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Deo Gallery - Painting the Seasons of the Wild U.P.

Acrylics are layered and blended to capture the incredible macro and micro scenery of the Upper Peninsula. Painting the Seasons of the Wild U.P. by Julie Highlen will be on display through the end of…

Acrylics are layered and blended to capture the incredible macro and micro scenery of the Upper Peninsula. Painting the Seasons of the Wild U.P. by Julie Highlen will be on display through the end of January.

The Opening Reception will be held THURSDAY, December 8th, from 6-8pm.
Artist Talk at 7:00pm

My passion for exploring the outdoors fuels my passion for painting natural landscapes and wildlife on canvas.  Since childhood, I have enjoyed looking at, climbing on, and studying rocks and trees, and exploring nature’s treasures. 

The Upper Peninsula certainly provides plenty of opportunities to immerse myself in our natural world, which often leads to a contemplative mood and a feeling of contentment.  I love to paint things that touch my heart – a weathered boulder supporting a family of cedars clinging to life on its surface; a lone tree, reaching toward the clouds that water it; or a lonely lighthouse, no longer in active service but still standing guard, reminding us of how we need to continue watching out for one another.  I strive to celebrate these special finds in my work.

I also enjoy the wealth of challenges in capturing the multitude of weather conditions interacting with Lake Superior’s wildly varied shoreline.  At times, water can be soothing in its calmness, or reflective as the sun lingers upon its horizon.  Yet other times, it exudes power in a foaming surge of crashing waves.  I find myself returning to Superior shorelines again and again because every visit is a unique encounter to share on canvas. 

I also enjoy the wealth of challenges in capturing the multitude of weather conditions interacting with Lake Superior’s wildly varied shoreline.  At times, water can be soothing in its calmness, or reflective as the sun lingers upon its horizon.  Yet other times, it exudes power in a foaming surge of crashing waves.  I find myself returning to Superior shorelines again and again because every visit is a unique encounter to share on canvas. 

My work can be found at Zero Degrees Art Gallery in Marquette, Gallery on 5th in Calumet, Art in Abundance (seasonally) in Grand Marais, Michigan, and by contacting me directly.   In addition, I participate annually at the Fresh Coast Plein Air Competition in June, Outback Art Fair during the last week of July each year as well as the Plein Air Grand Marais, Grand Marais, Minnesota in September.