Julie studied Fine Art painting at the University of Reading 1980-84 where she was taught by Mali Morris, Albert Irwin and Terry Frost. Influenced by the energy in their abstract expressionist work, Julie uses feeling in her landscapes where fine delicacy is combined with energy. Julie is also an Art writer and her books and publications are listed on this website.
My working process includes painting and drawing plein air and making finished paintings in the studio. I enjoy the excitement and immediacy of working outside. I often sit on the beach painting the landscape and the people walking in the distance or standing at the waters edge. In the studio I might look at the sketchbooks as a reminder, but I will usually paint from memory in order to capture the feeling of the landscape and the people I have seen. The work I make gives an alternative view of reality, where subtle layers of paint and texture give a depth to each piece. Though a figure, bird or leaf may appear in a painting, their is a deeper message of beauty and sensitivity. Each piece is made as part of a series and as I paint I enjoy pushing the boundaries of the medium. When I work there is constant reference to nature and a desire to reach the heart of the matter.
I have been inspired and influenced by many artists, most notably Klee, Gwen John, Gormley, Turner, Rothko, Giacometti and the ancient frescoes that I have studied on my travels to Italy and Greece, where fragments of images can be seen.
Julie Collins 2018
My working process includes painting and drawing plein air and making finished paintings in the studio. I enjoy the excitement and immediacy of working outside. I often sit on the beach painting the landscape and the people walking in the distance or standing at the waters edge. In the studio I might look at the sketchbooks as a reminder, but I will usually paint from memory in order to capture the feeling of the landscape and the people I have seen. The work I make gives an alternative view of reality, where subtle layers of paint and texture give a depth to each piece. Though a figure, bird or leaf may appear in a painting, their is a deeper message of beauty and sensitivity. Each piece is made as part of a series and as I paint I enjoy pushing the boundaries of the medium. When I work there is constant reference to nature and a desire to reach the heart of the matter.
I have been inspired and influenced by many artists, most notably Klee, Gwen John, Gormley, Turner, Rothko, Giacometti and the ancient frescoes that I have studied on my travels to Italy and Greece, where fragments of images can be seen.
Julie Collins 2018