Julie Downing
(b. 1975 Niagara, ON / based in Welland, ON)

Julie Downing is a Canadian mixed media artist who balances texture, shape and palette to express and evoke an emotional response towards ever-changing weather systems on Earth’s beautiful and breathtaking scenery.  From witnessing freezing fog enveloping Icelandic glaciers, a pop-up storm causing haphazard waves and colours on Lake Erie, or in her garden, Downing is inspired by the effect weather has on light, atmosphere and energy.

Mainly self-taught, Downing’s style is continually evolving within the expressionist realm.  She treats this creative outlet with a therapeutic approach towards her mental health journey, with focus on continual healing, growth and authenticity, in life and art.

Working primarily in acrylic, paper and pastel, Downing enjoys the challenges and artistic freedom in capturing the interconnectedness of rugged mountainscapes, water and sky.  Using paper to create rich texture, the palette then plays an important role to intuitively emphasize the interaction felt while experiencing various weather and seasons in stunning landscapes.  The result is work that evokes emotion, memory or inspiration for future travels.