Brushstrokes of Light:

Exploring the Journey of Fine Art Oil Painting with Julie Brayton

Today at 2 PM, I will be doing a small painting demonstration. As I paint, I’ll be sharing my “Why” and discussing how others can find theirs.

Understanding my Why was a significant journey. It involved a lot of soul-searching. The ironic part was that it was always there—I just needed to uncover it. You might wonder, “Why is it important to know your Why?”

I’ve always been a person of few words, though my emotions run deep. Expressing these emotions in words was always a challenge. In trying to market myself as an artist, I had to confront this issue head-on. I won’t lie; it was painful. I had to dig deep and reflect on both the positive and negative experiences of my past. By examining these stories, I could identify a recurring theme that helped articulate who I am, what I am passionate about, and how it has impacted others in ways I hadn’t realized.

Over time, my passion for nature and the healing it provided throughout my life led me to Plein Air (open-air) painting. Painting was never just a hobby for me; it fulfilled many needs—overcoming challenges, staying determined, not giving up, and building confidence. As I advanced, Plein Air painting introduced new challenges and unexpectedly combined my love for nature with my love for painting, creating an unparalleled sense of fulfillment.

Initially, painting was something I did for myself. I didn’t consider exhibiting or selling my work. When I decided to exhibit, I had no idea the journey it would take me on. The most surprising part was seeing how my artwork impacted others. Plein Air painting is a comprehensive experience—it’s more than just creating a picture. I now realize that my goal is to offer a new perspective on nature, inspiring others to think more creatively about the world around them and providing a higher level of fulfillment.

You don’t need to be in business to have or find your Why. Discovering your Why can lead to a more meaningful life and better decision-making in both personal and professional contexts. It aligns you with your higher purpose. While I believe in a higher purpose for humanity as a whole, this is about individual journeys. Our Whys may share common elements but will be unique to our experiences. How we pursue and express our Whys will also differ.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of sharing this insight with a couple who purchased my wave painting. It looks stunning in their home and brings a new light to their space.

Talk Soon!

Above Are Happy Clients of either commissioned pieces or paintings bought at a show.

Your Turn!

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Take Care!

My goal or mission is to bring reminders and connection to the importance each individual has through the connection to nature. How we all can honor the essence of who we have always been meant to be. Creativity, whether through collecting art or creating it, is a healing force that allows us to embrace, tell and own our stories in a transformative and ultimately joyful way.