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Nature Speaks to her Soul
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2017/05 - May
Plein air oil painter Julie Mann, relishes the delightful challenge of catching the essence of nature in a magnificent view, its true colors, and
fleeting light.
“My favorite part about being an artist is how much fun it is to share my art journey with friends, mentors, and collectors who are also passionate about art,” she says.
An Atlanta native, Julie’s connection to Highlands was her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Marty, son of Highlands own Bill and Sara Mann.
Her visual arts degree from Georgia State launched a successful Interior Design career spanning two decades, but every chance she’d get, she and her family would trek to Highlands to luxuriate in the majesty of the mountains.
In 2005 her Muse drew her to an en plein air workshop in Asheville. She fell in love with oils. Her brush hasn’t dried since.
Her highly refined eye invites an ongoing investigation of her environment. She actually “paints in her head” while driving around, inspired daily by
beautiful scenery.
On a trip to the grocery she might ponder, “How would I capture the sunlight on that building, or what brushstrokes would I use to paint those clouds?” Seeing the world around her as colors, shapes, textures, and lines has become second nature.
Julie’s paintings are known for their dramatic light and color. She paints landscapes primarily, with dramatic skies and often water reflections. She also paints still lifes, usually while viewing live vases of glorious blossoms. Occasionally she will paint pet portraits or anything else that takes her fancy.
Julie is the featured artist for Smitten’s Third Thursday. She’ll be showing her smaller works but often paints large paintings and commissions, such as a favorite scene or if a special size is needed. Visit her website, juliemannart.com. Email her at [email protected].
Smitten’s Third Thursday, is May 18, 5:30 P.M. until the fat lady sings and the cows come home. Smitten is located at 468 Main Street in downtown Highlands. Call for hours of operation at (828) 526-9300.
