Julian Wills

I look for interest in the unexceptional, the stark and the seemingly uninteresting. Drawing from childhood memories and retrospective imaginings I attempt to produce images that are unashamedly attractive in a knowingly naive albeit sometimes surreal style. I draw and paint what is around me. I have a fondness for buildings and landscapes, but rather than simply focusing upon these as subjects, I strive to depict a place or time where when colours are bold, shadows deep and everything is seemingly imbued with great significance.

I paint for my own (and hopefully others) pleasure. I have no formal artistic training and have returned to my love of painting and drawing after a 20 year break...as a young adult my style was cynical, dark and very much rooted in fantasy and surrealism. Furthermore, my rekindled desire to paint was driven by a renewed interest in pop surrealism and lowbrow. However, despite harbouring an interest in the weird, deviant, cynical and ironic...an area I still wish to pursue at some stage, I have arrived at my current place. I hope my current work exhibits...dare I say it...sincerity without irony.

lots..none of which relates to my artwork however...and all of which is pretty much obsolete.

2013 Open Exhibition, NN, Northampton (juried)
2014 20x20 Open Show, The Sanctuary, Northampton (curated)
2014 National Open Art Competition Exhibition, London and Chichester (juried)