Meet Julie Himelein | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Himelein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The pure delight of seeing a blank, white canvas transpose into a captivating piece of art that has color, rhythm, line and movement is just exhilarating to me. There is something so completely satisfying about creating art that has energy, beauty, movement and a bit of mystery.

After spending about thirty years in the Nursing field, caring and nurturing others I followed my passion. Sometimes art chooses you and we must open our hearts up to it and never say no.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If you don’t go after what you want… you will never have it. I firmly believe in positive affirmations and always seeing the glass half full.

There can be no room in your heart for negativity if it’s filled with joy, abundance and gratitude. Positive energy is contagious and that’s what life is all about.

My artwork has a soft, loose, ethereal quality to it, usually using vibrant colors. Always trying to convey a feeling that might resonate with the viewer.

My process involves putting down a wash with either acrylic or oil and using multiple, transparent glazes.

Absolutely love creating abstracted landscapes, figures, florals and non representational abstracts.

I find it so freeing to work more on the large scale. My most recent piece is 48” by 36” acrylic and oil on gallery wrapped canvas. It is titled “ Catching The Wave” trying evoke a feeling of confidence.

Next on the easel will be creating kindness in a painting and possibly exploring body positivity. I will never run out of inspiration to bring something meaningful to the canvas.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Spending Winters in Florida I would start my day with some kind of physical activity, laps in the lap pool, bike ride or walk on the treadmill at the gym. We have Venice beach and Nokomis beach nearby to sit and relax, take some great photos and sketch book. Then there are plenty of cute little shops to find a little treasure. A stop at Number 33 Gallery of Arts . Down town Venice and nearby Sarasota has numerous delicious restaurants with fresh seafood and great Italian dishes for dining out. I do love the sushi and breathtaking view at Fins At Sharky’s.

We would definitely have to check out a production at the Venice theater one evening and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall another evening. A day at the Marie Shelby Gardens, John and Mabel Ringling Museum

Would love to check out Art Ovation hotel in Sarasota where they display numerous pieces of work from local artists and possibly check out the Dali Art Museum a short day trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The unconditional love and support from family and friends is paramount to my success. Grateful for every art instructor that I have ever had the pleasure to mentor under, you gave me more than you will ever know.

Grateful for Number 33 Gallery Of Arts ,Venice Art Center and Five 3 Gallery for believing in me.

Grateful for Englewood Healthy Living and VoyageMIA for giving me a voice.

Special thank you to my collectors and the support from the Instagram community. I appreciate all of you.

Website: Www.juliehimeleinfinearts.com

Instagram: @juliehimelein