Julie Hammer’s artistic interests emerged during her childhood and were encouraged by her mother’s creative influence. She pursued her love for art, receiving an art degree in Graphic Design from the University of Kansas in 1983. A few years later, she shifted her emphasis from design to watercolor painting. She has shown her work in a variety of shows and art fairs over the years.
Julie’s paintings capture her interest in family life and the beauty of God’s creation. Her bright colors, attention to detail and use of scriptures have made her paintings, prints and cards favorites among her growing clientele. Julie specializes in creating custom artwork for clients, especially portraits and home portraits. She primarily paints with watercolor and acrylic, but also works in other media, including pen & ink, pencil, colored pencil, digital art and graphic design.
The themes for her work include Floral, Landscape, Still Life, Children, Christmas & Holiday, Collegiate, Scripture, Portraits & Home Portraits. In addition to her own work as an artist, Julie has taught art in a private high school and offered private art lessons and small group classes. Julie lives in Lawrence, Kansas with her husband and children.
I am fascinated with God’s creation, and I delight in being able to take what I see and reproduce it into a work of art. It brings me great satisfaction when I create something that others enjoy. I realize that the ability to paint and create art is a blessing from the Lord, and I am so very thankful to Him and desire to give Him glory through my artwork. For most of my paintings I start with a good photograph and spend time studying the subject, working up a pleasing composition, and drawing the basic outline before beginning the painting process. I try to pay close attention to lighting and shadows, using contrasting colors and values to create the right atmosphere and depth. Detail, texture and pattern are important to me as I work to complete each painting. Watercolor has been my paint of choice for so many years, and this versatile, transparent media continues to intrigue me. However, I have recently begun to paint with acrylic, and I appreciate how this opaque paint gives me certain options that are unavailable in watercolor. I also enjoy incorporating digital art into some of my creations. Discovering new techniques & media is important to me, so that I can choose the best process for each project. Events & Classes
See Julie’s artwork at one of these events:
November 1-30, 2023 Exhibit
S&S Artisan Pub & Coffeehouse
2228 Iowa, Lawrence, KS
Meet the Artist – Saturday, November 11, 5:00-7:00 pm.
Check back for future events & shows
Home School Art Classes
Julie teaches various techniques in drawing, painting, and other art forms, using a variety of mediums. Some examples of medium include pencil drawing, watercolor painting, oil pastel, multi-media, as well as projects which incorporate crafting skills. She will also teach some art theory and art history when it applies to the specific project.
Itinerary for Fall 2023
Fall 2023 classes are forming now! The class meets in Lawrence, KS. The 8 week fall semester dates are:
September 8, 15, 22, October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 10.
The fall semester class teaching content will include learning about color theory, perspective, and studying Vincent Van Gogh and Impressionism. The projects will include watercolor painting, oil pastel drawing, mixed media project, and a foil relief project which includes several different media and processes.
Contact Julie for more information and to register!
Check back for Spring 2024 classes!
Please contact us for more information on any of these events or classes.
Awards
3rd place for “Best of Lawrence 2023” in the Artist Category
2nd place for “Best of Lawrence 2022” in the Artist Category
2nd place for “Best of Lawrence 2021” in the Artist Category
3rd place for “Best of Lawrence 2020” in the Artist Category
Top 5 Finalist for “Best of Lawrence 2019” in the Artist Category
Top 15 Christian Art Blogs…to Follow in 2018
Julie’s website blog was chosen as one of the “Top 15 Christian Art Blogs” on blog.feedspot.com! Click here for “Top 15 Christian Art Blogs”
2017 Carl Junction Literary and Visual Arts Contest
The following art pieces by Julie won medals and were published in the Carl Junction Visual Arts Contest’s annual publication:
Photography – Gold Medal – Sunflower with Bee
Photography – Silver Medal – Sunflower Bud
Color Drawing – Gold Medal – Irene
Color Painting – Silver Medal – Summer Sky
Black & White Drawing – Silver Medal – Cooper
Digital Artwork – Bronze Medal – I am the Vine
