life sketch

Julie Andrés (Jools) studied graphic arts in Los Angeles (UCLA 1987-’88) with many of the city’s then top designers. During this time she also studied watercolour and oil painting at private studios and participated in solo and group exhibitions in Los Angeles, Venice, and Marina del Rey, California.

Following a move to Seattle, she was contracted by a US publisher to design and illustrate a series of three books (done in coloured pencil). While in Seattle, Julie also earned a BA with a double major in psychology and creative writing.

She returned to Canada in 1996 and worked in media and publishing as a writer, editor, and designer for over three decades.

During the pandemic Julie returned to her long-latent art practice and  works primarily with acrylics. She lives in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant.

Statement

"I grew up in wild country, first in the Ruby Mountains of northeastern Nevada, and later on the edge of British Columbia's Chilcotin Plateau, and throughout my life I've been obsessed with nature. I am now completely and happily urbanized and enjoy city trails and parks and make regular ventures into Vancouver's ambient coastal forests.

"In painting, I enjoy a much freer attitude toward my work than I have as a designer and illustrator. My preliminary sketches are gestural and loose. I use my own photos, often as botanical reference, but also for feeling, tone, and light.

"I am grateful to live and work on the unceded traditional territory of the  xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations."