Bio

Acting on her strong urge to develop her life-long interest in drawing, Julie first picked up a paint brush in 1995. Watercolor was then her medium of choice, and her passion for painting developed quickly. Living in the Boston area, she was able to study with well known artists from the long established group of artists working in Rockport, MA as well as at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

 

Julie relocated to Tampa, FL in 2000, where she quickly received acclaim for her vibrant floral watercolors. “Though I enjoyed working in watercolor, I had always harbored a desire to paint in oil, having always loved the works of the old masters, especially still life.” In 2005, during a trip to Florence, Italy, Julie learned about the Florence Academy of Art and knew immediately that she wanted to study there one day. ”The beautiful craftsmanship exhibited by artists at the Academy was breathtaking and I fell in love with the work I saw.” In the summer of 2007, Julie realized her goal to study at the Florence Academy of Art. She has continued to study with nationally known artists from the Academy, Christopher Groves and Jura Bedic as well as Robert Liberace.

 

Artist Statement

Studying in Florence had a profound effect on me. I learned to appreciate the subtlety of describing three dimensional form on a two dimensional canvas, to appreciate the beauty of the craft of oil painting, and to be guided by a painterly aesthetic. To me, the ability to create the illusion of three dimensions on canvas is infinitely intriguing. It is a very abstract and complex concept requiring an artist have a highly developed ability to observe the world around him. There is always more to see, learn and understand. Painting is a lifelong journey and I strive to deepen my understanding of this complex and infinitely nuanced craft with each new painting.

 

Each of my still lifes is painted from life in my studio, using only natural north light and time honored techniques taught in ateliers throughout the ages. I love the mystery of north light. It is so delicate and brings out many subtle variations in color as it gently caresses the objects I paint. Even the simplest of forms can take on a profound beauty. It is that quiet beauty which I hope to convey.

 

My goal is to use my creative energies to paint beautiful images; images that take us to another place, a place where we can be calm and nourish our spirits, and to capture a quiet peacefulness that a beautifully rendered canvas can convey. I want to take my viewers away from the stress of our every day, high-tech lives, give them a moment to relax, and to find joy in the simple pleasures to be found around us.

 

When I paint, I am happy, at peace and fulfilled. I hope that my viewers connect with my work and can feel some of what I felt while painting it.