Julie Cross RI, ASWA

“My works virtually always contain the human form.  They say ‘paint what you know’, and we are all experts at being human!  That universal connectivity across time and space means that my subject matter may be instantly familiar to western audiences in many ways, yet can often suggest other, sometimes contradictory, ideas.  For instance, a bright, fluorescent palette choice can disguise some far from frivolous concerns.  They may pertain to current affairs, my own life experiences, past and present, art history or even my desire to ‘tell stories’ (I have a Doctorate in Children’s Literature).

This preoccupation with the human form is reflected in my long-standing practice of life drawing (of both figures and faces).  Many ideas for works are suggested by the poses of models or the interactions of daily life - the ‘people watching’ in public spaces that is so endlessly fascinating to me.  Gesture and body language alone, like paintings themselves, say so much without words.”

Julie lives and works in Yorkshire and as well as her Ph.D, she has an MA in History of Art from York University.  She studied at Newlyn School of Art, as well as at art colleges in Leeds.  She volunteers at Harewood House in Leeds, which houses an impressive Renaissance art collection and many watercolours by J M W Turner and Thomas Girtin.

Now an elected member of both the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and an Associate member of the Society of Women Artists, Julie exhibits widely, including at the ING Discerning Eye in London, and with New Light art, celebrating northern art.