Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Dillman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was mesmerized by Van Gogh’s sunflowers and swirling Starry Night. Landscapes, museum and gallery trips provided more exposure to art through my father. He believed children are all artists and should be encouraged saying “Look out and look again to really see what you can see”. Sadly, I didn’t listen to his advice to become an artist. I became a student of science and design and received a degree in Family Consumer Science. As a junior high teacher of Fashion Design, Interior Design and Clothing Construction, I taught principles and elements of design. I was reintroduced to painting later in life. I am drawn to the vibrant color of light and abstract shapes found in the open skies and landscapes of my home in Utah.
A year after I began painting, I was encouraged to enter a juried exhibit which resulted in my first sale. “Antelope Island Dawn” can be seen in the Davis County Utah Commission offices. “Desert Buttes” was selected and installed in the A. Ray Olpin Union Building on the University Utah campus. Other works are part of private collections throughout the United States.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning to paint has been challenging. I have loved learning from different painters but it was very intimidating at the same time. It has been difficult to see my individual style rather than imitate mentors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a Family Consumer Science teacher of Jr High students. This field allowed me to be creative in presentation and expectation. Now, I am an artist which allows my creativity to be focused in visual art.
My works range from landscape to floral and imaginative abstract. I am becoming known for brilliant color use. I love to paint what I feel about the subject – how I see it.
I think I am most proud that my artwork has been part of a scholarship fund for the University of Utah students. One of my favorite paintings hangs in the student union building on that campus.
What are your plans for the future?
Now that I have retired from public education, I plan to travel, paint and enjoy the people I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: julietdillmanart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/julietdillman
- Facebook: facebook.com/juliedillman
