Soaring Skywards by Julie Simmons

Artist Statement

‘The dark red cliffs are a stark contrast to the eucalypts growing tall finding the light’

‘Elemental’ is a culmination of painting trips around the country but primarily at Arkaroola in the Northern Flinders Ranges.

“I have tried to convey the love and emotion I feel for our extraordinary landscape be it the rugged beauty of Arkaroola in the Flinders or the sandstone cliffs and wild rivers of the Blue Mountains. The joy I feel layering vibrant watercolours to build shapes and tones can never be overestimated. Being in these natural environments is calming to the soul and this exhibition is my interpretation of the vistas before me. It is a delight to share them with you.” Julie Simmons

About the Artist

Julie spent her formative years in western Sydney and now resides in rural Castlereagh at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

Her love of the arts began at an early age and she was encouraged by her mother and school teachers to continue on leaving school. Julie was employed in an art studio in Sydney and it was here her drawing skills and understanding of tone was developed, preparing tonal drawings for newspapers for the major department stores including David Jones, Farmers and Grace Bros. Whilst raising her family she completed diplomas of pottery and continued on this path for the next 20yrs. In 2004 Julie attended the Mitchell Arts program in Bathurst and following this threw herself back into drawing and painting.

She has continued to develop her own unique style working across many different mediums. Never one to stagnate she experiments and uses whatever is at hand to produce works filled with light. Her desire is to produce paintings that encourage viewers to engage with the natural environment.

Julie has been the recipient of many awards and her works are held in collections across the world.

A Fellow of the Royal Art Society of NSW, Julie tutors around the country.