Julie Abels dabbled in art as a child but was often frustrated by her lack of skills. The few classes she took didn’t explain things in a way that resonated with her. Then, in 2012, she began homeschooling her children. Learning about the classical model of education introduced her to a whole new way of learning and becoming an artist. In 2020 she wrote and published, Anyone Can Teach Art: How to Confidently Teach Art in Your Classical Homeschool.  Now, in addition to creating art, she writes art lesson plans and helps others teach art using the classical method.

She devotes some of her art time to commissioned pieces. She finds it deeply rewarding to help clients achieve the exact artwork they envision, and the unique requests often challenge her to grow and experiment as an artist. When working on personal projects, Julie draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, frequently painting animals, plants, and landscapes. She is passionate about celebrating the wonder of creation through her art. 

Joining SAAG in 2024 Julie began teaching classes at the gallery. More recently, she became a member of the workshops committee, eager to volunteer and contribute wherever she can. She enjoys spending time with fellow artists and values being an active part of the broader art community.

We recently talked with Julie about her art goals and inspirations.

Q: What are your future goals with your work?
A: I plan to keep creating and keep teaching. I still have a few more years of homeschooling left and then perhaps I can focus on my art full time!

Q: How do you stay motivated and find inspiration, especially during creative blocks?

A: The beauty of nature is always inspiring! The mountains make my heart soar and the birds calm my mind. There’s so much variety in nature- I’ll never be able to paint it all!
I’ve learned that skill comes with practice, so I create over and over again, sometimes just playing with color and creating abstract doodles, and other times zeroing in on a particular subject.

Q: What is the greatest reward of your work?

A: The thing that keeps me going is the deep peace I get when I’m lost in creating. I believe we were all designed to create by a Creator God. It’s just a matter of finding what things you enjoy creating, whether it’s painting, baking, gardening, building, or designing.

Q: Any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

A: AI’s recent developments have made me think a lot about art… There’s an intangible, unexplainable component of what makes us humans and separates us from the machines: our souls. Art connects to our souls and helps keep life vibrant. So much of the value of art is in the process of creating it. Let’s all embrace our humanity and find some kind of art to create today!