Waiting

Sept 27, 2019 -Jan 2, 2020

Art on the Inside gallery, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

10230 111 Ave, Edmonton (basement level outside the cafeteria)

Waiting 
     - Just being present

Waiting
     - With anticipation, expectantly
What are you looking forward to?

Waiting 
      - For clarity, direction and inspiration

Waiting
     - For redemption… and transformation

Waiting
     - For Spring, new life, hope

Waiting
     - For rebirth, regeneration, new growth

Waiting
     Is about letting go and trusting the process

but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31

I am excited! I took 19 paintings today to have them set up in an art show at The Carrot Community Coffeehouse for the month of August. Woohoo!

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted to move up my art show from November to August. On that short notice, I pulled together waterfalls and rivers that I had available and titled it “Let the Rivers Flow.” I put four of them into frames and the rest were ready to go.

Let the Rivers Flow,  August 2-27, 2022

As the rivers flow, and cascade on their downward path, spilling over rocks and making their own paths, they bring life with them to nourish the thirsty world.

I enjoy painting water, it’s movement and flow. It is peaceful to sit and take in the beauty of a river or waterfall, but to go further and capture the moment with paint is delightful. I experimented with different painting methods for capturing the water scenes: watercolor, acrylic, oil, combining ink and watercolor, and using handmade paper for texture in some of the paintings.

This series includes 19 paintings of waterfalls and rivers in Alberta, Oregon, Croatia, Iceland and Norway.

Opening Reception
7-8pm on August 4, 2022
The Carrot Community Coffeehouse
9351 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0N3

Let the Rivers Flow Art Show will be up from August 2- 27, 2022
The Carrot Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9am to 8 pm; Sat. 9am to 10 pm. (closed Sun. and Mon.)

I am excited to participate 2 days this year! 

Strathearn Art Walk

September 6-7, 2025

12 - 7 pm

My location: Purple zone #34 (see map above)

Strathearn Park, 8728 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

Empty Nest, Winter of my Soul

Changes.  
New things come, old things pass.  
It is hard to let go. 
It is hard to say good-bye to what was,
Treasured moments; the good, the bad
Yet 
letting  go is part of living.
It is part of loving.
There will be new beginnings;
New memories;
New changes.
Such is the circle or spiral we live in.
We cannot hold on to the present.
It must fly
Away.
And the empty nest
is the memory we have left.

Painting: Empty Nest

Art Vocabulary of the Soul Retreat

Connecting with God Through the Arts

Oct 28-30, 2016

Time : Friday, 6:00 pm to  Sunday, 3 pm

July 23, 2016  What a fun Plein Air Painting Day we had!

If you would be interested in taking part in a workshop next spring and summer contact Julie (at the bottom of the biography page).

Here are some photos from the day:

Northern Lights in Watercolor  Workshop  Register at Paintspot.ca

Nov 13
10 am - 4 pm.

$80

Capture the beauty and movement of the Northern Lights using watercolor in this step-by-step workshop. These simple landscapes can be done by beginner to advanced students.
Learn to:

• work with pouring and wet into wet to create movement in a night sky
• mix colors to create the night scene
• use photo references and imagination to sketch out ideas for painting the landscape
• combine different watercolor techniques to achieve the elements in the landscape

Supply List for Workshop:

Watercolors: tube paint 

• Dioxazine purple or Deep, dark purple
• Alizarin crimson
• Phthalo blue
• Lemon yellow
• Permanent Green

Palette for watercolor
Arches 140 lb cold press full sheet, tear into quarters
Painting boards (tape on watercolor paper) heavy cardboard or Masonite are good options
Green painter’s tape
Container for water Brushes

• 1 in flat brush
•  Rigger brush
• Small Round brush
• Assorted other brushes

Rag/ paper towel
Masking fluid
Old toothbrush
Salt
Sea sponge
Cling wrap
Pencil and eraser
(optional – permanent ink pen with fine tip)
Small sketchbook
Photo references (optional): northern lights, landscapes in the dark
Apron
Lunch, water bottle

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 November

Capturing the Essence of Botanicals at the Muttart Conservatory: Acrylic Workshop - Class Code: #761191

3 Sundays, Nov 16-Nov 30, 2025

10 am-12:30 pm

Cost $99  ALL MATERIALS  INCLUDED 

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

Capture the essence of flowers and variegated plants in acrylics during this three week workshop at the Muttart Conservatory. During the first week Artist Julie Drew will teach you that art is learning how to see; she will have you spend time sketching, creating composition strategies, and gathering inspiration from the botanicals in the Feature Pyramid. After drawing what stands out to you, taking photos, and finding interesting inspiration you will learn how to translate this to a painting with hands-on demonstrations and one on one instruction that will open up painting possibilities for you to explore. Over the second and third weeks you will expand on your newly learned skills with brushwork, composition, and colour mixing to paint 2 finished pieces. Embrace letting the botanicals inspire you to paint your unique painting - you will find your own style whether it be abstract, illustrative, or realistic as you bring to life the plants & flowers that stood out to you. ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity.

Drop in Painting sessions at the Muttart - poinsettias

Nov 29, 2025

Two options: 1 - 2:05 pm and 2:15-3:20 pm

Registration and cost will be posted on the MoveLearnPlay. edmonton.ca - under drop in and Muttart classes - 2 weeks prior.  ALL MATERIALS  INCLUDED 

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

 Painting Poinsettias at the Muttart: Watercolour Workshop 

class code #761291

2 Thursdays, Nov 27 & Dec 4 - 10 spots left as of Sept 1

6-8:30 pm

cost: $80 ALL MATERIALS  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. During the first session explore painting poinsettias by first sketching the poinsettias and then creating two watercolour cards. In the second session create a larger 7x11” sustained painting of your preferred poinsettia composition. Be guided through several techniques, colour suggestions, and basic composition strategies as you come away with the know-how to continue painting poinsettias and any other of your favourite plants and flowers. 

Classes in January  

Discover the Joy of Watercolour - Class Code #765548

 6 Thursdays, Jan 22 - Feb 26, 2026 

1-4pm

Cost: $162

Location: City Arts Centre, Studio 3

Flowing watercolors without creating mud, build layers, create textures, paint rhythm, work with what happens. Bring your own photo references of favorite landscapes, people, botanicals, etc. Each week we will explore the possibilities with watercolor. This class is for beginner to advance students. 

Painting Travel Locations in Acrylics - Class Code: #765638

8 Fri. Jan 23-March 20, 2026 (no class March 13)

1-4 pm

Cost: $216

Location: City Arts Centre, Studio 3

Tavel to distant places via painting! Julie Drew will provide an assortment of photos from her recent travels in Italy. You are welcome to bring favorites of your own travels. We will work on perspective, composition, and combining photos in addition to acrylic painting techniques and color therory.  Buildings, landscapes and more.

Acrylic - Class Code: #765552

8 Fri. Jan 23 - Mar 20, 2026 (no class March 13)

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. Julie Drew will guide you through various subject matter such as still life, landscapes, animals and much more in this inspiring and engaging weekly course. Have the opportunity to learn a wealth of knowledge and express your personal creativity.

Capturing the Essence of Botanicals at the Muttart: Watercolour Workshop; course #765653

2 Saturdays, Jan. 24 and 31, 2026 

1:30-4:30 pm

$99 All Supplies Included

Capture the essence of flowers and variegated plants with watercolours during this three week workshop at the Muttart Conservatory. During the first week Artist Julie Drew will teach you that art is learning how to see; she will have you spend time sketching, creating composition strategies, and gathering inspiration from the botanicals in the Feature Pyramid. After drawing what stands out to you, taking photos, and finding interesting inspiration you will learn how to translate this to a painting with hands-on demonstrations and one on one instruction that will open up painting possibilities for you to explore. The second week, you will expand on your newly learned skills with brushwork, composition, and colour mixing to paint a finished painting. Embrace letting the botanicals inspire you to paint your unique painting - you will find your own style whether it be abstract, illustrative, or realistic as you bring to life the plants & flowers that stood out to you. 

 ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity.

Acrylic painting at Booster Juice Rec- Class Code #765643

8 Wednesdays, Jan 28 - March 18, 2026 

1-4 pm

Cost: $216

Location: Booster Juice Recreation Centre, MPR 7 

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. Julie Drew will guide you through various subject matter such as still life, landscapes, animals and much more in this inspiring and engaging weekly course. Have the opportunity to learn a wealth of knowledge and express your personal creativity.

Classes in February

Animals & Birds in Watercolour : Drawing and Painting Techniques - Class Code # 765642

 6 Wednesdays, Feb 4 - Mar 11, 2026 

6:30-9:30 pm

Cost: $210 (all supplies included)

Location: City Arts Centre, Studio 1

Paint and draw animals and birds in landscapes as you learn composition, basic color theory, and a variety of techniques in watercolor, watercolor pencil, and ink. You will work from demos from Artist Julie Drew over the six weeks.  ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity

Drawing and Painting Landscapes and Interiors at the John Walter Museum: Class Code #765647

 4 Saturdays, Feb 7 - March 7, 2026 (no class Feb 14) 

 2-5 pm

cost:TBA

John Walter Museum: 1901 (3rd) House (possible field trip options to 2nd and 1st houses) 9180 Walterdale Hill NW

With the opportunity to be indoors or outdors briefly on a warm winter day, we will explore drawing and painting landsacpes and Interiors of the John Walter Museum houses. We will work in watercolours and pencil drawings. Part of the class will be to strengthen your drawing and observation skills of the rooms of the mueum and the other part of class will be to work on reference photos of landscapes using watercolor techniques and perspective. 

Painting Travel Locations in Watercolor - Class Code: #765546

3 Thursdays, Feb12 - Feb 26

6 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $TBA

Location: Coronation, MPR2

Tavel to distant places via painting! Julie Drew will provide an assortment of photos from her recent travels in Italy. You are welcome to bring favorites of your own travels. We will work on perspective, composition, and combining photos in addition to Watercolor painting techniques and color therory.  Buildings, landscapes and more.

Capturing the Essence of Botanicals at the Muttart Conservatory: Acrylic Workshop - Class Code: #765652

3 Sundays, Feb 22-March 8, 2026

10 am-1:00 pm

Cost $99  ALL MATERIALS  INCLUDED 

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

Capture the essence of flowers and variegated plants in acrylics during this three week workshop at the Muttart Conservatory. During the first week Artist Julie Drew will teach you that art is learning how to see; she will have you spend time sketching, creating composition strategies, and gathering inspiration from the botanicals in the Feature Pyramid. After drawing what stands out to you, taking photos, and finding interesting inspiration you will learn how to translate this to a painting with hands-on demonstrations and one on one instruction that will open up painting possibilities for you to explore. Over the second and third weeks you will expand on your newly learned skills with brushwork, composition, and colour mixing to paint 2 finished pieces. Embrace letting the botanicals inspire you to paint your unique painting - you will find your own style whether it be abstract, illustrative, or realistic as you bring to life the plants & flowers that stood out to you. ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED, just bring yourself & your creativity.

Painting The Skies In Watercolor: Clouds, Northern Lights and More - Class Code: #765547

3 Thursdays, March 12-26

6-8:30 pm 

cost: TBA

Location: John Walter Museum: blue house (9180 Walterdale Hill NW)

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.

Sketching Animals at the Edmonton Valley Zoo,  class code #765733

1 Saturday, March 28,  2026  

10 am -3 pm

$80

Catching wildlife in pencil & ink as it lives and breathes allows you to capture the energy in the drawing. Enjoy a day drawing en plein air (in the open air) at the Edmonton Valley Zoo observing the animals and capturing the essence in your sketchbook. Artist Julie Drew will teach you that it is much different to draw from life than just using photos, what our eyes can see is so much more than a photo can capture. ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED, just bring yourself and your creativity!

Watercolour Exploration Week – 5 Day Art Retreat w/ 4 Different Instructors 

Monday, August 11th – Friday, August 15th

10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

$495 ($395 + $100 Supply Fee)

$105 ($80 + $25 Supply Fee) per Workshop

Class Limit: 15 Students

Summer Week-long Retreat at Artelier!

Summer Skies: Thunderheads,  Aug 13 

Work on capturing the essence of the thunderheads over the canola fields or the wheat fields. 

We will try a range of techniques to capture the thunderheads and adding in the rest of the landscape below in small studies in the morning and work on a larger  painting in the afternoon.

I will have a few examples to choose from or bring your own photos of the amazing summer thunderheads.

Location: Artelier, the PaintSpot.

Want a whole week of watercolor? Check out the paintspot for more information on the other instructors.

What an amazing week at Hotel Leone in Le Marche, Italy!

Where is Hotel Leone and Le Marche? 

Not only was it an art retreat, but we dipped into the culture there. We learned some of the history of the area as we traveled to our painting locations. 

We painted the sunrise overlooking the view toward the Adriatic sea, which you can see in the distance. In the afternoon, we took advantage of a large awning to paint the clouds and storm clouds as they came up.

We went on three excursions to paint:

Pedaso on the Adriatic Sea.

Smerillo with a Roman ruin and medieval village.

Due to rain, we went to Servigliano as it had places to still paint outdoors under shelter. It was cold and rainy, though and a number of us went inside the church to paint and draw.

The long mealtimes were a great time to sample Italian cuisine and get to know one another. We were well taken care of.

Our day off, we spent touring 3 Le Marche family run farms - produce (we saw the tomato sauce preparation), dairy (cheese production) and wine. And we tried the different produce, cheese and wine the farms produced. A real "taste of Le Marche" experience.

As It was rainy on our second day spent in Montelparo, we stayed in the studio to work on the paintings we had already started. 

Our last night was a celebration with a showing of our beautiful artwork from the week. It is always so nice to see all the artwork together up on display. My group painted lovely paintings that Captured Italy as they saw it that week. Here is a sample of their art.

I am making plans to return to Hotel Leone, October 8-15, 2027. (two years from now) Will you join me on the next retreat?