Julie Cross

UK-based painter, Julie Cross, creates enigmatic figurative works that are impressionistic/expressionistic, characterised by rich textures and powerful gestures. Mostly working with semi-abstracted female forms, she seeks to highlight some of the essentials of human existence, such as the interconnections between humans and their environment, the mysteries of memory and the role of fate.

"Gesture and silhouette are vital as I attempt to distil only the very essence of an idea or narrative," says Julie. "I am fascinated by people and their stories, and texture and light are often the visual (and physical) qualities that I most like to utilise in my complex, multi-layered work."

Julie is influenced by the sense of mystery of the early figurative work of Nathan Oliveira and the Bay Area Figurative movement, as well as the visceral paint handling of Walter Sickert and the post-impressionists. Her paintings often have fascinating layered surfaces that can take months, even years to create, as she applies, abrades and even completely removes paint, so that time itself helps create the surface and suggests figures. This attempt to create and find meaning from the dense and sometimes fractured substrate is akin to the creation of...

M.A. in History of Art (York University) - Distinction

D. Phil. in Children's Literature (National Institute for Research in Children's Literature, London)

M.A. in Childhood Studies (Leeds Metropolitan University)

B.A. in English and Literature (Leeds University) - First Class Honours

1-Year Post-graduate Mentoring Programme, Newlyn School of Art, Cornwall

In addition, Julie has studied widely in her artistic practice, including working with leading figurative and portrait artists in the United States and the UK.

Julie was the Chair and Exhibitions Co-ordinator for the national art group, the Association of Animal Artists, for four years.

ING Discerning Eye Exhibition (online), Nov - Jan 2021

Ardent Gallery Small Picture Show, Brecon, Wales, 1 - 15 February 2020

The Harrogate Open 2019 (biennial), The Mercer Gallery, Harrogate, 11 October - 15 January 2020

ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London, 14 - 24 November 2019

THUMP OF THE TALE, joint exhibition, The Granary Gallery, Weston Park, Shropshire, 28 September - 30 October 2019

FIGURING FAIRY TALES, joint exhibition (Escapist Tales), The Bowery, Leeds, 17 November 2018 - 18 January 2019

RAW RICH group exhibition, PZ Gallery, Penzance, 24 - 26 November 2017 (Newlyn School of Art)

ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London, November 2017

The Harrogate Open 2017 (biennial), The Mercer Gallery, Harrogate, 17 June - 3 September 2017

'Fabriano in Aquarello', International Watercolour Exhibition (IWS), Fabriano, Italy, April - May 2017 (representing the UK)

ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London, November 2016

Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition, The Mall Galleries, London, October 2016

National Exhibition of Wildlife Art, Cheshire, 14 - 31 July 2016

'Fabriano in Aquarello' International Watercolour Exhibition (IWS...