If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week, use the hashtag #artjournaleveryday so that we can all take a peek. Even if you're not on social media, you can see everything (from twitter, pinterest, instagram, and facebook) that uses that hashtag here. Hey guys! Today I'm sharing a peek into my travel sketchbook. I've got... Read more →

If you're like me, you have no idea what PAX East is. It's a huge gaming convention -- board games, video games, console games, games, games, games. There's stuff to buy.... ...and games to play. Side Note: I walked in a skeptic, but some college friends (two photos above) taught me how to play Settlers of Catan and I immediately taught (same day) my other friends (photo above) how to play Settler of Catan. I think I might be addicted! There were lots of costumes too: Opportunities for selfies abounded: And plenty of interesting ideas to grab you: It was... Read more →

Today's podcast features a conversation about my recent travels, teaching, and some new adventures. If you do not see the podcast player above, please click on this link. You can listen to a podcast anywhere and at any time. It is a recording that is available to you whenever you'd like to listen. If you'd like to download it to your iTunes library, click here. You can also pause and rewind or fast forward as you desire. I like to listen to podcasts while I'm making art. It's a little like hanging out with friends while you art. Here are... Read more →

I'm super excited to announce a new two-day in-person class! When: Saturday & Sunday April 22-23, 2017, 10am - 5pm with a one-hour break for lunch Where: Watertown, MA (exact location will be e-mailed to participants) If you're coming from out-of-town: Watertown is about 20 minutes from both Boston Logan Airport and Boston South Station (Amtrak). There are several nearby hotels, including a brand new Residence Inn by Marriott which is an 8-minute drive (free parking at the hotel) or 12-minute bus ride (#70 bus) from the class location. I can provide other hotel options upon request. Air B&B also... Read more →

Hello out there! Here's a little bit about life right now: This is me right now: Slightly out of focus seems about right for life at the moment. My current art obsession is: Working on two paintings in tandem in short 30-minute bursts. My current life obsession is: Settlers of Catan. Can't. Stop. Playing. I'm loving: My Mom. Glad she's my Mom. I'm hating: That it's officially Spring and my heavy parka and boots are still very much needed. My home is: Filled with eclectic goodies. My life is: Surreal and Magical and Lucky. My favorite art project I made... Read more →

If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week, use the hashtag #artjournaleveryday so that we can all take a peek. Even if you're not on social media, you can see everything (from twitter, pinterest, instagram, and facebook) that uses that hashtag here. Last week I told you that I had finished up another art journal.... Read more →

One more post of art from MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art) in NYC. Nathalie and I saw an exhibit called A Revolutionary Impluse: The Rise of the Russian Avant-Garde and liked it very much. I think you will too! Take a peek: Lots of color and shape and ideas to inspire! One of the best things about going to the museum with a friend who also loves art is that you both get excited and that energy starts to bounce around between you. Nathalie and I had some great conversations about what we saw, our perspectives on it, and... Read more →

Happy Wednesday! A few updates from me: My friend Nathalie interviewed me as part of the promotion for her upcoming book, Artful Adventures in Mixed Media, as I am a contributor to the book. You can watch the interview below: Artful Adventures in Mixed Media Interview with Julie Balzer from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo. I'm thrilled and tickled and delighted to share that I have my very first piece of art hanging in a juried art exhibit! The exhibit is called Big Print Little Print: A diverse look at all forms of hand printing – from BIG to small, esoteric... Read more →

As promised, here is part two of the Francis Picabia exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in NYC: I felt really inspired to make stuff after seeing this exhibit. I don't like everything that Picabia did, but I admire the wide range of styles that he explored. He was definitely a brave artistic soul and I so admire that! I think it shows a lack of intellect and curiosity when artists do the same work for a lifetime. To me, creating art is all about exploring and experimenting and pushing at boundaries -- personal or otherwise. If I... Read more →

I recently had the great pleasure of viewing the Francis Picabia exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. I saw it twice in a span of three days -- once by myself and once with my friend, Nathalie. I was fascinated and took so many photos that I had to divide this post into two halves. So, come with me to the museum, and keep in mind the title you see on the wall when you enter the exhibit, "Our Heads are Round so Our Thoughts Can Change Direction." I'm excited to share part two with... Read more →