Brushstrokes of Light:

Exploring the Journey of Fine Art Oil Painting with Julie Brayton

I hope your having a good summer.

I have a few shows under my belt by this time. The next show happening is this weekend in Downtown Mystic. The comments by passersby and artists are how they can see the light in my work. Some of the reason for that is my approach to painting but also I really enjoy painting dramatic light that nature makes. I either focus on early mornings or late afternoons but also interesting cloud formations and reflected light. 

I make a point of getting up and out at sunrise. If you’re not an early person the beauty happens right when the sun is rising. Once the sun has risen it still is nice but not as dramatic. 

My method of painting that focuses on color uses a special technique I learned where I look for the color that describes the light at hand without neccessarily going for the familiar “named” color of the sky or water for example. No blacks or browns are used but color that exemplifies the color in the shadows and lights. The Reflections Of Peace painting demonstrates this. A new beach painting really pops with light as does a wave I caught when we had a storm and the waves were really kicked up. New work can be found on my website. 

I get out and Plein Aired paint as much as I can to keep my eye fresh as live painting is the best way to actually see the subtle color nuances nature has to offer.

I have been teaching my students this technique and plan on expanding my online presence. My approach to reaching people with my art is going to change after this year.

Stay Tuned for more on that!

Talk Soon!

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.