Brushstrokes of Light:

Exploring the Journey of Fine Art Oil Painting with Julie Brayton

This is what I think is my first official blog for Painting The Color of Light on it’s name sake website.

When I started to learn how to paint the color of light 30 or more years ago, it changed my life.

I look at the world entirely different now.

I have alway been dedicated to the craft and eventually became dedicated to the profession of selling my art.

Often throughout my years of selling at outdoor shows I would get asked “Do you teach?”.

It took me a long time before I decided to start.

It wasn’t until 2018ish that I thought I would create an online course.

Eventually it led to in-person students who eventually took my online courses to supplement the in person.

My online courses are more in-depth so their questions, concerns and struggles were always answered there.

My students tell me how differently they see the world now. Learning how to use color to create the atmospheric affects at any given time helps us to  see more than grey or even blue, green or red.

In this blog I will talk about the process of painting light through color.

In addition topics about types of paint, solvents, supports and other supplies will be talked about.

You will see free short videos on the process and things you can do to practice on your own honing your skills.

Yes I said Skills. You don’t need special talent to paint or draw. What you need to have the most of is determination and consistency. You must have a passion, a strong desire.

What would developing a skill like painting do for your self confidence? What would it do for your family? Having a deeper why will also keep you in the game. My students tell me how it is a true getaway from this hectic life.

For me in the beginning, it was a challenge I worked at overcoming, an absorption into something that keeps me occupied.

That determination never ended though. I started working from photos of things in nature I loved which engaged me but when I started Plein Air painting, well, that was a game changer because now I get to be enveloped in nature while I am absorbed in the  painting process. Both really fill me up with joy, peace and fulfillment.

Stay tuned for more content on impressionistic painting color and light. 

Take Care For Now!

The photos above give you a sneak peek into the progression of a painting. There is a unique process I teach my students that dives deep into understanding how color works and with that knowledge you learn to see color in a unique way in nature.  This allows you to capture the light conditions before you.

If you are interested in learning this feel free to reach out in the comments.

My goal or mission is to bring reminders and connection to the importance each individual has through the connection to nature. How we all can honor the essence of who we have always been meant to be. Creativity, whether through collecting art or creating it, is a healing force that allows us to embrace, tell and own our stories in a transformative and ultimately joyful way.