Workshop Participant Testimonials

Participants say:

I was happy to find Julie Schumer as an experienced artist who offered an introductory, one-on-one session for large-scale abstract painting. While I have studied other visual art forms, Julie introduced me to an impressive array of materials, concepts, and methods in a short amount of time — on a scale that is not readily accessible to me. She is an excellent teacher, providing enough direction to guide me through an approach to painting, as well as time and space for my own exploration, and discussion and reflection. I left feeling confident to experiment on my own, which is really what I was after.
-Petra M.

My private painting session with Julie was a very worthwhile experience that far exceeded my expectations. Julie is a generous, knowledgeable and encouraging instructor who introduced me to some new materials and helped me meet all of my goals.
-Diane S.

The workshop [Julie] and Cat delivered checked all of my boxes:  stunning destination, inspiring studio space, experienced practicing artists that I follow. . . .Inspiration flowed!  and totally kick started my leap into my vision but at the time didn’t have the confidence/know how to get to!  And I learned many practical studio tips to boot!  Thank you Julie and Cat!  The workshop that keeps on giving!
-Katia B.

Every day of the workshop was an eye opener.  After experiencing the tools and techniques, I am confident I now can go paint big.  Great to work in community.  It is great benefit to have two teaches each with their own unique perspectives.
-A Rogone

I LOVED Julie’s 2 day “Paint Big, Paint Loose” class in her Santa Fe studio.  Julie had prepared me in advance not to expect any masterpieces nor any finished paintings.  Having this expectation prior to arriving at class allowed me just to play, experiment, move big and have fun.  And have fun I did have.  The exercises, some of which I had never done, were enjoyable as was the free painting time.  Julie was generous with her expertise, supplies and encouragement and gentle in giving suggestions.  LOVED this class.  Thanks, Julie.  
-Lynne P.

Julie’s workshops are amazing.  She helps you unlock your spark and push past your boundaries into new territory.  Loved every minute.
-Diane Semper

Julie’s workshop was informative, inspiring, and helped build my confidence and momentum–which was exactly what I needed.
I enjoyed learning the loosening up techniques to help get started when faced with a blank canvas and not sure where/how to start; and also had fun exploring with new paint and drawing tools that produced surprisingly great results. The walking tour of galleries, experimenting with color and painting large were additional highlights of the weekend. Julie is a wonderful guide, a gracious host and very generous in sharing her extensive knowledge. I loved getting wild and re-igniting my creative spirit. Look forward to taking another workshop soon!
-Rose H. Faissal

I did Julie’s Abstract workshop in May and had the most wonderful time. The space was an artist dream workspace. She introduced us to new tools and new techniques which helped push me to explore my art making in a new way.
Julie was an informed and encouraging teacher. And a pleasure to get to know better as I have long been an admirer of her work. I recommend her workshops with highest acclaim!
-Robin Hamaker

“Fortunate indeed are those who take a class from Suzanne Jacquot and Julie Schumer. This is not the usual experience, where there is normally one platform, or one focus. They both have crafted, as a team, new approaches to content: tools, colors, size, composition. Yes, these are the “under layers”, just like any other class you might have taken. But it goes far beyond that.
Meeting you at your level, their skills are intuitive. And this is in a class room with others!! I don’t know how they do it, but I felt as if I was getting individualized instruction. I learned to “build” personalized layers with each day’s class, within myself, and I became confident of my creativity, and how I express it.”

-Sarah O’Hala

“Where the Pavement Ends” was a valuable artistic experience that I would highly recommend. The painting and drawing exercises designed by the instructor are created to benefit artists of all levels.”

-Amy Longcope

“The workshop was a life changing event for my husband and me, who were first time painters. After a few guided exercises, we quickly developed our own styles and gained a feeling for painting. James and Julie’s mentoring approach provided a safe and stress-free environment that allowed us to feel comfortable opening up and letting loose our creative side. We especially enjoyed painting together on the same piece. It was a unique challenge that allowed us to learn how to combine our different styles in a cohesive and collaborative manner.”
-Violeta Hammond

“Where the Pavement Ends” was an experience that I believe has taken my approach to painting to a new level. This experience is comparable to a spiritual break through for me in the sense that once a realization or understanding happens, it can never be un-learned. I have been liberated from some old habitual boring patterns that no longer serve me and this workshop experience has added new approaches and spaciousness to my process. Thank you James!”
-Laura Tarnoff