Sound like a lofty goal? We make it simple with fun, easy, no-prep art lesson plans and art classes (local in person and online). Then we supplement all that with tons of free help through our blog and podcast. Looking to learn the theory behind the art lessons? I lay it all out in my book, Anyone Can Teach Art: How to Confidently Teach Art in Your Classical Homeschool.

It can take a lot of time and mental energy to dream up a great art curriculum, so why reinvent the wheel?  You don’t have to do it on your own; I’d love to help you on your journey.

Who’s Julie Abels?

I’m a Christian, a wife, and a homeschooling mom of two boys (class of 2026 & 2028). We live in Tucson, AZ on 3.3 acres that we call the Ridge Light Ranch.  The view of Push Ridge and the Catalina Mountains from our backyard physically makes my heart soar. I love our beautiful sunny days and am always inspired by the nature around me. I love to watch the birds and try to capture the deer with my camera lens. I love to draw, paint, and create digital files and templates. I sell my own art and take commissions here: julieabels.com.

After earning undergraduate and master’s degrees, working in Corporate America, real estate, and some other odd jobs, I decided to set it all aside to start homeschooling in 2012. We joined the Classical Conversations (CC) family in 2013 and over the years, I’ve been a Foundations Tutor, and a Foundations / Essentials Director, and a Support Representative here in Southern Arizona.  I love our CC community and many of my products were born out of a homeschooling need.

Homeschooling rekindled my love of art and CC taught me about the Classical Model of Education. Now I’ve combined them both to teach art in a wide variety of settings: homeschool co-ops, local art spots, and private painting parties.

I love to create- it’s my therapy! I also love sharing my creations with you. I’m so glad you stopped by! I wish we could sit down together on my back porch and chat over a glass of tea. At least I can share my backyard view with you.

More about Julie Abels

Looking to learn a bit more? Here’s some Q&A I did in 2025 for an Artist Spotlight at the Southern Arizona Art Guild:

Can you briefly tell us about your journey as an artist? How did you first get started?

I dabbled in art as a child but was always frustrated as my lack of skills. The few classes I took didn’t explain things in way that clicked for me. Then in 2012 I started homeschooling my children. Learning about the classical model of education led me to a whole new way of learning to become an artist. Now, in addition to creating art, I write art lesson plans and help others teach art classically. Years later I even wrote a book, published in 2020, called Anyone Can Teach Art: How to Confidently Teach Art in Your Classical Homeschool.

How do you decide on the themes or subjects of your pieces? Is there a particular message you aim to convey?

I spend around half of my art time working on commissioned pieces. It’s rewarding to be able to help a customer get the exact piece of art they’re searching for and it usually pushes me as an artist to create something a little different. In my own time I tend to focus on the beauty of nature, painting animals, plants, and landscapes. I love to showcase creation and all it’s glory.

What are your future goals with your work?

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!

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

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. 

What is the greatest reward of your work?

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. 

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

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!