Alissa: The Fairy Queen: This charming “every dark-haired little girl” was my first commission. Her mother brought me a discolored old photo and said, “ Oh Julie, my big girl is going off to Paris tomorrow to study. She won’t ever truly be home again. Paint me a memory of my little girl. “
The Ballerinas Playing dress up is the best! Their aunt and I spent such a terrific morning taking the pictures for this painting. These non-identical twins are just filled with energy.
Behind the Curtain: Little girls love ballet. One of the great joys of it all is to have a performance and wear ballet shoes and a pink tutu. Ready for their performance, these little girls part the curtain to view the crowd.
Bubbles and Boys: Bubbles are forever fascinating and these young scientists are studying their composition.
Dad’s Been Far Away: Travel is so hard on everyone in the family. In “Dad’s Been Far Away,” my husband had been overseas on business. Family life, on the surface went along pretty much as usual, but with a big empty hole. When Dad returned, his boys folded themselves over and around him.
Ed & Penny: I was so pleased to be able to do this painting for Ed's birthday! Dorothy, his wife, gave me a picture of him thirty-six years ago with his favorite dog, Penny in his favorite chair that he still has!
Jordan and Sydney: This brother and sister are very good friends and Jordan always makes sure that Sydney is okay.
Lauren on the Swing: Lauren is one of those dark haired beauties who grow up to rule the world because they were born knowing how to rule themselves. I can hardly wait to see how she grows.
Sarah and Billy III is a Botticelli sort of traditional "Madonna and child" study. They are so connected in that golden light. For a little while they will have a world of their own.
So Happy Together: I was looking through my friend Christine Clarke Glennon's photos which is our ritual when we get together. She generously puts aside ones that she thinks will make good paintings. Suddenly, this wonderful Fourth of July picture was right in front of me!
The Straw Hat: A sombrero often brings out the madness even in a three year old. How great to try a big hat!
At the Beach
Catherine's First Performance: Those who have been through it know the hard work that goes into a child’s success. Here Catherine basks in the adoration of her mother after her very successful first piano recital.
Sean and his Boy: This was a practice painting for the larger opus but I love it. This is a real love match! The juice just goes back and forth.
After the Ball: This beautiful young woman couldn’t make up her mind about her portrait. Finally, she said,” Julie, paint what you would wish for me. Could you paint me in these $52,000 Tiffany earrings?” Of course! So here is my wish.
Skiing on Cooper Mountain. This family got together to spend winter vacation on Cooper Mountain, Colorado.
Great Grandmother Reading to Young Peter: I know, I know, she looks just like….But this is Betty Clarke and she is so very pleased to be reading to her first great grandchild, Young Peter.
At the Park: I love doing families! This is such a beautiful family. I know from my own family that paintings are hung on the wall and photographs are put into boxes. I love knowing what my relatives looked like. A great sage calls these portraits a family’s invisible wealth.
Nana
A Really Good Story: Even the cat is enchanted by this really good story! The little boy hasn’t eaten his cookie and his toes are in the air poised in concentration. The little girl is charmed. Everyone in the picture is really listening.
Click on any image to enlarge
A Really Good Story
After the Ball
Alissa the Fairy Queen
Ed and Penny
Dad's Been Far Away
Bubbles & Boys
The Ballerinas
Behind the Curtain
Jordan & Sydney
Lauren on the Swing
Skiing on Cooper Mt.
So Happy Together
First Performance
At the Park
At the Beach
Nana
The Straw Hat
Great Grandmother
Sarah & Billy III
Sean & his Boy

Gallery 6: Family Scenes