Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Wende.
Hi Julie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 1972 I got a job as an ink and cell painter at Filmation Animation Studios in Northridge, CA. That was the start of my lifelong involvement in art. A delightful detour from the line of paper and ink illustrations I began doing, was learning photography while working at a photo gallery. I still love photography and I’m sure my work shows it. I’m constantly working on my drawing skills because I feel very strongly that is foundational to good representational painting
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Once I started oil painting in 1995 I really have not stopped in my commitment to my art. At one point I had enough money to rent studio space on the bricks in Fort Worth and it was at that point I began some of the worst paintings of my career! I always had the work ethic but then I really got serious about learning (again) the craft of oil painting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been most successful with my so-called ‘beach’ paintings, children and adults in poses on the beach. I still love to do those as the color combinations are so vibrant and they lend themselves to impressionism. I have completed close to twenty portraits since the 90’s and have many of those in collections here in north Texas.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Two years ago I was approached by the owner of the gallery that represents me to conduct painting classes. Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to grow and I encourage it for all levels of skill!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliewende.com
- Instagram: juliewendecolorjunkie
- Facebook: Julie Wende, Fine Artist
