Denise &­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ MacKenzie Kalt

“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