Michigan Summers: Work by Julia Dufault McGrath

Art has always been a part of my life. As a young child, I remember pouring through pages of the works of Michelangelo, marveling at the paintings of the "Sistine Chapel" and his exquisite marble. While attending University with the intent of getting a degree in Art History and traveling to Europe, my eyes and heart were opened to the vast world of art. I realized that I didn't just want to learn about art, my strong desire was to be an active participant and create work myself. Witnessing history, myths, stories and the everyday lives of people recorded in paint and brush was a catalyst for my desire to paint and to be a part of that world. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in painting and a minor in Art History, which satisfied both my intellectual and creative needs.

I love subject matter with strong contrasts, vibrant colors, and deep beautiful shadows most. There is so much subtle beauty in them. It is a gift to be able to look deeply into what "appears" to be on the surface and what you "think" is there, and really "see" its glory.  My job as an artist is to transfer what I see, how I see, and how I feel from my hand, paint, and brush and share it back to you.