About Julia

As a child, I was always drawing or doing something creative. My high school art teacher pushed me to develop my skills outside of class and I began taking oil painting lessons in the evenings after cross country practice. I fell in love with painting, but pursued the “practical” career and studied graphic design in college. I continued to paint on the side, showing my work at festivals and in group shows.

After a serious health scare in my mid 30s, I switched from oil to acrylic to eliminate harsh chemicals from my process. But that experience changed much more than the way I painted. Faced with my own mortality for the first time, I decided to make joy a much bigger priority in my life—to spend more time exploring nature, making art, being with the people I love, and making the most of this one precious life. Painting the landscapes I love brings so many of those things together, allowing me to hold onto the beauty, wonder, and joy I find in the natural world.

I currently live in the charming mountain town of Salida, Colorado with my husband Brian. When I’m not painting, you can find me hiking, mountain biking, paddling, traveling, or getting lost in a good book.

Artist Statement

I paint colorful, expressive landscapes inspired by the beautiful, wild places that make me feel most alive—joyful and energized, yet completely calm. Exploring nature allows me to escape the chaos of the world, and painting these places helps me to return to that feeling of peace again and again.

I start my work by building layers of vibrant color, beginning with the sky. I’m particularly drawn to the nuanced colors and textures of clouds, and painting them is usually where I find that magical flow state! From there, I develop the landscape with loose brushwork and visible texture, creating grounded contrast from the sky. My intention is to stay true to the essence of a place, while allowing color and movement to lead.