JULIA HENSLEY

New Website & Blog location

2010-01-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

I am now posting in the journal on my website.

Please visit for weekly updates

RSS feed, and you can post comments too.

See you there!

Julia

June solo show in downtown Seattle

2009-06-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Sightline Institute presents a show of my work now on display in the lobby of their Seattle office through the end of the month. Urban Perspective: City Views is a collection of my abstract urban landscapes in multiple media: oil, acrylics, and gouache-on-paper collage. Most of the images are Seattle area scenes, with a few of Boston, New York, and Vegas.

Urban Perspective: City Views

13 pieces by artist Julia Hensley

Curated by Becky Brooks

Sightline Institute

1402 Third Ave

Fifth Floor, Suite 500

Seattle

206-447-1880 ext. 100

Through the month of June

Visit on weekdays between 10am and 3pm

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All 13 pieces are available for purchase. Contact me for prices and availability. Affordably priced.
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Sightline Institute, Cascadia's sustainability think tank, is an important organization to the Northwest region and beyond as they research and communicate trends that are crucial to the region's future: health, economy, population, energy, sprawl, wildlife, and pollution. They provide the research and tools needed to make progress on a range of solutions to these issues. The now familiar term 'green-collar jobs' was coined at Sightline.

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Please stop by! After viewing the art, you are invited to respond to the question, “What thoughts about sustainability are inspired by Julia's art - or by art in general?”

A notebook to share your response is available near the artwork, or you can add your comment here.
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Image:
Julia Hensley

Miller Paint; Oil on Panel; 16" x 20"; 2006

JH on Sunne Savage Gallery site

2009-02-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that my work is now represented on the Sunne Savage Gallery website.

I am listed in the Contemporary section, just above David Hockney.

Click on my name to view a page of my work.

Also represented in the Contemporary section are two professors from my school: James Weeks, who, though he was never one of my teachers directly, imparted a legacy that included the mixing of jewel-clear color; and Nick Edmonds, my sculpture professor, who taught me to construct planes and build clear structure, to dance back and forth and view things from every which way, and to attempt the unlikely (an abstract giraffe skull, a clay landscape). I am honored to see my name on the same page with theirs along with the likes of de Kooning and Kline.

Julia Hensley
DARE
Gouache and Acrylic Collage on Watercolor Paper
30" x 22"

Photo: Art and Soul

Peace

2008-12-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a New Year of discovery, beauty, art and light.

Summer campfire at Lake Cayuga, 2008.

Studio Sale Extended

2008-11-18T23:47:00.000-08:00

Couldn't make it to my sale last week?

There's still a chance.

I am extending my Studio Art Sale for FOUR more viewing opportunities:

Julia Hensley
STUDIO ART SALE
619 Western Ave
Studio 6 North

in Pioneer Square
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Saturday, November 22

10am-12pm
Come up for pastries and orange juice
and great morning light on the work
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Saturday, November 22
7-9pm
Wine and cheese
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Saturday, November 29
4-8pm
(NO Seahawks game)
-----------------
Sunday, November 30
1-4pm
(NO Seahawks game)
My last day in the studio at 619.
-----------------

See you there!

Deck Your Walls

2008-11-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

I am moving my studio and making room for new work. That means it's time for a fabulous, priced-to-move,

STUDIO ART SALE

Saturday, November 15

4pm-8pm

619 Western Ave in Pioneer Square

Studio 6 North

By appointment through December 10

To reserve your choices, please respond to this post or email me at julia@juliahensley.com

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Checks only. Prices include tax. Shipping not included.

There will likely be more work than is shown here, so COME EARLY for the widest selection of art (as well as wine and snacks).

Happy Holidays to all!

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A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Diabetes Foundation.

in the studio

2008-10-21T23:51:00.001-07:00

Amphibious

2008-10-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

Julia Hensley

Amphibious

Acrylic and Gouache Collage on Paper, Bristol Board and Parchment
Approx. 2'x3'

This just emerged in the studio. Pictures taken with my iPhone.

Motherwell moment

2008-09-05T19:52:00.002-07:00

at MoMa. For some reason on this trip, my eye kept getting grabbed by Motherwell. Bold and delicate at once. This is his Elegy to the Spanish Republic, 54.

Matisse

2008-09-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

at MoMa. A detail of one of my favorite paintings in the history of painting. For the whole image, click here.

MoMA

2008-09-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

Crowds in the Matisse room. I could stay in there for, oh, an hour. Go visit Motherwell and deKooning, come back for another hour...

MassMOCA

2008-08-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Jenny Holzer at MassMOCA. You walk into a room the size of a football field where her words are projected, scrolling up the floor and walls and ceiling. You can flop onto a beanbag and take in the effect of disjointed text washing over and around you, or stand at the entrance and get a more condensed read. I enjoyed the visual effect of the text, especially as it gets fragmented on the beams and from the side. I needed another half hour in there to take in the meaning of the writing itself. I am curious if the impact of the words would be different if I read them on a small scale.

Life in the laundro lane.

2008-07-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Wash.

Wear.

Wash.

Repeat.

Read all about it...

2008-07-09T08:23:00.001-07:00

...HERE.

Angie Jones's review of "Inspired Geometries" is up on the Seattle.net site. I think she liked it.

Fremont!

2008-07-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

The closing reception for "Inspired Geometries" is on a Sunday, and the gallery is just a few steps from the Fremont Sunday Market.

I was there last week. My first find was 20 bucks, on the street, which I spent on flowers.

My next find was an Yves Klein-blue scarf (my favorite blue) for $5, followed by a vintage Perry Mason paperback with a cover illustration of a bare-shouldered brunette peeking from behind a pink curtain. $3.

Treasures are everywhere...

Come on by

2008-07-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

CLOSING RECEPTION
"Inspired Geometries"

Sunday, July 20th
2pm-5pm

Form-Space-Light Gallery

619 N 35th St
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98103
Ph./Fax: (206) 545-6974
Email: info@fslgallery.com
Hours: By appointment

Join us this Saturday

2008-06-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

ARTISTS' RECEPTION
Saturday, June 14th
6pm-9pm
---------------------------------------
Inspired Geometries
Paintings and Sculpture

Julia Hensley
Joseph Keppler
John Parkinson
Mike Sweeney
---------------------------------------
Form-Space-Light Gallery
619 N 35th St
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98103
Ph./Fax: (206) 545-6974
Email: info@fslgallery.com
Hours: By appointment

The gallery is behind the PCC in Fremont.
Look for the orange and turquoise doors.

This Storied Heart
detail
photo: Richard Nicol

Story of an opening

2008-06-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

iPhone pics:theschnitz

Taken during the public opening of "Inspired Geometries" on Friday, June 6. What a pleasure to see people interact with the paintings and sculptures. Thanks to all who came out.

This Storied Heart: Press Release

2008-05-29T01:02:00.000-07:00

(Please scroll to next post for show information).

INSPIRED GEOMETRIES
Seattle painter and Pratt Instructor Julia Hensley is unveiling two of her most recent works on paper completed in late winter of this year. She is well known for her meticulously crafted and intimately scaled abstract urban landscapes. Her previous work organized the “banal chaos of urban detail” into flattened grids of carefully modulated, painted and cut paper squares and rectangles interwoven together not unlike a quilt or one of Mondrian’s grids.

Julia’s latest work, the expansive and seminal piece, “This Storied Heart”, represents a breakthrough in her evolution of working with the grid and cubic pixilation. Moving away from strictly depicting urban scenesand external realities, she is now staking new ground in the realm of the true “non-objective” composition. Working in a looser and highly intuitive way, “This Storied Heart” represents a slow natural accretion of cubic pixels, color washes and elusive imagery with no contrivance by the artist during the process. The result is a collage of remarkable organic complexity that visually mirrors the vicissitudes and intricacies of life and the human heart with a photographic clarity. Demonstrating equal measures technical skill and emotional sensitivity Julia has lead us to a place unforeseen at the beginning of her latest artistic journey.

- John Parkinson
Exerpt from Press Release

Unveiling

2008-05-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'm happy that with my first new post in a while I get to announce the unveiling of one of my newest works: This Storied Heart.

My painting is in a three-person show opening next month at Form, Space Light Gallery in Fremont. It takes up the entire north wall of the gallery, with pieces of collage extending past the borders of the painting and onto the wall. It's my first installation of this kind, and I'm very excited to share it.

Please stop by for the opening on June 6th, I'd love to see you! There will also be an artists' reception during the run of the show, and a closing event.

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Inspired Geometries

Julia Hensley
Joseph Keppler
John Parkinson
Mike Sweeney

Recent Painting and Sculpture

June 6th through July 20th

OPENING RECEPTION
June 6th during Fremont's First Friday Artwalk
6pm-9pm

ARTISTS' RECEPTION
Saturday, June 14th
6pm-9pm

CLOSING RECEPTION
Sunday, July 20th
2pm-5pm

619 N 35th St
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98103
Ph./Fax: (206) 545-6974
Email: info@fslgallery.com
Hours: By appointment
-----------------------------------------------------

Photo by Richard Nicol
This Storied Heart (non-installation view)
Acyrlic and Goauche Collage
on Watercolor Paper
52" w x 45" h

Intuition

2008-03-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Acrylic and gouache on paper and parchment
Approximately 3' x 5'

Richard Nicol

2008-03-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

I took a pile of collages over to artist and photographer, Richard Nicol's house the other day to be photographed. I am excited to get high-resolution, high-quality images of the work I've been posting snapshots of here.

What a great conversation, culminating in Richard showing me some of his gunpowder drawings - drawings made by lighting black powder and modern gunpowder on heavy, textured paper. The marks left, in a palette of grays, siennas, browns and blacks, have a grit and a subtlety that has to be seen.

this storied heart

2008-03-14T04:40:00.001-07:00

approximately 4'x5'
gouache and acrylic collage on watercolor paper
2008

must go see before last day. . .

2008-03-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Courtesy Of Opificio Delle Pietre Dure, Florence
"The Creation" is one of the restored Lorenzo Ghiberti door panels from the Florence Baptistery. Three of the 15th-century gilt bronze panels are on display at the Seattle Art Museum through April 6.

studio

2008-03-06T01:22:00.000-08:00

Fremont First Friday

2008-03-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 7
6-8

Form-Space-Light Gallery
619 N 35th St, Ste 100
In the Alley North of the PCC Parking Garage

Look for the blue and orange doors.

206-545-6974
fslgallery@gmail.com
www.formspacelight.com

Official opening! Work by John Parkinson, Joseph Kepler, Julia Hensley et al

realize

2008-03-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

about 2'x'3'
acrylic and gouache on watercolor paper
with bristol board and parchment collage

panning blind

2008-02-26T13:56:00.001-08:00

acrylic and gouache collage on paper, bristol board and parchment
approx. 2'x3'

party at form-space-light gallery

2008-02-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 23
2-5pm

Form-Space-Light Gallery
619 N 35th St, Ste 100
In the Alley North of the PCC Parking Garage

Look for the blue and orange doors.

206-545-6974
fslgallery@gmail.com
www.formspacelight.com

This is the unofficial pre-opening party, and a chance to see my collages together with some of the little acrylics that began this whole phase of work back in 2003. (The official opening will be on Fremont's First Friday ArtWalk in March).

Walking From Queens;
Acrylic on Paper
9 7/8" x 3 3/4"
2003

matisse

2008-02-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

"I am inhabited by things that wake me but do not reveal themselves."

(translation by Caroline Beamish)

intermission: into the wild

2008-02-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

Watch the trailer here

I love small, non-Hollywood plots that contain a world; this one got to me in part because I couldn't help but be reminded of my own Alaskan adventure. And more specifically and uneasily, of the urge to challenge oneself to the point, sometimes, of foolishness. . . Based on the true story by Jon Krakauer and sharply directed by Sean Penn, it's about a young man who forsakes society to face and find himself in the wilds of Alaska. Emile Hirsch plays Christopher McCandless with absorption and fire, cheekbones, ribcage and all.

a work in progress

2008-02-14T12:28:00.001-08:00

I couldn't resist as it's Valentine's Day. This is very much still in the works, things shifting and morphing. But the feel is there.

desert night

2008-02-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

approximately 4'x5'
acrylic and gouache on paper, parchment and Bristol board

even the queen

2008-02-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

acrylic & gouache on bristol board, parchment & paper
roughly 4' x 5'

the latest from studio 6N.

beyond explaining

2008-01-25T08:54:00.001-08:00

possibility

2008-01-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

aquarelle pencil & gouache collage
5x7" 2006

matisse, collage, and chaos

2008-01-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

student collage
18x24"
acrylic on paper on Bristol Board
2007

We're off to a good start in our class at Pratt Fine Arts Institute. This is a favorite one to teach. Students make amazing collages, and the progression really gets me thinking about how to convey principles of design. Surprises abound.

I found a lovely book on Matisse's collages last night at Elliott Bay Books, then returned to the studio for a productive night, completely absorbed in something new and blue. . .and black. Order from chaos/chaos vs order. . .

favorable conditions

2008-01-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

aquarelle pencil & gouache collage
5x7" 2006

touch

2008-01-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

aquarelle pencil & gouache collage
5x7" 2007

art dialogue alive and well

2008-01-22T10:47:00.000-08:00

"People say the blues is sad, well not for me. Sometimes sadness is happiness cause it gets you somewhere else." - Andree Carter

Last night's digital slide show and artist talk at the Kirkland Arts Center was informative and surprisingly well attended. I mean, folks actually showed up for a slide lecture on art! What a shot in the arm. It was a pleasure to be asked to speak about one's work in the first place; to have a full audience of engaged, attentive people show up to hear what we artists had to say was a surprise and a real delight.

As a member of that audience as well as a speaker, it gave me a sense of connection to hear each artist speak about his or her process, to see a glimpse of the work's development, and best of all, to hear the small revelations that speak volumes about the person's internal responses and inner lodestones.

Andree Carter's description of chaotic dinners as a child at her Italian family's home in New Orleans with "everyone huggin you and kissin you and stuffin you with food", then looking down at the black and white checkerboard floor and thinking, "now there's order!" was priceless. The checkerboard or grid has become her "muse" she said, and sure enough it is visible throughout her work, a personal, recurring theme.

There were so many wonderful parallels in all of our paintings/prints. The grid occurs not only in some of Eric Chamberlain's earlier work (and resonates still in his obscured horizontals and verticals), but in Ellen Rutledge's "windows" (my word for the rectangular vignettes that make up many of her prints) and, to my surprise, in some of Larry Calkins's work, too ("it took me forever to make all those squares!" he commented about one large and handsome painting).

Solitary studio creature that I am (and that most artists necessarily are), I am tempted to call for a conscious revival of the art cafe, the art salon, heck, just some kind of forum where artists can physically get together and share. But it was more than that - it was the invitation to the public, and the fact that people showed up and were interested, that was ultimately so heartwarming and enlivening. There ought to be more visual art venues like this!

Huge thanks to Cable Griffith, Kamla Kakaria, and the Kirkland Arts Center for making it happen and helping to keep the visual conversation buzzing.

dream

2008-01-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

aquarelle pencil & gouache collage
5x7" 2007

I made this the day after waking from a vivid dream about a friend being in Hollywood.

new abstracts - from the deep

2008-01-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

from the deep
aquarelle pencil & gouache collage
5x7" 2007

This is one of many little paintings done over the winter. They started as greeting cards. Something about the fact that they were cards and not >paintings< freed me up, and I am now making some much larger versions involving layers and layers of translucent paper and paint. My heart is in these and something is happening I can't quite put a finger on. . .

I'll post more soon.

installation

2008-01-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

monoprint

2008-01-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

15 seconds of non-art related fame

2008-01-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

Read NYT article here

Being interviewed about my Alaskan experience has got me thinking about it again. Who knows what might float up and into the studio?

At Exit Glacier with friends, Mary Mears, and Dave Atchison, on snowmobiles, circa 1989.

Artists Talk

2008-01-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 21
7pm

Looking Out, Looking In
KAC Instructor Exhibit
Curated by Kamla Kakaria
January 10 - February 9

Slide show, woo hoo! Come on over, it'll be interesting.

Did I mention it's a well-curated show, and the artists are fun to listen to?

Okay, this time we really ARE going for food and beer afterward. . .

the large collage - a glimpse of process

2008-01-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

Here's a bit of the progression, starting with the original photo of Georgetown through many phases of painting, cutting, sticking and painting more to form the final collage.

great opening!

2008-01-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

photos by Rob Angus

Thanks to all who came out on a sloppy Thursday night last week - the room was warm and buzzing, and the work looked terrific.

The elements that unified this show were even more apparent to me after seeing the work hanging together in person. In particular, I noticed variations on verticals and horizontals, collage, and subjects implied and obscured.

Andree Carter's dynamic drips and tabs, the evocative windows of Ellen Rutledge's prints, and the painterly implied landscapes of Eric Chamberlain, each offer a well-developed and distinctive vision. Larry Calkins's room full of works in metal, wax, paper, photographs and other found material, is powerful, personal and dark yet somehow playful at the same time - like the ring of charred sections of romance novels, titled "Unrequited". It was fascinating hearing him talk about the heavy braid of a woman's hair he included in the show, and the single streak of gray in it that moved him in it's humanness.

It was a pleasure to be in such great company, artistically and socially.

Thanks to Kamla, Cable, Quinn, KAC and sponsors for a great show!

Looking Out, Looking In

2008-01-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

Kirkland Arts Center
Curated by Kamla Kakaria
January 10 - February 9

Opening Reception
Thursday, January 10
6-8 pm
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Guest curator, Kamla Kakaria, makes a strong case for hanging the work of these artists together, and I am excited about being in this show.

I will be unveiling my first ever four-by-five foot urban collage, and showing five smaller ones. Only two of these have ever been shown before.

Make an evening of it and visit the other Kirkland galleries - it's their second Thursday Art Walk - and join us for a beer/dinner afterwards! Hope to see you there.
----------------------------------------------------

http://www.kirklandartscenter.org/contact.html
(Sorry, my hyperlinks don't seem to work in Blogger from the Mac.
If anyone knows about this, please lmk)

Kirkland Arts Center
620 Market Street
Kirkland, WA 98033-5421

KAC is accessible by bus on
Metro Routes #255 and #234

TEL: (425) 822-7161
FAX: (425) 889-2963
EMAIL: Kirkland Arts Center

Gallery Hours:
Monday through Friday 11am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm

Second Thursday each month until 8:00pm, in conjunction with the Kirkland Gallery Association ART WALK

Form-Space-Light. . .and the Duomo

2007-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Form-Space-Light Gallery
619 N. 35th Street, Ste 100 (alley between 34th and 35th)
Seattle, WA
545-6974
fslgallery@gmail.com

Opening and Holiday Party
Saturday, December 22, 6-10pm
I'll be there!

Original model of Brunelleschi's unsupported dome at the Museo dell'Opera, Florence

I just spent an hour or so at Form-Space-Light Gallery in Fremont with owner, John Parkinson, and sculptor and writer, Joseph Keppler.

Joe is a terrific metal artist in the vein of Calder, each piece an inventive and beautifully executed idea. The gallery is a warm and inviting space, and the work on display is well curated and affordable, too. Check it out if you're in the neighborhood - the parties are fun and there's one this Saturday, I'll be strolling down the hill to meet the artists and drink a glass of wine.

Well, we got to talking about the Duomo in Florence and the fascinating story of how it was built. I mentioned I had taken some pictures and promised to post them, so here you go, John!

I saw the Duomo daily during my time in Florence - it's like a magnet at the center of town, you can't stray far before it pulls you back - and my memories of the striped stone exterior and massive presence of the church are still vivid. A couple of these shots are from the museum, which has an engrossing display of the tools and machines and special scaffolding used to build the dome, the likes of which had never been constructed before. The logistics required considerable ingenuity, and the story of how it eventually got built is one of the page-turners in art history.

The tale is entertainingly told in Ross King's bestseller, "Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture" (Penguin Books, NY, 2000).

New collage

2007-12-13T23:48:00.001-08:00

Been working all day in the studio and it's late - a new collage, pretty much four by five feet and the biggest one I have attempted. It's for a group show at the Kirkland Arts Center in January, curated by Kamla Kakaria. I don't make a habit of promising art that hasn't been created yet, but something made me do it, and it's good. It makes me figure things out on the large scale, something I've been heading toward for a while now. It's going to work, I can feel it.

The image is Georgetown - a gray day, naturally. I'll post a picture of the collage when it's done.

more Paris

2007-11-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

A Michelangelo slave in the Louvre; Monday morning in the Rue Montorgeouil; and looking out the window of my apartment in the Rue de la Jusienne

go see Chuck

2007-11-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Chuck Close exhibit at Greg Kucera
October 4-November 10

212 Third Ave S
Seattle WA 98104
206-624-0770
http://www.gregkucera.com/

Why?

His inventiveness is inspiring. His portraits are humane and compelling even as they dazzle technically. And it is something of an artistic miracle the way he builds form from squiggles of color...even to a painter.

http://www.gregkucera.com/

Also showing, and worth the trip in his own right, is Drew Daly. Eloquently manipulated furniture and distorted photographs. And upstairs: prints by the quilters of Gee's Bend. A satisfying show all around.

"Lyle" by Chuck Close
(from the Greg Kucera website)

Paris

2007-11-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

The view from the top of the Centre Pompidou...my first day in Paris, jetlagged and wired...I'll post more shots from my trip, bit by bit, as the mood strikes.

Pratt, fish, and a long bus ride

2007-10-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

I got myself over on the bus to Salty's on Alki today for Pratt's celebration of volunteers, cheerleaders, contributors of all kinds - oh yes, and instructors of the year.

Breaking new ground at Pratt

Free drinks! People I know! And some new people - I had a great time talking to Gene Gentry Mc Mahon, artist and teacher, and walker. She has done some walking races and used to walk 75 miles a week to train. Inspiring...

Mimi Pierce, Jack Kleinart and others were recognized for their contributions to Pratt as an organization, along with six or seven of us teachers, in areas ranging from letterpress to blacksmithing. A quick intro, a handshake, a nice certificate, and back to my salmon, still warm...

It was truly gratifying to be recognized. And to look out into a room full of the generous and engaged people who contribute their time, money and energy to this organization. We teachers are so cloistered away in our classrooms, but suddenly I felt part of the Seattle art community.

Thanks to all of them and to Pratt for the appreciation, and for giving so many artists work, encouragement and opportunities.

Most of all, a big, warm thanks to my students who cared enough to vote - the gesture is deeply felt and goes a long way.

(And the fish, by the way, was very tender and tasty, with rapini and yummy spuds - nice job, Salty's!).

they shoot painters don't they

2007-10-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Photographer Vicki Grayland and I had a great time the other day shooting pictures at Pratt Fine Arts Center.

It was supposed to look like my studio, so I made a sort of collage on the walls of whatever I had to hand - old work I use in class, fabric, postcards, and squares of origami paper.

The painting was something I started on the spot, no time to think, just started cutting and sticking more of those squares and slapping down acrylic paint. And you know? I think this was good for me!

She was after a certain light...it became a collaboration.

Too much fun...

2-d Instructor of the Year/ SHOW OPENS TONIGHT

2007-10-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Julia Hensley, Red/Yellow 45th, Oil on Panel, 2006

-----------------------
PRATT Fine Arts Gallery
Toshiro Kaplan Building
3rd & Washington Streets

Thursday, October 4th
6-8pm
Show runs through the end of the month
Gallery hours are Fri-Sat 12-5
-----------------------
Party following at my studio
619 Western
Studio 6N, Sixth Floor
-----------------------

I have been voted Teacher of the Year in the 2D studio at Pratt Fine Arts Center.

This means a terrific trophy replete with hotglue gunned embellishments (I'll get a photo of that but in the meantime, let your imagination run wild), the gift of $300 toward classes at Pratt (letterpress!), an award ceremony by the city at a Salty's on Alki, and a much-welcom sense of appreciation for seven years of teaching my heart out.

HUGE THANKS to all my students who voted - your work, excitement, and support is much appreciated.

There are six of my paintings in the accompanying show, along with work by my fellow-awardees in the 3-d departments. Stop by, it would be grand to see you! Or visit later, it'll be up for a month.

619 Western

2007-07-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have a new studio!

Six floors of art studios in an old brick with wood beams in Pioneer Square. It used to be a photo studio, so has a radiused back wall. I am not sure yet how I'm going to use that, I just know that it inspires me. . .could there be installations in my future?

First Thursday, tonight, October 4th - If you're in the hood, stop in and see me and get a dose of the atmosphere and art - this building is happening.

Studio 6N on the 6th floor at 619 Western, corner of Western and Yesler.
Come on up.

Opening night

2007-01-25T22:44:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite moments during the opening of my show last Thursday was when I caught the eye of an eight year old girl who shyly told me that, at first, she didn't see anything but shapes in my pictures. Then suddenly, she saw "a phone pole" and "a building, and a car"!

After a solid year alone in the studio, the pleasure of hearing the reactions of viewers is immensely gratifying.

The entire evening was electrifying for me, with waves of people coming in the door and so many gracious comments and perceptive questions. Thank you to everyone who came as well as to all those who have shown an interest in the work online.

Special thanks to:

Christina Neuman for the masterful job of curating and hanging my paintings and Joel Kershner's photographs.

Kristen Baylis, Vitale's events coordinator for the great work in organizing all the details. The catering looked delicious (though I was too excited to try any of that sushi!) the wine flowed, and the warmth and buzz were palpable.

Nicholas Vasi for the website and beautiful invitations.

Most of all, deep thanks to Mr. Richard Caturano for his extraordinary vision and patronage of the arts.

Richard Caturano

Professor of Studio Art at UMass Boston, Wilfredo Chiesa

Mr. Caturano with art dealer, Sunne Savage

Peter Hensley and Suzanne Renna

Urban Abstract: Julia Hensley at Vitale, Caturano Gallery

2007-01-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

Vitale, Caturano & Company
presents

Julia Hensley
Joel Kershner
Urban Abstract

Reception
Thursday January 18, 2007
80 City Square, Charlestown
5:30pm — 7:30pm

R.S.V.P. to Kristen Baylis
617.241.1440 or events@vitale.com

Gallery is open by appointment

View the show at www.vitale.com
--------------------------------------

I will be in Boston for the opening. I'd love to see you there!

Please email me at julia@juliahensley.com with comments or questions about the work or contact the gallery at www.vitale.com

Price range is under $3000 for all works.

Julia Hensley
Hot Day Bremerton
20 x 16"
Oil on Panel

Julia Hensley
Red Sky Lake City
20 x 16"
Oil on Panel

Julia Hensley
14th & Leary
20 x 16"
Oil on Panel

Julia Hensley Acrylics on Paper at Paul Thiebaud Gallery

2006-09-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Julia Hensley
Vegas Long Blue
Acrylic on Paper
8 X 4", 2003

The Paul Thiebaud Gallery, located in the lively North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, introduced this group of my seminal acrylics on paper last year at the San Francisco International Art Exposition, and at Art Chicago in the Park in 2005. These intimate works on paper are now available at the gallery (images and information below).

All works are matted and framed, price range is currently $1200-$1400. (Please note: the actual paintings are a lot more vibrant in color than their ghosts on the internet.)

Julia Hensley
Flatiron
Acrylic on Paper
7 X 5", 2003

Julia Hensley
Upper West Side
Acrylic on Paper
7 X 5", 2003

Julia Hensley
The Old Frontier
Acrylic on Paper
3 X 10", 2003

Julia Hensley
Spring in Back Bay
Acrylic on Paper
8 X 6", 2003

Julia Hensley
Houston Street
Acrylic on Paper
7 X 5", 2003

Julia Hensley
Walking From Queens
Acrylic on Paper
3 X 10", 2003

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco and would like to see the paintings shown, or the range of my oil paintings currently at the gallery, please contact them ahead of time and they will be happy to present the work, or contact me and I will arrange a visit for you.

You can also request an information packet with printouts from the gallery. Anne Morganti or one of the other friendly associates will be glad to answer questions.

PAUL THIEBAUD GALLERY
718 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, California 94133
Tel: 415.434.3055
Email: info@paulthiebaudgallery.com

Sue Danielson, Featured Student

2006-08-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Walk in the Park #12
Sue Danielson
Acrylic on Canvas
11x14"

Walk in the Park #13
Sue Danielson
Acrylic on Canvas
16x20"

Sue Danielson is one of my regular private students, and it's a joy working with her. This summer, she completed a series of plein air landscapes at her neighborhood Magnuson Park, where she discovered a palette of muted greens and golds.

The Walk in the Park series is now on view in Sue's first solo show, at the Roosevelt Square Starbucks (upstairs next to Blockbuster Video). Stop by and enjoy her affectionate take on a familiar landscape while you sip your coffee:

Roosevelt Square Starbucks
NE 65th and Roosevelt Ave NE
through October 2

Or visit Sue's studio on the coolest street in town during the Ballard Art Walk:

Ballard Art Walk
every second Saturday of the month from 6-9pm
Queen Hotel
5308 Ballard Ave, Suite 7

"I love working with Julia. Often times she sends me on my way with a new concept or painting technique to consider. These little gems are delivered in such a gentle manner that their full effect doesn’t really hit me until later, after I’ve picked up a paint brush again. Needless to say, Julia’s wise mentoring has significantly impacted me and allowed me to progress as a painter far beyond what I could have imagined."

New Fall Class at Pratt

2006-07-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

The following class is now open for registration. Sign up soon!

Drawing and Dialogue with the Masters

Ever have a baffling visit to a museum or gallery? Get on familar terms with famous artists as you learn what to look for in their work AND how to talk about it with confidence in this hands-on art appreciation and drawing class. We interpret paintings, drawings, and sculpture from Michelangelo to Matisse using graphite, charcoal, ink, and colored pencil, then share our discoveries with one another in open discussions. Feel your confidence grow as you learn to see, use, and verbalize the concepts that build a work of art, including negative space, light and shadow, color, and composition, as well as mood, concept and viewpoint. We develop a vocabulary of art terms and practice using it in a fun and active environment. Class culminates with a visit to the Frye Art Museum.

10am - 1pm, 9/21 - 10/26
Number of Sessions: 6
Course Fee: $160

Pratt Fine Arts Center

Julia Hensley
Velazquez/Infanta Study 2
Graphite on paper
4 x 5 1/2"
2005

Diego Rodriquez de Silva y Velazquez
Maria Teresa Infanta of Spain
1561-1654
Oil on canvas
12 7/8 x 15 1/8"
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Here are answers to some questions about this class from students. Let me know if you have others.

Q: "Master artists" - does that mean I have to be an advanced student?

A: No. The master artists are the ones we will be studying. The class is open to all.

Q: If we are "interpreting" does that mean I have to already have a "style"?

A: No, though you may find the class helps you uncover and explore personal ways of working. In making our own study of a work by another artist, we first learn how the work is designed. But we break free of the original and make the work our own by learning how to make variations on the theme and use it as a creative springboard.

Q: Will this class help me in my own work?

A: Absolutely. The class is designed to strengthen your drawing and creative skills. It also aims to give you a language for analyzing other artists' work that can equally be applied to your own.

Juried Show, St James, NY

2006-07-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Two of the collages I made on a residency at the Weir Farm Art Center in Connecticut earlier this year (see Residency Notes, posted May 4, 2006) have been selected for a juried show at the Mills Pond House Gallery in St. James, New York.

The juror is Colta Ives, Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Saturday, August 26 - Saturday, September 23, 2006
Opening reception: August 26 from 2-4pm

Smithtown Township Arts Council
Millls Pond House Gallery
660 Route 25A
St. James, NY 11780
631-862-66575
www.stacarts.org

Left:
Julia Hensley
65th & Roosevelt; 2006
Gouache-on-paper collage
7 3/4" x 6"

Right:
Julia Hensley
65th Red/Green; 2006
Gouache-on-paper collage
7 1/2" x 6

Gee's Bend Quilts at Greg Kucera

2006-07-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

If you see just one exhibit this summer in Seattle, make it this one.

Fifteen quilts and several dazzling prints by the quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama are on view at Greg Kucera Gallery through September 2. More work will be on view in Tacoma, and again in San Francisco in the fall.

The Saturday after the show opened, I was lucky enough to attend a talk by three of the artists: Mary Lee Bendolph, Loretta Pettway, and Louisiana Bendolph. These extraordinary women are like messengers from another culture and time, and their stories, their warmth, and their sheer presence sent palpable ripples through those who saw them and heard them speak (and sing).

Built in larger blocks than conventional quilts, the Gee's Bend compositions are bold, alive and confident. The dynamic, surprising color arrangements place them beyond the category of pure craft and firmly in the realm of art (despite the fact that their makers had never heard the term "artist" until recently, much less applied it to themselves). While the designs are visually powerful, their impact is additionally poignant because of the function of the objects, the recycled fabric and the history of the makers.

Greg Kucera Gallery
Quilts of Gee's Bend

Image:
Lola Pettway
Housetop Variation, 2002
Tinwood Ventures

Private Mentoring

2006-05-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

I am currently enrolling students for private art sessions at my home in north Seattle. Rates are $60 per hour. Come as often or as infrequently as you like. All levels welcome.

>>>Private mentoring is personalized support for motivated art students who desire professional feedback, encouragement and direction.

Email or call me for details
julia@juliahensley.com
206-931-7407

Details and FAQ's follow.
_____________________________________________________

Tamara Belland is a third-year illustration student at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

She recently had three pieces accepted to the 1-2-3 Show at Cornish. This oil pastel won one of two honorable mentions for her year.

Tamara visits me every month for an hour-and-a-half private mentoring session.

Tamara Belland, oil pastel, 16 1/2" x 22 1/2"

"Julia truly cares and gives an honest assessment, as well as helping me through any blocks I have toward being the best artist I can be. My artwork, as well as my confidence, have grown tremendously." - Tamara Belland
_____________________________________________________
Every artist needs some form of encouragement and feedback. Private lessons or "mentoring" with the right teacher can be an effective way to further every aspect of your art practise, from what to paint to how to paint it, and where to go from there. Students of all levels can make great leaps in a short time with an infusion of one-on-one attention and encouragement.
___________________________________________________

FAQ's: Following are some answers to frequently-asked questions about my private sessions.

>Do I draw while you watch, or how does it work?

The mentoring sessions are driven by you and what you wish to achieve. While hands-on drawing and painting lessons are available, generally we focus on work you have done on your own outside of class, with drawing built into the discussion.

A typical session goes like this: I look at your work and listen to your questions. I try to get a sense of what you need and are ready to hear. Then I make specific, constructive observations, sometimes accompanied by short demonstrations. I offer creative exercises, simple explanations, and concrete techniques to address problems and stretch your abilities. I frequently suggest artists for you to look at that may be inspiring to you and pull out relevant art books from my collection. Together we propose projects to work on till the next time. I make suggestions, and you follow up on what sounds enjoyable or beneficial to you. Some students take notes. Everyone who is able to work between times shows marked progress from one session to the next.

>Should I take private sessions while taking other classes?

Mentoring can accelerate your absorption of material while taking another class. You get to ask me all the questions your teacher may not have time for. Taking private mentoring instead of a class is an excellent option, too, when you don't want to be tied in to six or eight sessions. A nice thing about private sessions is that you can cancel or reschedule up to the night before with no charge.

>I work in media other than painting or drawing. Would I benefit from mentoring from you?

Most likely yes. Most art projects involve the same basic principles of concept, design, form, color, content, and execution. I don't have to be an expert in your medium to offer insight into the artistic principles involved in mediums as varied as stained glass, silk painting, printmaking, and sculpture. For specific technical advice, mediums within my immediate expertise include graphite, charcoal, colored pencil/aquarelle, ink, pastels, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oils, collage, pastels, and blockprinting.

>How often should I come?

Most students benefit from regular weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions, depending on how much time they feel they will have to work on their art. Or you may schedule a session whenever you need a boost - I am flexible to your needs.

>How much is a session?

Classes are $60 per hour. Pay following each session with cash or check, or buy up to five sessions in advance.

>Where are they held?

Sessions are held at my home in the north end of Seattle, off Sand Point Way on 105th St. I do on occasion make house calls if you are in my general area.

>Contact:
Email or call me to set up a time, or to find out more
julia@juliahensley.com
206-931-7407

Upcoming Shows

2006-05-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

My work will be included in the following shows in 2007

January 17-April 18 2007
John Raimondi Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts
New city images will be shown with photographer Joel Kershner's close-up urban views in this extended two-person show at the corporate gallery of Vitale, Caturano Inc.
http://www.vitale.com/R04/gallery/gallery.asp

Fall 2007
Sullivan Goss Gallery in Santa Barbara, California
The City Works group show will be shown in the new contemporary space of Sullivan Goss Gallery, on Anapamu Street opposite the Santa Barbara Art Museum. The gallery specializes in early 20th Century California landscape painters and carries a strong selection of urban imagery which will be gathered together for this show.
www.sullivangoss.com

Fall 2007
Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, Connecticut
Weir Farm Trust Retrospective
Group show. Presented in the context of American Impressionism in Connecticut, this exhibit will showcase twenty artists of the 350 residents who have participated over nine years of the Weir Farm Trust program.
www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org

Residency Notes

2006-05-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

January, 2006
Weir Farm Trust Residency in Wilton, Connecticut
www.weirfarmtrust.org

American impressionist painter, J. Alden Weir, bought the beautiful New England property known as Weir Farm in the 1900's for a painting plus $10. He lived with his family and painted on the farm for the rest of his life, welcoming many prominent fellow artists to work on his property, including Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent, and John Twachtman.

The farm has been preserved almost intact, and is one of only two National Parks devoted to art (the other being St. Gaudens in New Hampshire). It is run jointly by the National Park Service and the Weir Farm Trust, which hosts artists to enjoy the inspired setting. Only one artist at a time is selected for a residency; mine was two weeks long.

I lived in the former cottage of the farm manager and his family. In the lovely attic studio, I produced eight cityscape collages in gouache on Bristol board, which I am now translating, along with ten more done before and since the residency, into oils on panel. Below is a preview; high-quality digital images will be forthcoming on the website.

(left)
Julia Hensley
Cranium's Coffee
Gouache on Bristol Board collage, 2006
5" x 6"

(right)
Julia Hensley
Cranium's Coffee
Oil on Panel, 2006
9" x 7 1/2"

Spring and Summer Classes

2006-04-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

After a sabbatical of two semesters, I am ready to teach again and look forward to the following three classes. I'd love to see you! Please contact Pratt or Kirkland Arts Center directly to register, but feel free to contact me with questions about course content - or just to say hello.

SPRING

1. RE-ENERGIZE YOUR PROJECT
Bring in a painting, drawing, or other visual art project in any stage of development for an infusion of individual attention and fresh information. This workshop is designed to unstick the stuck, recharge the muse, and provide concrete options for problem-solving in a friendly studio environment. Focus points are tailored to each student but include drawing, composition, color, making studies, specific media techniques, content and intention. A stimulating class for those new to working on their own, for seasoned artists, or for anyone simply needing a fresh eye on their work. Everyone welcome.

PRATT Fine Arts Center
Saturday JULY 1-Sunday JULY 2
10:00am - 6:00pm
$140
www.pratt.org
(206)328-2200

SUMMER

2. SKETCHING OUTDOORS
(We meet at four spots around central Seattle. Exact locations will be sent to you when you sign up).

Practice your drawing in a relaxed summer environment with guidance specific to small-scale sketching, and lots of tips on technique. Basic drawing concepts (contour, angles and proportions, negative space, light and shadow) and an introduction to colored pencils are integrated into our explorations of prearranged spots around the city. Learn a variety of approaches to all manner of complex forms encountered out of doors, including trees, flowers, water, boats, cars, people, streets, buildings and animals. Play with compositional ideas as you examine and enjoy your environment. Lots of individual feedback and demonstrations.

PRATT Fine Arts Center
Thursdays, July 6-27 (four classes)
10:00am - 1:00pm
$140
www.pratt.org
(206)328-2200

Julia Hensley
Horse
ink on paper
4 1/2 x 6"

3. OUTDOOR SKETCHING (Kirkland)
Take advantage of the summer days to explore the neighborhood with a sketchpad. Lessons on contour, angles and relationships, negative space, light and shadows, texture and detail will be woven into our studies of the great outdoors of Kirkland. Four nearby local spots will be announced ahead of time, with Kirkland Arts Center Gallery as a backup in case of rain. We focus on ways to simplify trees, flowers and people, boats, buildings and streets into manageable drawing terms. This relaxed class is an opportunity to develop your drawing skills outdoors and to practice at your own pace. Lots of individual feedback and demos. Prerequisite: Some drawing experience helpful. Supply list provided.

KIRKLAND ARTS CENTER
Tuesdays, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
August 8 – 29 (4 classes)
Member: $85 Nonmember: $95
www.kirklandartscenter.org
(425) 822-9294