I'll Be Back!

Julie Douglas is one of the rare kind of teachers who truly teaches you to "see" things as you never did before. She inspires confidence no matter what stage you are at in your art and has the capacity to encourage you to see beyond your preconceived limitations to try all kinds of different mediums and approaches and her classes are always fun, creative, energetic and totally unique.

If you are a leaving cert student, someone who wants to try painting or drawing for the first time or someone who paints for the pure pleasure of it, you will find a warm welcome, a full program and you will ALWAYS leave full of enthusiasm to practise your art.

ps - no matter how difficult you think it might be, you WILL learn to draw!!

Anne McDonald, mature student.

For many years I have been wanting to learn to draw and paint. I finally got my act together and did some research into classes before joining as I had a good idea of the kind of subjects I did and didn't want to paint.

Julie's painting and teaching style as well as the lovely references made by other students appealed to me and I decided to join a weekend to get it out of my system, if it worked I'd continue, if not, I wouldn't. Well, the references I had read proved to be absolutely right. Two things I learned, a very non threatening technique that Julie uses for drawing which is very effective for someone like me who couldn't draw at all. And secondly that it wasn't going to be an achievement or picture I was aiming for, but rather to start a lovely journey. I'll never forget the feeling on my way home after the weekend, a mixture of total elation and liberation. And those amazing ups (and downs!) have continued, it has been so much more than painting a pretty picture, you start to look and see different and even feel different.

The decision to join the distance learning group enriched that experience, being part of a struggling group at the hands-on weekend, than to experiment at home at your leisure, suits me perfectly. I'm not the fastest of workers and it allows me to take my time on the assignment if I want to or even do it for a second time trying something different if I feel like it. Having to submit work in between keeps me on track and gives me a good reason for having to set time aside, rather than only taking the pencil or brushes out when everything else is done – which it never is.

The critiques have become like little presents, they're always encouraging, explaining clearly where and how improvements can be made, and often include very useful tips.

So now, less than a year later, I have the confidence to try, using the techniques I've learned, I'm enjoying every minute of it and I'm secretly impressed with some of the stuff I have produce.

Anita D'Arcy, Wicklow

Hi Julie, I just wanted to thank you properly for all your brilliant help these past few months, never mind the portfolio but for helping me develop artistically in my own right. I learned so much, so quickly. And whatever I end up doing I know I owe a lot of it to you. Thank you. I want you to know I appreciate everything you did.

From your emails i see you're still skipping all over the place with your courses,i hope you're having as much fun introducing ''art for the big boys'' to many others the way you did us! muchas gracias

Sarah Browne xxx

Julie, Just wanted to thank you again for today's class. It was fantastic, and the obvious effort you put into it was much appreciated. I can understand now why people want to return to your classes. The whole day was both challenging and relaxing. You created just the right atmosphere where nobody was intimidated yet everyone was enthusiastic and wanted to learn as much as possible. There was a very nice energy in the room, and that's just so important.

Many thanks again

HilaryPowell, Dublin

The distance learning course provides me with the motivation and structure to work in a methodical and disciplined manner. The opportunity to put into practice, in a systematic way, the learning from the workshops has greatly improved my skill level. Julie's critiques are especially helpful and motivating.

G. Godley