Julie reviewing the class results at end of day
Julie Simmons conducted a fascinating workshop on a watercolour Sydney Street scene to a full classroom. The class warmed up with preliminary exercises drawing and painting figures and cars, and then, led by Julie, took on the full street scene. At end of day the results across the class were exceptional.
Julie demonstrating the first wash
Julie’s finished work
Julie Simmons
Born in western Sydney, Julie’s early interest in art was fostered by her mother. She was constantly drawing on anything and everythingwith charcoal, pencil and cheap poster paint. Her first painting was exhibited when she was twelve.
On leaving school she worked in an art studio in Sydney where she was taught all the basics of good drawing and the application of fresh and free washes and the importance of tonal values. Julie worked in the studio for six years and in that time would produce work ranging from food to perfume to furniture. Julie continued to freelance for a number of years whilst raising her family. During this period she became enamoured with pottery and completed two diplomas at Penrith TAFE. She continued on this path for the next sixteen years, working from her studio at Castlereagh and building and firing a woodfired kiln for a number of years.
In 2004 Julie attended a week long watercolour workshop in Bathurst and was instantly inspired to start painting.
Julie is now a multi-award winning artist who paints in oils, pastels and mixed media but it is the medium of watercolour that excites her the most. She also paints en plein air on a weekly basis as well as on numerous week long painting trips each year.
Julie is an Associate Member of the Royal Art Society.
