The Artist Behind the Canvas
I began my journey at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where I studied Art and Design on the Foundation Course. From there, I went on to the Central Saint Martins School of Art, where I ultimately completed my BA (Hons) in Fine Art with a focus on Painting.
At Central Saint Martins, I was encouraged to look deeper. Specifically, I was asked to capture not only what I saw but also the atmosphere created by the interplay between light and movement. This approach has truly stayed with me and continues to shape my work today — whether I am drawing from life, exploring landscapes, or chasing the play of light on water.
Julie Swinsco Artistic Training - Beyond the Classroom
Although Goldsmiths and Central Saint Martins provided me with a strong foundation, my actual training has, in fact, been gained through lived experience. Over the years, I have devoted countless hours to sketching, painting, and photography. As I walk through cities, I also continuously watch people and absorb the rhythm of my surroundings. Consequently, these hours of looking and responding have honed my artistic voice.
Moreover, as a female artist working in a field often associated with architectural precision, I bring a distinct perspective. My lens is undeniably emotional. I look for presence and absence, exploring the pulse between motion and stillness. Consequently, my paintings are less about strict detail and more about soul.
Early Influences
I grew up in Consett, County Durham, not too far from the steelworks. That industrial landscape of smoke, fire, and steel significantly shaped my early imagination.
After graduating, I created a large-scale mural of the steelworks in my hometown, inspired by the stories and experiences of my family. Supported by the Prince’s Trust, I poured my heart, soul, and emotion into the project, which confirmed for me how influential art can be as a lasting tribute.
I also won a scholarship towards the project from the Royal College called the Sir James Knott Award, and I used the funds to develop the mural into a fitting memorial of the steelworks, which had closed in 1980. Both of my grandfathers, my uncle, and my father had all worked within the Consett Steel Works, and I also wanted to honour the women who kept production going during wartime.
The finished work stood an impressive 10 feet high and 40 feet long, installed outside the local sports centre. For nearly 30 years, it remained untouched, a proud and enduring symbol of the town’s heritage and identity.
Today
Now, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, I continue to create work that seamlessly blends study and instinct. My cityscapes of Birmingham and Prague reflect the influence of my artistic training. At the same time, my life drawings and water-inspired pieces reveal my fascination with light and reflection.
In essence, I focus on atmosphere as much as detail. Whether I am capturing the glow of rain-slicked streets, the blur of figures moving through a square, or the shimmer of light on water, my aim is always the same. Ultimately, I aim to transform what I observe into a visual experience rich in rhythm, emotion, and energy.
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