Exhibitions
Bio
Julie Whyman is a mixed media artist based in rural Waikato. Julie’s paintings are abstract or representational, using colour and texture to reimagine the structural landforms and branching deciduous trees found in the Waikato plains and the coastal Coromandel Peninsula. Many of her works include native New Zealand birds like the tīeke (saddleback), kōtuku (white heron), and pīwakawaka (fantail).
Alongside texture and colour, there is a stunning depth of layers in Julie's work. Sometimes the birds appear in striking and realistic detail, while at other times they are more abstract, worked into the landscape. She loves metal leaf and these are often featured in her work, or hidden under layers creating luminosity. Julie tells us that she constantly finds herself seeking out birds in her garden, listening for their calls, and noticing them wherever she travels. The changing colours of the seasons are also a fascination, and her palette often changes with them.
Julie is self-taught, developing her skill and technique through hours of practice and exploration. Julie paints intuitively, allowing her work to evolve organically as she turns “mistakes” into discoveries. Her process begins with “play” or creative exploration, searching for inspiration. Her studio contains various works in progress, as she adds layers of paint, ink, pastel, collage and various mediums until forms emerge.
Julie says that she never stops learning or looking for new sources of inspiration while always maintaining her own sense of style and uniqueness. Her work is held in private collections across New Zealand and abroad.