Beyond the Photograph
My father brought home willow charcoal and white conté chalk, grey textured paper, and the wonderful book ‘How to Draw Horses’ by Walter T Foster. I followed every word of that book.
About:
New Zealand Master Pastelist, Julie Greig, lives near Patearoa where she paints from her studio in the vast and stunning Maniototo, Central Otago, New Zealand.
Julie is best known for the details, texture and atmosphere in her pastel or oil paintings.
In 2017, Julie was awarded the status of Master Pastelist of Pastel Artists NZ (MPANZ) in recognition of the quality of work and awards she has achieved. She was the third pastel artist in NZ to receive this honour. In 2016, Julie was elected a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA).
Julie also paints in oils on canvas or panel, occasionally in acrylics or oil sticks, also creating oil mono prints and drawing expressive works in graphite or charcoal. She has illustrated and designed many children’s books and two series of postage stamps for NZ Post.
“Painting is all about learning to see and finding a way to share our unique vision as artists with the wider world. The subjects I paint are often commonplace, I chose these subjects based on my personal response to share a moment or a pose – to remind us in our busy lives that there is simple beauty to be found all around us when we take the time to pause and really see. I love the mystery of low light, the colours of shadows and tonal transitions. Sunlight slanting through a rustic old gate, the movement of grasses, reflections on still water, the sheen on a furry coat, clouds moving above; I look at these simple things and I feel inspired.
I am thankful to paint daily in solitude and silence.”
Working with Whanganui glass artist, Greg Hall, Julie is designing and painting 32 stained glass windows, ‘The Whanganui Story’; a project which includes painting details and various elements directly onto glass which has been cut to designed shapes, which is then fired in a kiln before Greg joins the many pieces with lead. The windows are a historical project for the Whanganui District Council, displayed in the Council Chambers, illustrating Whanganui’s history. Visitors to Whanganui are welcome to view the windows. Currently, there are 9 remaining to complete.
Her original paintings can be found on her Facebook page and website as noted above.
Julie exhibits with The Artists Room Gallery, Dunedin, and The Otautau Gallery, Otautau.
Ladelle (Australia) have produced a new range of stockman themed placemats, coasters and tableware ‘Working the Land’, based on Julie’s paintings, available throughout Australia, New Zealand and internationally.
Julie teaches regular pastel workshops in Ranfurly, Central Otago.