Julie Connor is a diverse, UK based, multi-talented artist with a passion for creating unique and personalised artwork.
Working in a variety of media, she creates beautiful original paintings

that are inspired by current home decor trends; lifelike photo realistic pencil and pastel portraits and one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery

ABOUT

Julie is a predominantly self taught, multi-media artist. Born in Staffordshire, she now lives in Colchester, Essex with husband Sean and has two children and two cats!

"I have been drawing and painting all my life, starting with art at school and at home as a hobby. Life then got in the way and instead of going to art school, I took the sensible option and established a career in nursing. Then I was getting married and having a family and there was never much time for my art any longer...."

Up until lockdown in March 2020, Julie was working as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Colchester, Clacton & Harwich Urgent Treatment Centres.

"I have taken art commissions for collectors as a side hustle for many years but always dreamed that one day I would give up the sensible job and follow my heart. For that very reason, Covid-19 has proved to be a bit of a blessing in disguise for me. As I have an auto immune condition, I was advised to isolate which then forced the issue of giving up nursing and I have been able to concentrate on my art business full-time from my home studio which has been fantastic."

Some years ago, Julie also worked in television for the BBC as a Medical Advisor on two drama series: Holby City and Silent Witness.

"This is where I really began to get commissions for portraits, as the cast and crew would see me sketching on the back of scripts during long filming schedules."

“I have had a passion for art since I was a small child. Having an artist uncle was a big influence. In fact many of my ancestors were artists too.

More recently, my move into abstraction started with a love of interior design and the desire for unique original artwork to compliment my own home decor."

Julie's current focus is abstraction, but still welcomes pencil and pastel portrait commissions. She also works in watercolour, producing semi-abstract style paintings.

"I love portraiture and continue to commission regularly. I get a real buzz from creating photo realistic portraits and the perfectionist in me really strives for hyperrealism! (See portraits section).

I love the challenges and rewards of all of the mediums I work within. I'm heavily inspired by nature and the world we live in. Music has a strong influence on my emotions which will also translate to my work.

In my studio, I paint what I love and what I see behind my closed eyes. I also pride myself on being able to turn my hand to pretty much anything commission wise. I certainly don't think I could ever be called a one trick pony!"

Thank you for visiting the site. Feel free to have a look around and view the portfolio galleries and online shop. If there are any questions, or you require any further information, please don't hesitate to get in touch!