About the Artist
Julie Read grew up in Colorado, and drawing has been a part of her life since childhood. As an accomplished pen and ink artist, she has drawn and produced watercolor paintings of over 200 local homes and landmarks. She has worked as a graphic designer for over 25 years in the communications firm she owns with her husband in Winchester, Virginia. She has taught graphic design part time at Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, WV, and has given design workshops and art classes at Lord Fairfax Community College.
Recent subject matter for her watercolor paintings comes from the time spent in Africa in the bush. Lisa Reed, African Tour Guide, poet and artist, introduced Julie to handmade paper she makes in her shop in Botswana from elephant dung. Subject matter includes watercolor paintings of flowers grown in her garden, pigs, chickens, cows, local and western landscapes and trees. She is a colorist, utilizing bright, strong colors in her work. Her art is for sale at art shows around the area. Original art for sale includes: original watercolor paintings, giclée prints and note cards on this website and at the Back Lot Studio in Winchester, Virginia. Commissions are accepted.
Julie Read specializes in watercolor paintings of African wildlife on hand-made paper from Africa made from elephant dung. There is a range of African wildlife art for sale from original watercolor paintings to giclees and notecards which can be made to order
Julie teaches beginning and intermediate watercolor art classes as well as short workshops at her Back Lot Studio. Private lessons can be arranged between the artist and interested students.
Affiliations:
Signature member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society
Member, VA Watercolor Society
Member, Central Virginia Watercolor Guild
Member, Shenandoah Arts Council