How to manipulate lines
Julie Tugwell is a selftaught painter living in Knysna. She is wellknown for her extreme attention to detail when painting the delicacy of flowers. Her intricate paintings can take up to four months to paint with size 000 brushes.
Julie explains, “I believe I have to perfect a painted line and understand colour and tone before I can be more free and expressive. I can best explain my belief in technique in terms of how Picasso perfected line over a lifetime, before he said he could manipulate a single line to speak for the whole. At times this striving for perfection can be laborious but I fill my studio with online talks of interest, audiobooks and music depending on my mood.”
It was in 2008 that Julie moved to the Garden Route and began working for the accomplished African textile designer Jill Mooney. She also began modelling and working for the renowned painter James Mooney.
Greatly influenced by these artists and finally accepting her naturally talented eye, she started painting miniature landscapes and nudes in the evenings. Jill and James Mooney became important mentors to her. “They have taught me the value of long hours, dedication and perseverance. My paintings are hard work, luck, practice and always challenging … I am grateful to them, my partner and other pivotal people in my life for their support of and belief in my talent.”
Julie has exhibited selectively over the years in notable galleries and is working towards a solo exhibition. Two of her paintings are currently on exhibition at the Conrad Pezula.
* More works are available for viewing by appointment or online with iAfricaGallery. Contact Sandy Bekker at 072 460 4444.