JULIA WHITEHEAD ARTIST

Born (1969) and brought up in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. From an early age I was always drawing and making. Whilst art was my primary interest, studies took me down an alternative pathand an initial career in various aspects of the travel industry in London and Australia. On returning from two years backpacking I knew that I should pursue my creative interests and thus returned as a mature student to study art with a foundation course in Nottingham followed by a BA (Hons) in Illustration & Printmaking in Cambridge.

An early introduction to a publishing agent lead to several years creating paintings and designs for distribution as fine art prints, illustrations, textiles and ceramics. Alongside this, I started to create large scale oil on canvas paintings for sale through galleries and private commissions.

I work as a full time painter of original artworks from my garden studio in South Lincolnshire. Paintings of whatever scale, start with a brightly coloured acrylic background. The abstract nature of this background painting often dictates in which direction the final painting will go and elements of the underpainting are left to show through to varying degrees. Oil paint is built up over several layers, sometimes wet on wet, other times the oil is allowed to dry sufficiently to paint over, often resulting in a highly textured surface which creates shadows of its own. I like a painting that one wants to touch.

I am happy to create commissioned work for private and commercial clients. My paintings adorn the walls of restaurants, hotels and office spaces as well as domestic interiors both in the UK and abroad. Bespoke artworks created to fit a specific space make a bold and striking statement in any room. Please feel free to contact me to discuss your ideas or requirements.