Julie Dumbarton: So many things inspire me
27th January 2012SPRING FLING 2012 PARTICIPANT
Julie Dumbarton is one of the most popular Spring Fling painters. Her unique paintings of landscapes in Scottish Borders are sought after and collected in the UK and all over the world.
SF: What do you make?
I am a fine art painter, the messier the better!!
SF: Where do you make?
I work in my studio at buccleuch mills in Langholm, it’s a stunning studio by the river.
SF: Why do you make where you do & How long have you worked here?
I have been in my studio for 7 months, before that I worked in the bakehouse studio in langholm for 8 years, just round the corner from where I am now, I guess I like old buildings with a bit of history and character. My new studio was a former weaving mill, I moved into it as I needed more room and at 4,000 square foot I can just about fit into it!! The mill also has stunning natural light as most of the roof is windows. I have always painted large paintings, in fact they are my best sellers so its perfect to work in and get a good look at them from a distance. Also when its cold I have room to dance around!!
SF: What inspires you?
So many things inspire me, I can never pinpoint one thing. Obviously places inspire my work, I travel round the region and further afield looking for that amazing image, I don’t see landscapes I see paintings and colours!! People inspire me too, and stories and simple things like the sea air or moving grasses.
SF: What is on the horizon for you locally?
Im really looking forward to spring fling, I spend so much time in my studio on my own I love the company and showing off where I work and what I do. I will also be showing work at Art Corner gallery in Langholm and The Art Room in Dumfries, a fantastic new project run by Rachel Speedie.
SF: What is on the horizon for you nationally / internationally?
I have a huge show coming up at the Biscuit factory in Newcastle, I have exhibited there before but this will be my first solo show with the gallery, a huge task as it’s a big gallery with an even bigger reputation, I also will be showing work at the prestigious Morningside gallery in Edinburgh, stirling art gallery, The Macgregor gallery in Glasgow and the Gullane gallery in Gullane. I also have a big show coming up in Keswick later on in the year.
SF: What advice would you give to an up-and-coming maker?
Never give up!! For me the more rejection I got the more determined I became. Financially its tough and I found I had lots of people telling me I should change my style or direction but you have to stick to what you believe in, if you work hard its possible and then its like living your dreams. It only gets better and better.
SF: What’s currently playing on your studio ipod / cd player / tape deck / record player?
I was playing Christina Perri today and occationally I play a bit of beyonce so I can shake my bootie while painting!!
SF: Tell us something not many people know about you
I am related to Kate Middleton…((only kidding)) I met david hockney at the royal academy and tried to sell him a painting!!!!
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