Julie Atkinson

Julie Atkinson began painting after working as a lawyer for ten years. What began with an impromptu purchase of a set of watercolor paint quickly grew into a passion for exploring the human figure and emotions through the colors and texture of oil paint. Her art education comes from self-directed online courses as well as from local community centers. Her work has been exhibited in galleries around the Bay Area. She is currently a member of the ACCI Gallery in Berkeley, California.
Julie’s work centers the emotional experience of Black women by creating images in oil paint that explore the ins and outs of finding self-esteem, healing and peace. Her paintings often feature textured hair, embracing it as a source of pride, and affirming the beauty in its volume and shape. She plays with levels of abstraction in both the body and the background to create a dream-like image. She is interested in how Black women can shut out the gaze of others and find a sense of peace and rest within themselves.