,

during the Deep Freeze Festival January 21-22, 2023 12-6 pm 

Buiding a Textured Painting:

I blocked in the colors and used it to demonstrate texture building 

I added the trunk in handmade paper, eggshells create the texture of the burls and for the ground cover of pine needles I used saw dust and sand. I painted over the textures.

After adding the ink lines to the bark of the tree, I added more handmade paper for some 3D effect of the ferns and branches coming out of the burls.

I have painted this particular scene several times, each time is a little different. Here is one: Redemption-New Life Another one was part of the Waiting series that was shown at the Glenrose with this poem/ meditation.

You can see the painting this weekend at the Nina Haggerty Gallery during the Deep Freeze festival. I will be there in the building at the Artisan Market. If you come to the festival, be sure to stop by for a visit!

Part of the fun of teaching is watching the creativity start to flow. We have finished 5 out 8 classes. The students are getting comfortable with the medium and trying some ideas of their own. (After the initial classes, I have added more of the final images for some of the student paintings. I didn't remember to take photos at each class.)

In the acrylics class, we did some fun textures of adding eggshells, sand and sawdust to provide texture to the paintings. One of the students went home and added lentils and semolina to his painting. I didn’t get a picture of that one, but here are a few others:

I brought some collage scraps of my handmade paper to the class and showed them possibilities with a couple of my own pieces.

Their ideas started flowing and they started in on creating. Their works in progress were fun to see here.

We started the process of transfers. I brought an option of my own ink drawings photocopied for the class to use. I look forward to next class and the new possibilities the students will try. The flamingo and trio of rocks are my quick samples from my ink drawings. One student was ready with her image of a polar bear which turned out great.

Some of the other projects in class:

Monochomatic painting

Experimenting with techniques: Textured backgrounds, sponging, pointilism

We did some work with Perspective in our last class:

Registration for all the classes below are on the movelearnplay.Edmonton.ca website then click>registered programs>arts programs>adult programs> ***painting classes are now under Painting Classes and drawing classes are separate under Drawing and Mixed media art programs. The classes are listed alphabetically. I put the class code with each class that may work in the search. ALTERNATIVELY,  you can call 311 to register. There are similar class titles by other instructors. Check the time and instructor information as well. 

Classes in September

Drop in Watercolor Sessions at the Muttart

Sept 22

1 pm and 2 pm

 More information coming 

all supplies included

Enjoy capturing the beauty and colourful hues of a small plant using watercolours.  ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity.

Autumn landscapes in the River Valley: Drawing and Painting - Class Code #746440

4 Sundays, Sept 22- Oct 20, 2024 (2 spots left as of Sept 2)

5-8 pm

$108

Yorath House , 13110 Buena Vista Rd NW, Edmonton  

It is different to draw and paint from life than just using photos. Artist Julie Drew will teach you that what our eyes can see is so much more than a photo can capture. This weekly class at Yorath House will have you experiencing your Tuesday evenings seeing and sketching the scenes around you while learning important drawing and painting skills and techniques. Each week you will spend time enjoying nature with a sketchbook and watercolour pencils in hand. 

Plein Air Drawing and Painting Supply List

Acrylic 1 & 2 - Class Code #746412

8 Wed. Sept 25- Nov 13, 2024 (5 spots left as of Sept 2)

6:30-9:30 pm

Cost: $216

Location: City Arts Centre

Quick drying time and multiple textures make acrylics a great choice for beginners and intermediates. In this weekly course learn painting basics such as composition, colour, and numerous painting techniques. Talented artists and painters will guide you through various subject matter such as still life, portraits & figures, landscapes, and much more in this inspiring and engaging weekly course. Have the opportunity to learn a wealth of knowledge and express your personal creativity.

Acrylic Painting Explorations- Class Code: 746965  

(6 Fridays) See what other classes have done here
Sept. 27-Nov 1, 2024  (6 spots left as of Sept 2)
1-4 pm

Location: City Arts Centre: 10943 83 Ave NW, Edmonton

cost $162

Explore the possibilities with acrylic paint with artist Julie Drew. To begin, gain knowledge in paint and colour by learning about colour mixing and themes. After getting used to brushwork and paint handling, then experiment with adding textures and inclusions: eggshells, sand, and collage elements such as handmade papers and transfer techniques. Make your own creative choices and explore your imagination using acrylic paint. Have the chance to develop your skills as you further your own style and preferences as you explore acrylic paintings with subject matter that inspires you and sparks your creativity.

Classes in October

Painting Botanicals at the Muttart Conservatory: Acrylic Workshop - Class Code: 746516

2 Thursdays, Oct 3 and 10, 2023  (7 spots left as of Sept 2) 

6:00-9:00 pm

Location: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96a St NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 4L8

Cost $80  ALL MATERIALS  INCLUDED 

Capture the beauty and translucence of flowers and variegated plants in acrylics during this two evening workshop at the Muttart Conservatory. Through hands-on demonstrations from artist Julie Drew, learn to paint petals, leaves, and backgrounds using a variety of painting techniques. Be guided through several techniques, colour suggestions, and basic composition strategies as you come away with the know-how to continue painting botanicals with acrylics. Have the opportunity to take photos of your favourite flowers and plants to use as inspiration to paint for later on!

Acrylic 1&2 - Class Code #746436

8 Fri. Oct 18-Dec 6, 2024  6:30-9:30 pm (5 spots left as of Sept 2)

Cost: $216

Location: Dr. Anne Anderson Community Centre: 11810 35 Ave 

Quick drying time and multiple textures make acrylics a great choice for beginners and intermediates. In this weekly course learn painting basics such as composition, colour, and numerous painting techniques. Talented artists and painters will guide you through various subject matter such as still life, portraits & figures, landscapes, and much more in this inspiring and engaging weekly course. Have the opportunity to learn a wealth of knowledge and express your personal creativity.

Fall Colours in Watercolour : Drawing and Painting Techniques - Class Code #746437 

 6 Fridays, Oct 24- Nov 28, 2024 (3 spots left as of Sept 2)

1-4pm

Cost: $180 (all supplies included)

Location: City Arts Centre 

Let stunning fall colors inspire you as you learn composition, basic color theory, and a variety of techniques in watercolor, watercolor pencil, and ink. You will work from demos and on your own projects learning composition and mixing the mediums into a painting. This class is for beginner to advance students.

Painting Botanicals at the Muttart: Watercolour Workshop  class code #746517

2 Thurs. Oct 24 & Oct 31, 2024  6-9 pm (6 spots left as of Sept 2)

$80 All Supplies Included

Capture the beauty and translucence of flowers and variegated plants in watercolours during this two evening workshop at the Muttart Conservatory. Through hands-on demonstrations from artist Julie Drew, learn to paint petals, leaves, and backgrounds using a variety of painting techniques. ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity.

Classes in November-December

Hand painted Holiday cards: watercolour and Ink workshop - Class Code #746520

Sun.  Nov 3, 9:30 am-12:30 pm (1 spot left as of Sept 2)

$60  all supplies included

Muttart Conservatory

Create your very own Holiday cards while enjoying the gorgeous scenery at the Muttart during this one morning workshop. You will have the opportunity to paint the foliage and flowers for your valentine! Be guided through several techniques, colour suggestions, and basic composition strategies as you come away with the know-how to continue painting. ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity.

Painting The Skies In Watercolor: Northern Lights and More - Class Code: #746438

6 Fridays, Nov 8- Dec 13, 2024 (7 spots left as of Sept 2)

1-4 pm 

$162

Location: City Arts Centre: 10943 83 Ave NW, Edmonton

Capture the movement of the northern lights, the impressive thunderheads and the amazing sunsets we see in Alberta using watercolor techniques such as pouring, layering, lifting, masking and much more. This class is for beginner to advance students.

Poinsettia Painting at the Muttart: Watercolour Workshop - Class Code   #765518  

Thurs. Dec 12 & 19, 6-9 pm (10 spots left as of Sept 2)

$80 all supplies included

Paint the foliage of the ever popular poinsettia plant in the Feature Pyramid at the Muttart! Enjoy two evenings capturing the beauty and colourful hues of the leaves as you explore using watercolours. Through hands-on demonstrations from artist Julie Drew, learn to paint the poinsettia’s flowers and leaves using a variety of painting techniques. ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity.