Essence Images-1559

About me...

From an early age, I discovered that visual language resonated with me, and the art classroom became my sanctuary. This passion has evolved into my art studio, where I love to become absorbed into the world of art, experimenting, testing things out and generally making a mess.

Currently, my artwork focuses on the Tasmanian landscape. Since moving here in early 2022, I have become captivated by the extraordinary contrasts of nature in this Australian state. Winter brings shades of grey and warm whites, creating cold, misty days; Spring bursts forth with vibrant greens and a spectrum of colours in the gardens; Autumn has a palette of oranges, reds, and browns as nature prepares for sleep; and the Summer landscapes add to the Spring colours but more vibrant blues, purples, and greens.

I enjoy working with various mediums, including mixed media (inks, gouache, collage etc), watercolours, acrylics, and oils, depending on my mood and the story I want to show. I haven't specialised in a particular medium, probably because I get bored easily, so I grab whichever will work best.

The Truth

I don't believe I have super talents yet I know I have courage, determination and a 'just do it' attitude to keep learning and experimenting. I am driven by a sense of curiosity to challenge and push myself to what I can do, how can I express what I want to say and see where my limits are.

I do believe anyone can paint and at any age.

Art making isn't about making art to sell, it's about giving yourself permission to engage in tactile experiences and letting go of the ego of perfection or saying a tree should look like a tree. In my classes and workshops, I encourage my students to paint what the see and feel. They lose their initial high expectations that they aren't good enough and just have fun.

Watercolours is a medium that I find super relaxing. It is easy to become completely absorbed in the application of transparent layering and building colour to making shapes come to life.

Inspiration

I take inspiration from everything. The colour of a leaf, the shadow on the ground, or the negative space around an object. These are the things that we don't pay attention to as there are always different sides to a story and nature has nothing black and white.

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Julie McDonald

Born in Newcastle, NSW Australia

Education

2023

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours). University of Tasmania, Tasmania

2019-2022

National Art School Online

2004

Grad Dip of Education (Visual Arts) University of Newcastle, NSW

2002

Bachelor of Visual Communication (Visual Arts) University of Newcastle, NSW

1997

Open Foundation (Visual Arts) University of Newcastle, NSW

Solo Exhibitions

2020

In search of Beauty: A Remix of Nature – Waterline Art Gallery, Ettalong Beach. NSW

Exhibitions & Collaborations

2024

Source - Meander Valley Art Award, Westbury, TAS

2024

Midlands Group Exhibition - Campbelltown, TAS

2024

Artist Trail Tasmania Exhibition – Deloraine, TAS

2024

Postgraduate Exhibition - The Grove, TAS

2024

Summer Salon - Poimena Art Gallery - Launceston Church Grammar School, TAS

2023

University of Tasmania - Honours of Fine Art Graduation

2022

Artist Trail Tasmania Exhibition – Deloraine, TAS

2022

Longford Blooms – Longford. TAS

2022

Metamorphosis – Meander Valley Art Award, Westbury. TAS

2020

Twilight – Toukley Art Society, NSW

2019

Summer Exhibition – Central Coast Art Society, NSW

2017

Nature’s Expression – Art Studios Gallery, Gosford. NSW

2017

Coastal Elements – Kooindah Waters Resort, Wyong, NSW

2015

Blown Away by Art – Buff Point. NSW

2014

The 3 Degrees of Friendships – Gosford Regional Gallery. NSW

2008

Frog Hollow – Central Coast. NSW

Awards

2024

Art Trails Tasmanian Annual Art Exhibition: Judge's Choice - The Art as Mania Prize for the artwork "The Cows in a Tasmanian Winter"

Art Trails Tasmanian Annual Art Exhibition:: Judge's Choice - The Kitchen Collective Prize for the artwork "Twilight on a Tasmanian Cottage".

2022

Art Trails Tasmanian Annual Art Exhibition: Artistic Achievement.

2019

Highly Commended – Central Coast Art Exhibition

2008

Won Frog Hollow Exhibition – Central Coast. NSW

Community Projects

2019

Creative Art Projects for Nursing home Residents. Bonnels Bay Car. NSW

2015

NBN Network – Commissioned to facilitate artwork on NBN Installation between school students and community.

Published Artwork

2002-2004

Illustrations in Murdoch Magazines, Printed Publications.

Testimonials

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