Biography

JULIA VEENSTRA
Hamilton, Ontario

Julia Veenstra is known for her vibrant and colourful strokes, which she uses to capture moments and invoke memories that move the soul. Her dynamic and unique style was developed over years of travel, practice, and lived experiences, including living in five different countries and spending five years in Africa. Rooted in figurative painting, her landscape style solidified when she returned to Canada and fell in love with the colour, light, and feel of the Canadian seasons. Her large format paintings draw the viewer in and make an impression of joy, highlighted by the use of negative space and fresh brushwork.

Julia studied illustration at Sheridan College and pursues many creative endeavours, including the publication of a coffee table book and the illustration of two children’s books written by her daughter Rachel Cuthill. As an entrepreneur, she’s made a significant impact on thousands of artists and collectors worldwide through initiatives like Square Foot Show, Artlabel, and her new gallery, Crown and Press. You can often find Julia in her studio, a converted garage, at her home on Beach Boulevard in Hamilton.

“There is a moment in time that when remembered gives comfort or reassurance. A smell can transport one back into a deep memory and stir up emotions of all kinds.”