Find your art tribe.

Pack your bags, grab your art supplies, and join your new art buddies on your next curated Urban Sketching Artventure!

An urban sketch is a drawing created on location, indoors or out, capturing what the sketcher sees from direct observation. Urban sketchers use a variety of media to tell the story of their surroundings, the places they live, and where they travel. Join the ever-growing art community and find your art tribe!

Your Creative Expedition Leader

A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a leather jacket sitting at a cafe table, showing a collage of colorful torn paper and magazine clippings in her hand, with large windows and city buildings outside.

Julie Kukreja

Artist/Instructor/Art Adventurer
Julie's Art

Hi, I’m Julie Kukreja—a lifelong artist, instructor, and enthusiastic curator of fun!

With a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration and a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Development, I’ve refined the art of storytelling through keen observation and visual journaling. My journey led me to urban sketching, which not only transformed my creative practice but also connected me with a vibrant global community of artists and friends. The excitement and camaraderie at our sketching meetups are truly inspiring—many of us have formed lifelong bonds. That’s why I’m passionate about inviting more adults to join this creative movement.

Are you new to Urban Sketching? New to sketching in general? Have no fear. I offer workshops currently in two states. Check out the workshop tab above for times/dates/locations. My retreats focus on urban sketching and animal drawing, offering a welcoming space to rediscover your artistic spark, connect with others, and experience the joy of art in community—no matter your skill level.

Let’s sketch, explore, and make new friendships together!

Your Future Art Buddy,

Join our mailing list

Be the first to know about upcoming art retreats! If you’re interested in joining one of my creative getaways—or want more information as details are announced—sign up below. My retreats are coming soon to Illinois, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Join the mailing list and you’ll receive all the latest updates, early access, and insider info as soon as it’s available. I can’t wait to create and connect with you!

A watercolor painting of a town scene with a bridge, buildings, trees, and a clock tower labeled as Cornish Park in Algonquin, Illinois.
A watercolor painting of a Lake Geneva Boat dock with cruise ships, trees, and a sky with clouds, held in a person's hand against a beach background.
Close-up photo of two folded T-shirts, one dark gray and one brown, with 'Adventure Retreats' printed on the front and a silhouette of a person sitting with a coffee mug.
A colorful drawing of a coffee shop scene with three people sitting at a table, a woman standing, large window with plants outside, and a handwritten note at the bottom reading "Mother's Day at the coffee shop."
A hand holding an illustrated sketch of a gazebo in a park, with trees and benches, with a pavilion visible in the background under a clear blue sky.