For Julia Elisabeth Starnes, painting is her attempt to capture the seasonal beauty of New England and the emotional connection it sparks.

She began her artistic journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her work has since evolved through a mix of independent study, local studio classes, and workshops with professional artists. Julia is continuously working to improve her skills in color, value, and composition.

While primarily inspired by the landscapes in and around Amherst, Julia also draws on her roots in the Midwest and Texas. This is evident in her recent interest in capturing the dramatic light and atmospheric intensity found in storms and other weather phenomena. Across all her subjects, she often emphasizes the ambient light in a scene rather than just the physical subject itself.

Julia is delighted to share this collection of her work with everyone at the library this November!