APRIL STUDIO NEWS

Welcome to My New Look Website & Monthly Newsletter!

I'm so pleased you're here. With the launch of my refreshed website, I’ve decided it’s time for a fresh rhythm too. From now on, I’ll be writing to you monthly instead of quarterly—with short, inspiring updates you can either skim through for a quick dose of creativity or take your time to savour.

It’s all about sharing what’s going on in the studio, where I’m exhibiting or travelling, what I’m working on—and of course, where art and life meet in joyful, unexpected ways.

Cockatoo and Lemons: Detail - Oil on Canvas, 63 x 53cm - part of my ‘For the Birds’ Exhibition in October

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

SAVE THE DATE! SOLO EXHIBITION: “For the Birds” – Saturday 11 October until Sunday 3 November at The SHAC, Robertson

Right now, my studio is filled with the scent of oil paint and the energy of creation as I bring together works for my upcoming solo exhibition, "For the Birds." This collection has been an immersive journey—one that’s seen me sketching compositions, layering rich oils, and exploring the relationship between Australia’s vibrant birdlife and our exquisite native flora.

Each painting in this series is a quiet moment captured—a cockatoo poised among golden wattle, a curious magpie eyeing a bowl of oranges, a crimson rosella perched beside waratahs in full bloom. The birds are full of character, their watchful eyes and playful presence weaving into still-life settings that celebrate the rhythm of nature.

Working in oils has allowed me to build depth, texture, and warmth—bringing a sense of intimacy to these pieces. The process has been one of layering light and shadow, refining detail, and finding the perfect balance between bold colour and softness.

I can’t wait to share this body of work with you! Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates, progress glimpses, and special pre-release details over the coming months, I really hope you can join me for the Opening, or catch it during the season.

WEARABLE ART – Introducing My Raffal Scarves & Matching Momoyama Bags

As someone who has always loved the way art can move with you, it was only a matter of time before I created my own range of wearable art scarves.

Over the years, I’ve collected scarves from artists I admire—each one a story, a memory, a brushstroke of beauty I could carry with me. And now, I’ve translated three of my own original floral paintings—Proteas, Flowering Gums, and Hydrangeas—into luxurious, oversized scarves, made from the softest Australian Merino wool.

They’re light enough for every season and designed to drape effortlessly—whether thrown over your shoulders or knotted around the neck.

Even better, they pair perfectly with my Momoyama Bamboo Handle Bags, which feature the same signature floral artworks. The result is a cohesive, artful statement—perfect for a special gift or to elevate your everyday style.

Momoyama Bags – Art You Can Carry

My Momoyama Bamboo Handle Bags are a natural extension of my love for both art and thoughtful design. Drawing on my background in costume and design, and a lifelong passion for textiles, pattern, and vintage elegance, these bags are designed to be as functional as they are beautiful—the kind of piece that makes you feel instantly more put together, even when life is anything but.

Each bag features a print of one of my original floral artworks—Proteas, Flowering Gums and Hydrangeas—reimagined on high-quality canvas, and paired with a striking bamboo handle that adds both structure and a nostalgic nod to the past. They’re spacious enough for your daily essentials (and then some), but light enough to carry with ease.

The name Momoyama comes from the Japanese art and design era known for its bold aesthetics, dramatic compositions, and attention to detail—all qualities I strive to bring into my paintings and now into these pieces of wearable art.

Whether styled on their own or matched with one of my scarves for a chic, layered look, a Momoyama bag carries not just your belongings—but a piece of art, and a piece of my story.

You can SHOP the Collection here and FREE SHIPPING always - VIPs receive 10% off orders over $150.

A FRENCH ART ADVENTURE – Painting & Dreaming in Burgundy

This month, I'm embarking on a French art journey with some wonderful creative friends—an experience that blends travel, inspiration, and the quiet joy of making art in a new environment.

We'll be based in Noyers-sur-Serein, a fairytale medieval village in Burgundy, France. Our home for this adventure is the Porte Peinte Centre for the Arts, an international arts centre housed in a charming, half-timbered medieval building that leans over the village square like something from a storybook.

La Porte Peinte offers artists, makers, musicians, and writers the opportunity to engage in creative exploration and exchange within an inspiring and supportive environment. The centre provides well-conceived studio spaces, comfortable accommodations, and a vibrant gallery space that showcases a boundary-breaking mix of art, design, and craft.

Nestled within an elegant curve of the Serein River, Noyers-sur-Serein is recognized as one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and surrounding landscapes of cherry trees, wheat fields, and vineyards offer endless inspiration for artists.

During my time at La Porte Peinte, I'll be sketching, photographing, painting, and immersing myself in the textures, colours, and rhythms of this enchanting place. I'll share glimpses of this journey on Instagram and in the May newsletter. Expect a little magic, a lot of cheese, and some new work inspired by the French culture and countryside.

Magpie and Oranges: Oil on Canvas, 63 x 53cm - part of my ‘For the Birds’ Exhibition in October

Thank you for being here. Whether you’ve collected my work, attended a workshop, worn a scarf, or followed my journey from studio to gallery (and sometimes the paddock)—your support means the world.

Until next month, from France!
Julie x