Introducing: Julie Bowers Murphy

Connecticut-based artist Julie Bower’s Murphy describes her work as “lonely, cinematic figurative paintings and soft-edged landscapes.” The statement, which always manages to bring a smile to my face whenever I read it, feels spot on to me.

I first discovered Julie’s work online and fell hard for the works from her Pastoral series, one of which I’m thrilled to say we have shown at The Willard Gallery - Seven Gents and a Goose. During our first conversation, Julie and I immediately connected over stories from our shared alma mater and the similar experience of making a life in New England as North Carolinians, but it didn’t take long for travel, art, and design to take hold of the conversation and I hung up with the feeling that I’d known Julie for years.

Julie has spent her career creating and designing. In addition to her work as an artist, she owned a well-known line of stationery and fabrics called Jack and Lulu. Her love for, and connection to, the sea is seen in much of her work, along with a refreshing looseness and sense of whimsy.

Julie has participated in numerous shows throughout New England and New York, including exhibitions at the Edward Hopper House Museum and the Prince Street Gallery. She resides and works in Connecticut and Provincetown.

Julie Bowers Murphy in her studio; [Available] Gulls over Maine Harbor — *Julie Bowers Murphy in her studio; [Available]* *Gulls over Maine Harbor*

What drives you to create?
I love bringing beauty into the world and strive to do that with my paintings.

What does your process look like?
Sometimes I tone the ground of the paintings-to cast a warm glow or neutral tone to the other layers of color. I love using different brushes to create visible strokes at times, or more control if I want to create a quiet feeling.

Who are your favorite artists?
Some of my favorite artists are Fairfield Porter, Alex Katz, Lois Dodd, Duncan Hannah and Maira Kalman.

A dream project or installation?
Nothing honors me more than seeing my work in someone’s house who loved it for their own space- truly that is my dream! But I would not mind seeing one of my paintings at The Met!

Do you have any go-to solutions for when you’re feeling creatively blocked?
I love looking through books about other artists- that always gets me thinking about how they arrived at subjects which often sparks ideas for me to open my mind.

What feeling do you hope your art evokes for a first time viewer?
A feeling of peace, beauty or intrigue- or maybe all of those things!

Where do you find inspiration?
I find much inspiration through my travels and my favorite places in New England.

[Available] Seven Gents & a Goose — *[Available]* *Seven Gents & a Goose*

Bucket list travel destination?
I would love to go to Morocco, Corsica, and Greece!

Tell us about the art hanging in your home.
We love collecting art! We have works by Raymond Pettibon, Duncan Hannah, Barry McGee, Kathy Coe, Laura Barr, Joel Meyerowitz, Martin Parr, Sergio Larrain, and more!

[Available] Porcupine Islands — *[Available]* *Porcupine Islands*

Describe your relationship with the sea and how it influences your work.
I have always felt drawn to the sea- I live by the water in Connecticut and spend a lot of time exploring my favorite seaside towns worldwide: Provincetown, Portland, Camden, Bar Harbor, Rockport, Cannes, St. Tropez, Marseille and Cassis.

How do you spend your free time when you’re not painting?
I love listening to all types of music and spending time with my kids and family.

An interesting fact about yourself that you’d like your collectors to know.
I am a Francophile and used to design a stationery line and fabrics called Jack and Lulu - no surprise - the designs were also inspired by the sea and all things French!