“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

Julie Gilbert Pollard has a passion for painting and also for teaching. Her paintings reflect a passionate use of color, amazingly bright, clear and brilliant. She has a great understanding of color, technique, design and composition.
Julie encourages her students to look, think and try new options and directions. She demonstrates many instructional techniques, spends time with each student in each class, and gives encouraging and helpful critiques. She challenges her students to discover their own signature techniques.
Julie has been a big influence in my own work. She inspires me.
~Kathy Sheridan, watercolor student

I have had the privilege of attending several workshops and classes conducted by Julie and have observed the following:
As an instructor, Julie demonstrates excellent communication and people skills.
Julie relates well to students, expresses concepts clearly, provides insightful demonstrations and promotes confidence and creativity in her students.
As an artist, Julie is tireless and dedicated to her art. Julie is knowledgeable, intuitive and seeks to share her painting knowledge through her painting publications. I view Julie as a very creative and superb “plein air” colorist/conceptualist.
~Joseph

“It’s such a pleasure for me to recommend Julie’s classes—I have been taking instruction from Julie for several years and each class is new and informative–she is always helpful, for beginners to advanced artists and although I have many years of painting behind me, I feel I have learned lots of new directions from Julie—I have taken many workshops around the country, starting way back with ED Whitney—so happy I found Julie—she’s great!!!”
~Madelyn Puccio 

“As a budding artist, when I saw Julie’s colorful, lively landscapes sparkling with color, I thought it would be impossible to achieve anything close to that. But Julie’s friendly, open and endlessly encouraging manner of teaching took much of the fear and mystery away. She begins each class with a set of fun exercises to introduce you to basic painting techniques as well as focusing on overall design principles. You learn first-hand how the paint and paper interact by using different ways to actually apply the paint to the paper, paying attention to value and shapes. Julie’s exercises not only present basic techniques but are designed to encourage your left brain to shift into the more creative right-brain mode, as if by magic.
Julie chooses a particular subject to paint in each class. Students can use the same subject or bring their own. We learn by watching how Julie uses the techniques she presented in the exercises to approach each stage of developing the painting and then we try it on our own, while she provides plenty of help and encouragement. I’ve taken many classes with Julie and I learn something new and wonderful each time. She is generous with the information that she shares and finds ways to help each student find his or her own style.

Perhaps the most inspirational aspect of Julie’s teaching style is Julie herself. Her love of nature and her excitement in seeing stunning beauty in a simple flower or the glow of a lush waterfall are contagious.  That may be the secret to her rare talent!”
~Kathy

Julie it is a privilege to give a testimonial.  You are the BEST!!
I have taken many Watercolor workshops with Julie Gilbert Pollard at the
Glendale Community College, West Valley Art Center and also at the
Shemer Arts Center.

I have found Julie Pollard to be a very fine professional artist in both
Watercolor and Oil Mediums.  She is an excellent instructor and she
is an outstanding artist.
~Larry Andrews
Juried Member of Arizona Art Alliance,
Arizona Watercolor Association,
Phoenix Artist Guild.

“Besides simply enjoying the opportunity to marvel at your artistic talent and skills, I enjoy your classes because you obviously care about helping students develop their own particular artistic styles.  Your comments are always useful and expressed with tact and a genuine interest in what each student is doing.  It’s exciting and helpful to watch your demos because you use so many different techniques.  I have learned so much from you over the three years or so that I have been taking classes with you.  I have taken classes from several other outstanding and well-known artists and instructors in the Valley, but I come back to your classes because of your exceptional ability to encourage students.  As a teacher myself, I see in you a rare ability to nurture your students and to make each of them feel a sense of accomplishment about what they are creating.  You are a very special teacher.”
~Char Howey

“There are so many levels to teaching, and I want to drop this note to say how much I appreciate your ability to communicate with me.  Not only is it a thrill to see how you paint in person, you are able and willing to share your tips and knowledge as you paint.  I’ve been in lots of painting classes where the instructor just paints and hopes for the best.  You paint in demonstration mode sometimes and — you explain what you’re doing, what to expect, some pitfalls and things you’ve tried that work differently, which is what I appreciate the most.  Of course, you make me feel like you’re not only an expert but also a friend and mentor.  This is something I so appreciate.  It’s also great that you encourage us to share experiences and painting discoveries with one another in class.  Many instructors don’t foster a sense of sharing like you do.  Anyway, your class this fall looks like a lot of fun! See you there. ”
~Lorie Lux

“Julie Gilbert Pollard is not only a brilliant artist in several different mediums but she is a great teacher.  Not all artists – even great ones – have the ability to impart their skill, knowledge and experience in a way a student can grasp and learn from.  Her classes and workshops have improved my art skills tremendously!  …and I still keep taking her classes and workshops because I always learn something new each time.” 
~DJ Johnson, watercolor artist

“A true artist, Julie Gilbert Pollard encourages her students to find their own voice. Observe, listen, practice the methods being demonstrated, but in the end, let your brush flow with your own panache and style come through. These are the messages I received when I had the good fortune of taking workshops with Julie.”
~ HILDA ALLRED, Ph. D.
Hilda Allred, OD / OE Consulting

Scottsdale, AZ

“I have been a workshop student of Julie Gilbert Pollard and have both of her books.  I firmly believe that a successful art instructor has to have a completely separate set of skills for teaching, in addition to his/her art skills. Fortunately, Julie has both sets of skills polished to a high degree; so she can demonstrate a concept or principle, and also explain it clearly. Her explanation of color theory is the best I’ve ever heard, and her use of color in her own work is really inspiring. She is truly a gifted teacher.”
~Rita Goldner 

“I was impressed with Julie’s artwork when I first saw them at a demo. I was even more impressed when I took a class from her recently for the very first time. Not only was she very adept at her teaching, she was helpful and friendly with all her students and everybody had their share of individual attention, just what every student needs. One has to marvel at her ability to multi-task, teaching oil and watercolor painting techniques at the same time in the same class. For those of us, like me for example, who paints both in watercolor and oil, that was like a bonus! I would definitely recommend her class to anyone!”
~

Patricia Knorr 


“Julie has been my Watercolor instructor for approximately five years. I started taking lessons from her at Glendale Community College and continued with her at the West Valley Art Museum. She has taken me from a complete “novice” painter to one who is now proud of what I do.
Julie has great patience with painters of all levels and mediums. She teaches us to think “outside the box”. Just because a tree is green doesn’t mean it has to be green in our paintings. She encourages us at all stages of our paintings and gives us hints to make our paintings better. She will definitely be an asset wherever she sets up her next classroom.
Julie’s classes are well organized and she gives us a lot of reference material for our files for future usage. She has written one book and is now writing a second one with information on “how to” with our paintings.
Her personal paintings are outstanding and very beautiful and colorful. It keeps everyone encouraged to keep painting with the hope that someday we can come close to her!”
~ Kay McDermott