Watercolor Unleashed – New Directions for Traditional Painting Techniques

By Julie Gilbert Pollard, Format: Paperback Book

Review posted 5/18/2015 at https://www.northlightshop.com/review/product/list/id/89813/category/515/)

Well written book

Received Watercolor Unleashed and read and learned immediately. Book is easy to follow and instructions extremely easy to understand. I was painting shortly after my first short scan of book….Many thanks for Julie Pollard’s excellent instructions and illustrations.

 

 

 

Watercolor Unleashed – New Directions for Traditional Painting Techniques

By Julie Gilbert Pollard, Format: Paperback Book

Review posted 7/27/2015 at https://www.northlightshop.com/review/product/list/id/89813/category/515/)

Lots of information and pictures to help with techniques..Happy

Lots of instructions in detail and pictures to support what you are learning….makes the watercolor seem easier to learn than I thought it would be !!! You won’t be disappointed in this book….at least….I’m happy I have it.

 

I thank the enthusiastic students who attended the recently completed SPAC workshop in Sidney, Vancouver Island, B.C., Canada – thanks to your attentiveness and talents the workshop was deemed a success.

These are comments offered by workshop students:

“Julie, With great thanks I gratefully acknowledge a big leap in my paintings . . . . Thanks for your “easy go” directions and positive influence. A great 4 days, Thank you.”  – Durell

“Dear Julie, The workshop was great, especially like that I now look at watercolour in a different and fun way. Thank you for all your encouragement. Had the best time! ” – Shirley Roberts

“Julie, Thank you for a great week.  I have been inspired, motivated and have learned a great deal!  Thank you.” – Judy

“Thank you so much!  Videos are great – the real presence is better.” – Judi

“Thank you, Julie.  You have given me a different way to look at doing watercolors.” – Judy

“Julie, This was an experience of a lifetime and I very much appreciate your coming to impart your knowledge & expertise in such a relaxed and sensitive manner. Come back soon!” – Gale

“Thanks for the motivation & inspiration.” – Lily

“You have been a great inspiration to all.” – Bob Cherneff

“Julie, As always – great workshop.  Thank you, Love you.” – Ivriya

“As always, Julie, your classes are so wonderful and so are you!” – Judy W.

“Really enjoyed your approach & positive feedback!” – Joyce

“Dear Julie, We thoroughly enjoyed your class! I feel that we’ve learned a lot of useful things & I truly enjoyed meeting you!  Hugs!” – Cindy

“Julie, I have really enjoyed your class and learned a lot.” – Pam

“Julie, I loved your teaching approach! Will never forget ‘reflections & values’!” – Roxie

“Julie, Thanks for everything. Learned some new tricks.” – Jean

I thank all of you!  A workshop cannot succeed without students who “give their all” – you most certainly did that – – Thank You!

Julie

 

 

 

 

 

I too am a watercolor artist, not like you but I try. Love your work!

Sincerely, Laurie, from California (June 2015)

Hello Julie,

Thanks you so much for opening up the world of watercolor to me.  You were so generous and positive with feedback, sharing tools and techniques, and accepting everyone in the class where they were at. Your recent workshop in Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, was a lovely experience that helped me to break the ice and finally venture into a field I so long admired from the sidelines.

I’d love to be on your mailing list so I can plan to attend if you ever teach up here again!

 

Bright blessings, Ada

 

Thanks for your lovely words! It’s always such a pleasure to see someone take to watercolor so naturally as you did. Welcome to the world of watercolor!

Hope to see you again soon! 

Julie

Julie is receiving compliments because she’s an awesome teacher!  I’ve taken a class with her, so I well know it.

Sandy Farley, President, Arizona Plein Air Painters, Sandy Farley Fine Art

Thank you, Sandy, for your kind words and the opportunity to teach the APAP workshop.  The group was enthusiastic, in spite of the occasionally wet weather, and a pleasure to paint with.  Granite Dells Watson Lake is a plein air paradise!     Julie

 

Dear Julie,

“It’s raining it’s pouring
But we will paint in the morning.
The paper is wet, we’ll be loose, loose, loose,
I hope we don’t get attacked by that goose.

And when we are done,
Then we will get sun.
So my advice is
If you want to paint out,
Go in a drought.”

Despite the harsh weather (APAP Plein Air Workshop, April 24-25th) you had arranged for a warm conference room (Forest Villas Hotel, Prescott) and continued the lesson. We didn’t miss a step.

Thank you for your time and teaching. I learned a lot and I truly enjoyed my time. I have already started on an in-studio painting of the lake.

Take care,  Margi Hansche

Good afternoon, Julie,

While attending the APAP Plein Air Workshop April 24th & 25th in Prescott what an adventure we all had.  It will always be memorable. Learned a lot, was entertained and truly enjoyed the company.  You made the entire experience worthwhile.  Thank you so much for your patience, your lovely personality and your teaching acumen.  I always enjoy your words of wisdom and your demonstrations.  If you ever need someone to assist you, I would be proud to do so. I can sincerely give you accolades in every area of teaching and putting on a workshop.

Regards and friendship, Liz Ramsey, Mesa, Arizona

Hi, Julie,

As fickle as the weather was on our Prescott adventure (APAP Plein Air Workshop, April 24-25, 2015), Paul and I were glad we came and enjoyed the opportunity to hang out with you and some new friends in such an interesting place (Granite Dells, Watson Lake, Prescott).

I always like to get in a course with you when I come to AZ.  Your style of painting is so lovely and fresh looking and never overworked.  I also really appreciate the way you share the tips on painting which you have discovered over the years.  You are fun to be with and I look forward to attempting another plein air experience with you in the future.

With gratitude, Marge Modell, Minneapolis, Minnesota

I am excited to get your new book “Adventure into Oil Painting”. I am a book freak…having bookshelves full of art instruction. Of all of them….I must say that YOUR Brilliant Color is by far my favorite in terms of juicy color photographs and follow-alongs, PLUS your explanation of color use is so well done…it’s the only one that just made sense and that I ‘got’.   When I read it…it was like ‘ahhhh’….! So my seriously sincerest compliments to you, your art and teaching methods.

I found your Watercolor Unleashed just as great!

I have all your DVD’s…often wishing you would do a DVD based on your ‘Brilliant Color’ oil paintings.

Lisa

Thank you, Lisa! In fact, I will be filming 4 North Light oil painting videos in June; these new videos will be available soon, November 2015.  Julie

“Watercolor Unleashed, the Notebook” — really, really helps with the mechanics of watercolor.

Sondra Schlotterback, Dec. 12, 2014

Julie:

Wow!  You are spectacular in your delivery and vibrancy!

I am a retired illustrator from Boeing of Seattle.  I won accolades with my premeditated approach . . . and was awarded Employee of the Quarter in 1995 from among 110 other illustrators . . . when I found your painting video, and your book, I was hooked!  I like vibrant and off the wall color schemes!  You qualify in all regards in my book…Your layering techniques are spot on, and just what I needed to kick start my understanding of how to go from the under painting to the finished product!

Thank You!  Sincerely, James Humberg

 

 

 

Dear ArtistsNetwork.tv Art Instructors,

We couldn’t exist without your art instruction videos, and we extend our thanks for sharing what you love to do with others! Thanks  for your participation.

All best,

Jennifer, Vanessa and the ArtistsNetwork.tv Team

Julie, your paintings are so alive!

Karen

 

Julie’s work is beautiful!  I always enjoy looking at it.

Pam, of Alabama

I really don’t know how you do all the packing, traveling, teaching, etc. & still find the time to be so productive and creative. I think your idea of sharing “tips” (Julie’s Blackboard) is a very generous one which I realize also takes you away from painting.  Thank you so much.  As with your DVDs & books,  these tips show how you make the use of color playful and fun instead of something to worry about.  I’m going to enjoy putting them into practice!

Sincerely, Gail

Hi, I just bought your “Painting White Flowers” DVD. I was getting into a slump with my work and after watching most of your video, a light bulb went on in my head . I think I got some new ideas. I’ve been trying to create art all my life. I work in every medium. I love them all. Art never got to come first in my life. Now , I am a retired third grade school teacher and am working a lot with my art. Thanks for your art teaching. I only wish I lived closer to Arizona, but I don’t. If you are ever in Pennsylvania teaching a class, please e-mail me.

Thanks, Gloria

“Alright, it was “Perfect”.  It was Magnificent!  It was Superlative!!  You have a way with words and teaching that makes it all serene.  Remember, I mentioned that and you said you are a “bundle of nerves” sometimes?  Well, yesterday you were the epitome of calm and yet presented exciting instruction.  I enjoyed the way you did a little demonstration and then we practiced.  That is a superb method when teaching something “slippery” as water!  (no pun intended)  My sister was so happy to be in attendance.  She sat and looked at her painting last night as we watched “The Lawrence Welk Show”!  She said….”Hey, mine isn’t bad!!”  She will incorporate the methods with acrylic in her work.  She is mainly an oil painter but enjoys watercolor, as well.  After that she poured over my copy of your latest book.  Couldn’t get enough of a wonderful day.

Thanks again and send me an email of all of your workshops.   Much appreciation and love,”
~LIZ

“Thank you for such a quick and thorough response to my email inquiring about your notebook. My order will be in the mail tomorrow – Monday – but I want to tell you that I spent the most thoroughly enjoyable, exciting day yesterday. Aside from feeding my dog & cats, I spent the WHOLE DAY doing nothing else but watching your videos, taking notes & reviewing your books! What a good day it was!

Thank you for being so generous with your tips and information. Love the idea of using a palette knife for masking…not only to save brushes but to be able to do more delicate masking. And your acrylic way of establishing the darks first is genius…what a problem solver that is. I can’t even find words to describe how much I love the colorful way you paint – it makes your paintings so alive and joyful!

You mentioned in your email that many people print out your “tips” & add them to their WBU binders. I couldn’t find a blog listed for you anywhere so I’m guessing that you were referring to the (many!) tips you give in your videos? If so I’m already ‘on it’!”

Warmest regards,
~Gail

“Your lessons have reverberated throughout the Flagstaff watercolor community.  At our latest meeting and during Open Studios I see many different versions of the workshop exercise (Janet and I did not offer the exercise for sale; we just wanted to notice reactions to our work.  We got many compliments.)  Several of us have integrated acrylic under-paintings and accents to our paintings and are splattering and salting with confidence.  We are spreading the word on branch production with colored pencils dipped in acrylic.
 
The mark of a great workshop is the practices adopted/adapted from the instructor.
 
Some comments from our latest meeting?

Julie has such a gracious, kind and encouraging manner.
 
Her demos were so instructive, leading us step-by-step through the process of planning and executing…even salvaging a bad painting.

We got so much one-on-one attention.

I especially loved the mylar overlay suggestions.

Julie photographed the entire process and emailed it to us as a review.  Most workshops recede from our memories so quickly.  Now, we can revisit the whole workshop whenever we wish.

All levels of watercolor painters were thoroughly served with the inclusion of color theory, composition, modeling with value, negative painting, and much, much more.

Participants in your Cheap Joe’s and other upcoming workshops will grow as painters as a result of your fine instruction.

Thanks again for our weekend.”
~Kathi

“I have been studying with Julie Gilbert Pollard off and on for 18 months and find her classes to be conducted on the highest professional level.

She is always prepared with motivations and technical information for the materials we use and all the product information we need. She has a wealth of energy and professional direction for her students.

Her classes are always FUN but she is dedicated to taking each student at the level they presently are and helping them to achieve higher and higher goals through excellent demonstrations, critique, and by tailoring the instruction to each student. Always encouraging, but honest and sincere.”
~Diane

“‘You can bet it won’t be brown!’, Julie told us as she painted a tree trunk.  Sure enough, the purples, oranges. and golds pushed down on the paper.  We watched as the delicious color flowed from her brush.  Julie helped us to see beyond the realistic photo image–to express an exciting, colorful painting.  Her easy, comfortable teaching style usually started with a “warm-up” to ease our grip on the brush, and a demonstration of her artist’s vision as well as the challenge to explore new ideas.  I would recommend any artist to ‘splash paint’ along with Julie!”
~Sandi

“Experiencing watercolors in a class taught by Julie is a very special event.
Each lesson you walk away with something new and a feeling of “I can do this” if I keep at it. Her classes give you a sense of not only good companionship but that here is an artist who truly knows her craft with the special talent of being able to share her knowledge and show the student how to approach the technique.  I enjoy each lesson and look forward to the next.  Her follow-up is amazing as she completes her paintings she sends them to us via e-mail – in case we missed a class or just ran out of time. I have never had the feeling of where do I go from here effect experienced in so many other classes. 

I would and do recommend her classes to all my friends.”
~Meredith King

“Having recently retired, I knew I wanted to get into attempting watercolor painting, but had little knowledge or experience that would back up my desire.  I signed up for a course with Julie Pollard and found it to be helpful, encouraging, informational and fun.  Julie is a talented teacher and artist who gives generously from her heart.  Her students, whether beginners or more accomplished, are beneficiaries of her gifts to teach, encourage and assure that her students go forward without fear to try painting attempts on their own and to learn how to do that through what they learn in her classes. ” 
~Shirley Agnos

“I have been very lucky to have participated in several of Julie Gilbert Pollard’s art classes. She is a phenomenal teacher, a very positive, knowledgeable, loving and inspirational artist.  She is very helpful knowing just how to nudge people to learn, grow, receive feedback, and explain the complexities of a technique of interest. I highly recommend Julie’s classes – she is always prepared to bring light and fun during her classes.
Thanks and Blessings”
~Barb Dysart


“I have been taking classes from Julie for a number of years and find that her style fits many personalities, she is professional while being able to find lead the student to find their own way.  She never expects or wants a student to paint as she does, but to develop their own style.  Julie is the best teacher I have had the pleasure to work with.”
~Nancy Novick

“I have had the pleasure of participating in classes taught by Julie Gilbert Pollard.  We first met when my husband and I attended an art show and purchased one of her paintings.  I subsequently took some watercolor classes Julie taught.  I found her to be an excellent instructor, clear in her instructions, a well-planned course, and a helpful critic.  I also eventually purchased paintings by some of her students, especially some by an elderly lady who had never painted before she took classes with Julie.  They are delightful and a tribute to her instructor.”
~Kathleen N. Ulrich­­­­­­­­­­

“I have attended many of Julie Pollard’s classes and workshops and I am looking forward to attending many more. Beyond being a great artist, she is an excellent teacher. Her kind, caring personality and the relaxed atmosphere she creates makes the learning process more interesting and enjoyable. Individual attention is provided to each of her students and Julie’s critiques are always given in a positive and respectful manner. I am sure that anyone attending her classes will find it a very rewarding experience.”
~Roger Sullivan

“I first encountered Julie’s artwork while taking classes at Cynthia’s Art Asylum, a small art store/studio in NW Phoenix about 22 years ago. I was very taken with her watercolors, especially her use of color, and the feeling of beauty her landscapes all capture. Her love of her subject material is very obvious in all her art work. It was at that point that I knew I wanted to meet Julie and work with her, especially when I learned that she taught at that studio. I signed up for my first class with Julie a short time later, re-learning everything that I had been taught about the art of watercolor painting.
I consider Julie to be my art mentor, and this relationship has developed into an enduring friendship which I treasure, through the birth of my two children and managing different family businesses throughout the last 22 or so years.
The three or four teachers I had previously worked with focused primarily on painting techniques, pretty much using ‘cheat’ methods for composition and the drawing of the piece. We would trace a composition that the entire class would work simultaneously, which is fine for many people just wanting to develop painting techniques. I was ready for more than that. Julie puts the emphasis on each student developing their own drawing skills, composition and the basis for a good painting. She really helped me to understand the importance of learning what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to develop a ‘great’ painting, and challenged me to stretch my limits. I learned how to create a ‘plan of action’ (value sketch), which may include a test run if necessary. It can take great patience to develop this, but is well worth it in the long run. A work of art I can truly say is a labor of love.
Julie has designed the classes to be pertinent for both the beginner and the more experienced artist. The series of exercises Julie created have changed a bit through the years, but really are great refreshers for any level painter. She will even accommodate the student artist who prefers to work independently, and provide support and critique along the way. I have to mention the best part of her classes is watching her demonstrations, which never cease to be a true inspiration for me! Julie’s love of painting and knowledge of her medium is very obvious, and she really has honed her ability to share this with others as a teacher.”
~Denise Kalt

Julie Pollard Gilbert Is truly an inspiring teacher. She imparts her knowledge of color and design in a way that can improve anyone’s work. She has many interesting painting techniques to share with her students. I particularly appreciated the thought and preparation she put into each class.
~Anne Shimmel