"Thank you for the delightful presentation this morning. You are an EXCELLENT educator….very clear, very helpful and patient." - Ruth
"Such an amazing class! Pace was perfect and I learned a lot and felt the creative joy!!!" - Diane
"Thank you for the wonderful class last night. You are such an enthusiastic and talented teacher. I look forward to many more classes with you." - Lynne
Read more testimonials at the bottom of this page!
"Such an amazing class! Pace was perfect and I learned a lot and felt the creative joy!!!" - Diane
"Thank you for the wonderful class last night. You are such an enthusiastic and talented teacher. I look forward to many more classes with you." - Lynne
Read more testimonials at the bottom of this page!
Live Online Classes are Fun, Personal, & Informative.I'm delighted to offer you a wide variety of live online classes conducted through Zoom.
If you're wondering what to expect during a Zoom class, here's the break down:
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Upcoming classes are listed below. I always announce new classes in my weekly newsletter first. If you want to be in the know, sign up for the weekly mailing list and get an email from me every Friday!
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Upcoming Live Online Classes
Botanical Monotype Collages
$250.00
This is a three-part class, conducted over Zoom on September 22 and 29 from 7-10pm EST. And on October 13 from 7-9pm. All three classes will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. There is an online classroom where you can post photos of your work and ask questions between classes.
You are probably familiar with the idea of making pretty papers on the gelatin plate and then using them for collage. That is NOT what we are doing.
During class, we will be focused on taking our inspiration from botanicals -- flowers and leaves.
Class one will cover:
- The basics of using a commercial gelatin plate.
- How to print with stencils and masks.
- How to print with actual leaves and flowers.
- Registration
- What paint to use.
- What paper to use.
- And more!
Class two will cover:
- The basics of collage.
- Glues are not all the same.
- How to determine which monotypes are keepers and which are collage fodder.
- How to choose collage paper.
- How to make collage paper based on your monotypes.
- Hand cutting.
- Making your own stencils/masks.
- Tips for creating layers.
- And more!
Class three will cover:
- Creating a clear focal point.
- Finishing touches.
- Fixing "mistakes."
- How to present your work.
- And more!
A complete supply list is available in the online classroom. All three classes will be recorded if you cannot attend live.
Design Boot Camp Online: LEVEL 1 - 6 weeks - 7pm-9:30pm
$700.00
March 1, 2024 - April 12, 2024. We will meet live over Zoom on Tuesdays and Fridays, 7-9:30pm EST. Sessions are NOT recorded.
Session Dates
Friday, March 1
Tuesday, March 5
Tuesday, March 12
Friday, March 15
Tuesday, March 19
Tuesday, March 26
Friday, March 29
Tuesday, April 2
Friday, April 12
Design Boot Camp gives you a thorough understanding of the design elements and principles in order to help you confidently make better art.
The workshop is designed to be similar to a rigorous college-level course. Class meetings are lecture and discussion based with select in-class exercises. Students are expected to complete extensive homework assignments between class sessions in order to master the material.
Design Boot Camp helps artists answer the following questions:
· Is this finished?
· How do I fix this?
· What’s my style?
· What should I do next?
· Is this good or bad?
· How do I get out of this rut?
Design Boot Camp is demanding – of your physical time and your mental energy. Artists who are a good fit for class:
· Enjoy learning.
· Are able to make it to every class session.
· Are interested in participating in class discussions.
· Have the time/energy to complete homework assignments.
· Are not afraid to ask questions.
· Want to grow and change.
· Are willing to try new things.
· Are open.
If that sounds like you, then sign up for the workshop that will help you to confidently make better art.
- Do you have trouble articulating what it is that's wrong or "off" with a piece you don't like?
- Do you struggle with decision making while you're making art?
- Do you have trouble figuring out if a piece of artwork is done?
- Are you searching for the words and the language to be able to discuss art?
- Do you make a lot of things that simply don't feel "finished?"
If you answered, "yes" to any of those questions, then Design Boot Camp might be for you.
ALSO: You can watch this recording of a webinar all about this course!
Class size is extremely limited so that each student can receive personal attention. In between classes, there is an online classroom where you can leave questions, upload your artwork, and get some help during "off hours," as well as chat with other students.
Payment plans are available. Contact me for more info.
There are no refunds once payment has been made.
Testimonials
- "I felt like I learned the secret language of artists, and that made me more confident and free."
- "The wealth of information that Julie shared with us during the two hour sessions over the course of Bootcamp. She was so prepared and is such an excellent teacher - I knew that I was in good hands."
- "This is the toughest class I have taken in my art journey-so far. And it is the best class because it kept me out of my comfort zone the entire five weeks. The format inspired me to take chances and create some different art with the help from the group. I love the longer timeline, letting ideas "sit" and having time to explore by doing homework was helpful. Will definitely take again or the next level."
- "I feel like my journey as an artist has just begun, despite doing art for years. Julie is a master artist AND teacher, a true professional! I hope there will be a Design Boot Camp 2 next year!"
- "I loved the assignments. Based on one of the articles l read by James Clear, l am a person always in motion not in action. I read articles, blogs, watch youtube videos always saying that l'm learning something. Your assignments made me actually put what you were teaching us into action."
- "This class was worth every penny! I have LOTS of work to do, but I feel like I now have the tools to carry me forward to where I would like to be."
- "Zoom was fabulous - having all of my supplies at my fingertips was perfect. Loved the ability to review my notes and digest the lesson given before the next one was presented. Interacting with the other students was a great part of the learning experience. I have said this before and I will say it again - you are an extraordinary teacher with incredible knowledge about art that you share in a clear, professional way. Only you could accomplish what you did in the class - you get right to the point and right to the heart of the task. Over the years you have added much joy to my artistic endeavors. Thank you!"
- "The best class I’ve ever taken, in-person or on-line — thanks!"
Design Boot Camp Online: LEVEL 1 - 6 weeks - 12pm-2:30pm
$700.00
March 1, 2024 - April 12, 2024. We will meet live over Zoom on Tuesdays and Fridays, 12-2:30pm EST. Sessions are NOT recorded.
Session Dates
Friday, March 1
Tuesday, March 5
Tuesday, March 12
Friday, March 15
Tuesday, March 19
Tuesday, March 26
Friday, March 29
Tuesday, April 2
Friday, April 12
Design Boot Camp gives you a thorough understanding of the design elements and principles in order to help you confidently make better art.
The workshop is designed to be similar to a rigorous college-level course. Class meetings are lecture and discussion based with select in-class exercises. Students are expected to complete extensive homework assignments between class sessions in order to master the material.
Design Boot Camp helps artists answer the following questions:
· Is this finished?
· How do I fix this?
· What’s my style?
· What should I do next?
· Is this good or bad?
· How do I get out of this rut?
Design Boot Camp is demanding – of your physical time and your mental energy. Artists who are a good fit for class:
· Enjoy learning.
· Are able to make it to every class session.
· Are interested in participating in class discussions.
· Have the time/energy to complete homework assignments.
· Are not afraid to ask questions.
· Want to grow and change.
· Are willing to try new things.
· Are open.
If that sounds like you, then sign up for the workshop that will help you to confidently make better art.
- Do you have trouble articulating what it is that's wrong or "off" with a piece you don't like?
- Do you struggle with decision making while you're making art?
- Do you have trouble figuring out if a piece of artwork is done?
- Are you searching for the words and the language to be able to discuss art?
- Do you make a lot of things that simply don't feel "finished?"
If you answered, "yes" to any of those questions, then Design Boot Camp might be for you.
ALSO: You can watch this recording of a webinar all about this course!
Class size is extremely limited so that each student can receive personal attention. In between classes, there is an online classroom where you can leave questions, upload your artwork, and get some help during "off hours," as well as chat with other students.
Payment plans are available. Contact me for more info.
There are no refunds once payment has been made.
Testimonials
- "I felt like I learned the secret language of artists, and that made me more confident and free."
- "The wealth of information that Julie shared with us during the two hour sessions over the course of Bootcamp. She was so prepared and is such an excellent teacher - I knew that I was in good hands."
- "This is the toughest class I have taken in my art journey-so far. And it is the best class because it kept me out of my comfort zone the entire five weeks. The format inspired me to take chances and create some different art with the help from the group. I love the longer timeline, letting ideas "sit" and having time to explore by doing homework was helpful. Will definitely take again or the next level."
- "I feel like my journey as an artist has just begun, despite doing art for years. Julie is a master artist AND teacher, a true professional! I hope there will be a Design Boot Camp 2 next year!"
- "I loved the assignments. Based on one of the articles l read by James Clear, l am a person always in motion not in action. I read articles, blogs, watch youtube videos always saying that l'm learning something. Your assignments made me actually put what you were teaching us into action."
- "This class was worth every penny! I have LOTS of work to do, but I feel like I now have the tools to carry me forward to where I would like to be."
- "Zoom was fabulous - having all of my supplies at my fingertips was perfect. Loved the ability to review my notes and digest the lesson given before the next one was presented. Interacting with the other students was a great part of the learning experience. I have said this before and I will say it again - you are an extraordinary teacher with incredible knowledge about art that you share in a clear, professional way. Only you could accomplish what you did in the class - you get right to the point and right to the heart of the task. Over the years you have added much joy to my artistic endeavors. Thank you!"
- "The best class I’ve ever taken, in-person or on-line — thanks!"
Design Boot Camp Online LEVEL 2: Steal Like An Artist
$700.00
September 6, 2024 - October 25, 2024 (7 weeks). We will meet 12-2:30pm EST over Zoom on the following dates:
- Friday, September 6
- Tuesday, September 10
- Friday, September 13
- Tuesday, September 17
- Tuesday, September 24
- Friday, October 4
- Tuesday, October 8
- Friday, October 11
- Friday, October 25
YOU MUST BE A DESIGN BOOT CAMP LEVEL 1 GRADUATE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CLASS.
We will spend seven weeks together focused on how to learn from other artists -- dead or alive. From color palettes to composition to value studies and beyond, you will consume the artwork of three artists of your choosing and learn how to take what you learn and apply it to your own work.
A master class with Matisse? A drawing lesson from Degas? A color tutorial from Bisa Butler? All of it is possible through a series of simple exercises and disciplined repetition. You will emerge from class with a sketchbook full of ideas (and techniques to keep generating ideas on your own) and a series of finished works of art you've created, inspired by what you've learned.
The focus here is on learning from others, but making it your own.
You will also come away with a stronger understanding of who you are as an artist and how you stand apart from other artists. Everyone will leave class with a comprehensive artist statement that they've written, along with new art, new skills, and a sketchbook full of raw data.
More:
- Each student will work in their chosen medium and style.
- Class space is extremely limited to ensure that each student gets plenty of personal attention.
- You will have access to an online classroom for daily conversation and sharing.
- Expect the homework to be intense. This is Boot Camp after all! I've put several gaps in the class schedule to accommodate some of the larger assignments.
- Payment plans are available. Contact me for more info.
- There are no refunds once payment has been made.
Get ready to exercise your art muscles!
Testimonials:
- "It was an awesome experience. That’s for being so thorough. I appreciate your deep knowledge and keen ability to explain difficult and/or confusing ideas with grace and patience."
- "I have so so so much more work to do, but this has been an amazing start!!! Thank you so very much!"
- "I couldn't believe how many different exercises you'd thought of to help us not just copy another artist, but also really examine ourselves, who we are, what we care about, how that impacts our art, and how our art impacts who we are. So probably the You Filter was the most useful as it was so absolutely essential to everything."
Available Replays of Live Online Classes
Art Parts - A Formula for Making Art Quickly and Easily (REPLAY)
$150.00
THIS IS A REPLAY OF A LIVE ZOOM CLASS HELD IN 2021.
If you want to make art quickly, you need to have all the supplies on hand. I'm not talking about paint and brushes...although those are useful to have. I'm talking about pre-made "art parts."
What are "art parts?" Watch this video all about it!
They are substrates and bits and pieces that are ready to go into your art without any work. It's the kind of stuff you make when you have a bit of free time, without any end result in mind
In the first class I will share tons of techniques for creating art parts quickly and easily. I will also show you how to make the kind of art parts that YOU like to work with. Not everyone is the same. Art-making isn't a one-size-fits-all process.
In the second class I will show you several different methods for making beautiful finished art with your parts. You will walk away from class having finished a lot of art, even if you tend to be a slow maker.
Please have available to you during class #1:
- Paper that you like to use -- copy paper, book pages, deli paper, notebook paper -- whatever you like.
- Colorants that you like to use -- watercolor, markers, colored pencils, pens, etc.
- Embellishments that you like to use -- buttons, fabric scraps, thread, etc.
- Substrates that you like to use -- art journal, canvas, board, etc.
- Acrylic Paint -- 5-10 colors
- favorite paintbrushes
- credit card or old hotel room key
- Jar of Water (for brushes)
- A wet adhesive
- Scrap paper & pencil
- 3 pieces of art you've made and liked (it's okay if it's photos in your phone -- only you need to look at the photos).
- Optional: apron, something to protect your table, paint palette, brayer, stencils, cosmetic wedge sponges, stamps, stamping ink, sewing needle and thread, heat gun, gelatin plate
Please have available to you during class #2:
- your art parts
- favorite art supplies
- a range of adhesives -- wet adhesive, glue stick, tape runner, etc.
This process will allow you to make art you love in a fraction of the time. Join me!
THIS IS A REPLAY OF A LIVE ZOOM CLASS HELD IN 2021.
THIS IS A REPLAY OF A LIVE ZOOM CLASS HELD IN 2021.
THIS IS A REPLAY OF A LIVE ZOOM CLASS HELD IN 2021.
Composition Class: Symmetry & Asymmetry (REPLAY)
$100.00
You are purchasing a REPLAY of this live online class.
This is part of a series of live online classes all about compositions that work. During this four-hour mixed media painting class we will take a deep dive into ASYMMETRICAL and SYMMETRICAL design. You might be surprised by which type of design you prefer to work with -- and what those terms actually mean. Through a series of exercises, you will create several abstract mixed media paintings incorporating collage.
I got some lovely comments after class from students on Facebook:
"You know after Bootcamp I thought Balzer Designs could not surprise me but catching up with symmetry & asymmetry class I have to say/ Julie you are really getting better and better your craft.
Be proud.
In a art world where people just teach you to copy what they do. Finally someone teaching people paths to do their thing."- Jana
"Julie. I just want to say a big “thank you” for the composition class yesterday. It really gave me some great theory and has caused me already to look at my work differently. You explain things well and have a wonderful style of teaching. Thanks much!!!!" -Robin
Please have available to you during class:
- paper for sketching
- pencil or pen
- substrates you like working on -- ex: watercolor paper, drawing paper, canvas, art journal, etc.
- collage paper
- collage adhesive of your choice
- black and white paper
- glue stick
- acrylic paint (6-10 colors including black and white)
- paintbrushes
- jar or container of water for brushes
- palette paper or paper plate
- scissors
- a piece of ribbon or string
- optional: apron, heat gun, paper towel, baby wipes, favorite mark making tools, craft knife & cutting mat, ruler
Chine-Collé Live: Replay
$100.00
This is a recording from a three-hour live online workshop conducted over Zoom.
Chine-collé roughly translates from French as “chine”= tissue, and “collé” = glue or paste. The word chine is used because the thin paper that printmakers traditionally used for this process, was imported to Europe from China, India and Japan.
If you'd like to learn how to do chine-collé without a press, this is the class for you. We will be covering:
- The chine-collé process -- from conception to final print.
- How to cut your paper to match your stamp.
- What adhesives work best.
- What papers work best.
- What stamps/blocks work best.
- What the differences are between collaging first and collaging while printing.
- How to fix mistakes.
- Layering.
- Using multiple blocks.
Please have available to you during class:
- Stamps -- Hand Carved, Commercial, Silicone, Foam, Wood -- we can make any type of stamp work. That said, larger stamps are easier to work with.
- Paper that you like to use for collage -- copy paper, book pages, deli paper, notebook paper, tissue paper, washi paper, vintage papers -- whatever you like.
- Paper substrate that you like to use for printmaking -- cardstock, printmaking paper, washi paper, etc.
- Block Printing Ink -- I highly recommend Speedball's Fabric & Paper Ink that easily cleans up with soap and water: https://amzn.to/3RNRIck
- Soft Rubber Brayer: https://amzn.to/3fVRpiz
- Painter's Tape
- Paint Palette
- paintbrush to use with glue
- Jar of Water (for brush)
- A wet adhesive -- My current preference is Yes Paste because of the long open time: https://amzn.to/3Ml4AWc Or a UHU Glue Stic: https://amzn.to/3MkNckx
- Scrap paper
- Scissors
- Black Ink Pad
- Tracing Paper
- Pen or Pencil
- Paper Towel or Rag
- Baren: https://amzn.to/3MxR1Dj or a wooden spoon
- Optional: apron, something to protect your table, craft knife and cutting mat, page protector, matte medium in a fine line bottle, reverse grip tweezers
The chine-collé process is a wonderful way to add color and pattern to your stamped and block printed images. Join me!
Collage Faces Replay
$250.00
Student Feedback: "Julie gave us volumes of content. Each of the three sessions were kind of a stand alone lesson...how to create wonderful and interesting collage papers, then how to create a collage face, background and the elements within the face, and then finally how to fix the problems once the face was created....and then our work magically came together. I, for one, had never created a face and felt really great about the collage faces that I made and the unbelievable amount of info that I learned. Julie is a gifted teacher who has created and organized classes where students can succeed and make leaps in their work. A fabulous teacher makes all the difference. Thank you Julie!!!!"
This is a six-week class that was conducted over three sessions on Zoom. All class videos are available to download and there is a virtual classroom where you can post pictures of your work, chat with other students, and ask questions
Let's make magical faces together! In class one we will make "face papers." Don't know what those are? Come to class to find out! In class two, we will focus on the structure of the face and how to create depth and shape while collaging. In class three, we will focus on all of the finishing touches that elevate your collage from ordinary to extraordinary -- all of the little things that make it your own. We will also discuss "mistakes" and how to fix them.
A complete supply list is available in the virtual classroom
After you sign up, you will emailed access to the virtual classroom, where you will find all of the class content.
Screenprinting at Home Replay Download
$100.00
"Thanks for an awesome class Julie! You're an excellent teacher. I came away with a much better understanding of the process and some good ideas for the future."
"Thanks for demystifying screen printing -- so much simpler than I thought, and no fancy anything required! I can't wait to start playing!"
Would you like to be able to screenprint at home? In this class, I will show you how I create custom screenprints at home with some very basic equipment. One of the many benefits of screenprinting is that it's an easy way to reproduce an image multiple times. In just four hours, I will show you how to set up your own home screenprinting studio (that tucks away into in a box or drawer).
This is a RECORDING of a previous live online class. After making this purchase, you will receive a link to download a copy of the live recording. It's FOUR HOURS of video.
Read my blog post about class HERE.
Pamphlet Stitch Art Journal - replay
$35.00
This is a replay of a two-hour live online class conducted through Zoom. In the class we cover:
- Decorating Journal Covers
- Making Pretty Papers
- Stitching Together an Art Journal
- Beginning to Work in your Art Journal
Please have the following supplies available to yourself during class:
- 6 sheets of paper cut to 10x7 -- any paper you like to work onwill be fine. I use Strathmore 400 Series Paper.
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Waxed Linen Thread (embroidery floss or dental floss will work in a pinch)
- Needle (a blunt needle is best, but any needle your waxed linen thread will fit through is fine)
- Small Binder Clips or Large Paperclips
- Small Awl or a Paper Piercer
- Scrap Paper
- bone folder
- A piece of fun foam or a mouse pad -- i.e. something to act as a cushion
- Drawing & Coloring Tools: Pens, Pencils, Markers
- Acrylic Paint, paintbrushes, jar or container for water
- Optional: Apron
Amazon has a bookbinding kit for less than $20. If you don't have many of the supplies listed above, it's a great and affordable way to get them. The kit includes almost everything on this supply list other than paper, fun foam, and the pens and paint.
YOU ARE PURCHASING A REPLAY OF A LIVE EVENT, WHICH YOU CAN DOWNLOAD TO YOUR COMPUTER AND KEEP FOREVER.
Please note that class fees are non-refundable.
If you want to be notified when new live online classes are added, please join my weekly mailing list.
THESE CLASSES ARE AWESOME & WORTH EVERY PENNY!
You don't have to take my word for it.
READ THE TESTIMONIALS
- "I felt like I learned the secret language of artists, and that made me more confident and free."
- "The wealth of information that Julie shared with us during the two hour sessions over the course of Bootcamp. She was so prepared and is such an excellent teacher - I knew that I was in good hands."
- "This is the toughest class I have taken in my art journey-so far. And it is the best class because it kept me out of my comfort zone the entire five weeks. The format inspired me to take chances and create some different art with the help from the group. I love the longer timeline, letting ideas "sit" and having time to explore by doing homework was helpful. Will definitely take again or the next level."
- "I feel like my journey as an artist has just begun, despite doing art for years. Julie is a master artist AND teacher, a true professional! I hope there will be a Design Boot Camp 2 next year!"
- "I loved the assignments. Based on one of the articles l read by James Clear, l am a person always in motion not in action. I read articles, blogs, watch youtube videos always saying that l'm learning something. Your assignments made me actually put what you were teaching us into action."
- "This class was worth every penny! I have LOTS of work to do, but I feel like I now have the tools to carry me forward to where I would like to be."
- "Zoom was fabulous - having all of my supplies at my fingertips was perfect. Loved the ability to review my notes and digest the lesson given before the next one was presented. Interacting with the other students was a great part of the learning experience. I have said this before and I will say it again - you are an extraordinary teacher with incredible knowledge about art that you share in a clear, professional way. Only you could accomplish what you did in the class - you get right to the point and right to the heart of the task. Over the years you have added much joy to my artistic endeavors. Thank you!"
- "The best class I’ve ever taken, in-person or on-line — thanks!"
"It was WONDERFUL! You are an excellent teacher. The class was packed with information and ideas. You know how to break down & present the course content in manageable, lively bites, and your enthusiasm is contagious. Oh, and you’ve adapted to the ZOOM format beautifully." - Sue
"OMG, this class was fantastic! As always, so many techniques and tips, and so much inspiration....If she offers this again, sign up. A great way to spend a Friday night." - Ellen
"Thank you Julie! I learned so much in class." - Maria
"Thank you for an amazing class tonight. I was feelings so intimidated by the CanvasWorkspace and you made it really easy. I love your calm and cool teaching style. You really put us all at ease and you made it fun. I’m so excited to really use my ScanNCut now. I'm excited by all the things I can do with it!" - Melinda
"Hi Julie - Just want to tell you I finished the recorded class this morning. I LOVE the way you teach. It's understandable and easy to follow. I also love that you record it. I am the slow one in any group and it's wonderful to be able to pause and replay when I didn't quite get something! I will definitely take more ScanNCut and CanvasWorkspace classes when you post them. Again, THANKS!" - Val
"Thank you so much for the workshop. You are a great teacher and cheerleader." - Sarah