Julie lives near Patearoa where she paints from her studio/gallery (Crieve Homestead) in the vast
and stunning Māniatoto in Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand.
Born in the King Country, North Island, Julie has been drawing and painting since a child. The dark
ex-army horses running wild through the snow and trees in Karioi Forest with imposing snow-covered Mt Ruapehu in the background were early inspirations. Julie is best known for expressive details, texture and atmosphere within her pastel or oil paintings.
In 2017, Julie was awarded the status of Master Pastelist of Pastel Artists NZ (MPANZ) in recognition of the quality of work and awards she has achieved. She was the third Master Pastelist in New Zealand.
In 2016, Julie was elected Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA).
In 2006, she received a Diploma of Art & Creativity (Honours) from the Learning Connexion, Wellington.
She also creates oil mono prints and drawings in graphite or charcoal; and has designed and illustrated many children’s books and novel covers plus two series of postage stamps for NZ Post.
Julie explains: "Painting is all about learning to see and finding a way to share our unique view of life as artists with the wider world. The subjects I paint are commonplace; I chose these subjects to remind us that in our busy lives there is simple beauty to be found all around us when we take the time to pause and simply see. Or the subjects I am urged to paint chose me - the muse is the conductor, I am the instrument. I love the mystery of low light, the subtle colours of shadows and textured tonal transitions".
Working with Whanganui glass artist, Greg Hall, Julie is designing and painting 32 stained glass windows, 'The Whanganui Story’; a project which includes painting details directly onto glass which has been cut to designed shapes which are then fired in a kiln before Greg joins the pieces with lead, finally building the window ready for installation. The windows are a historical project for the Whanganui District Council, displayed in the Council Chambers, illustrating Whanganui’s history. Visitors to Whanganui are welcome to view the windows by appointment. Currently, there are 7 remaining to complete.
Her original paintings, often with progress images, are posted as they are completed on her Facebook artist page, Instagram and website. Signed canvas prints are available through these sites. Julie exhibits with The Otautau Gallery, Otautau, Southland; The Artists Room Gallery of Fine Art, Dunedin, and her studio/gallery, ‘Crieve’, near Patearoa - by appointment. She teaches soft pastel technique workshops regularly at the Māniatoto Arts Centre, Ranfurly, Central Otago.
