Local artist profile: Julie Rooney

THIS week we chat with painter Julie Rooney, who said she didn’t devote herself to her practice until retiring at the end of 2014 and moving to Bendigo, where she now has the freedom to paint everyday.

What initially motivated you to become a painter?

I grew up in a household where my three siblings and I were continually exposed to music, books and painting.

My Dad was very interested in art and music – he played piano and guitar and painted.

As kids, he would take myself and my siblings out for the day with our sketchbooks.

One of my earliest memories is of (him) taking us down to Mordialloc Creek in the 1950s with our drawing pads and pencils.

We spent the day sitting on the banks of the creek sketching the boats.

Our home always had interesting, artistic people visiting, so I guess art and painting were just always a part of my life.

With kids of my own and working full time, it has not been until I retired at the end of 2014 and moved to Bendigo that I have been able to devote myself to this, and now have the freedom to paint everyday.

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

I’m not sure how to describe my painting style.

One teacher once described it as “naïve” which I don’t think was meant as a compliment!

I would say my style is still evolving.

I love to use vibrant colours and have a looseness in my painting.

I like to see the brushstrokes at work rather than a perfect representational effect.

Which other artists inspire you and why?

I enjoy the paintings of Henri Matisse (France), Marc Chagall (Russia/France), Georges Rouault (France) and Amedeo Modigliani (Italy).

I love the shapes, colours, boldness and freshness in their work.

All (of them) are very unconventional in the way they depict their subject matter.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your career so far?

I wouldn’t say I have an art career as I’m really just a hobby artist.

I did however get a kick out of winning some awards and selling quite a few paintings over the last ten years.

How has your career been affected by COVID? Has there been little change or has it had a substantial effect?

Yes, of course.

Exhibitions were pretty non-existent during COVID.

I probably painted more over that period however because of the social restrictions and isolation.

During that time, some fellow artist friends began coming to my studio to paint together, when restrictions allowed.

We continue to meet weekly to this day.

How can people check out your work online?

People can find some of my work on ozartfinder.com or they can contact me via email, [email protected] and arrange a time to visit my studio.

Do you have any exhibitions coming up? Are you working on anything in particular right now?

No, I don’t have any exhibitions coming up in the near future.

Currently, I am having lessons with the well known artist, Darren Crothers (local fine artist previously profiled in this publication on 3 November last year).

Darren is assisting me to develop a painterly (qualities of colour, stroke and texture, rather than line) impressionist style.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Just keep drawing and painting, find a good teacher and join a local art society.