JULIA CAIRNS

Julia Cairns started her painting career in Botswana, Africa, where she not only painted the flora, fauna and animals of the Okavango Swamps, but was commissioned to illustrate four series of postage stamps and to paint the president’s portrait. In Botswana too, she met her husband, an American biologist.

Julia has illustrated twelve children’s books, several of which have garnered awards and been in print for over twenty years. She has had considerable success in the licensing world: her work has been featured on many products, from calendars to fabric.

Julia continues to be inspired by Africa but also by the little creatures that live in the Galisteo Basin. Rabbits have been the motif of choice in her recent work but she still paints elements of the Africa she loves. She also loves to teach and has taught art in her studio and at the Community College, as well as in Europe and Canada.

She has had many wonderful studios, but her current studio consists of a corner of a room, which limits the size of her work. But she knows, if there is passion, you can paint in any condition. In Africa, she spent many years working under an acacia tree on a handmade table.

The open spaces of the Galisteo Basin remind her a lot of Africa, and she loves the huge skies. Living and working in Galisteo is a privilege: the ever changing colors of the land, the peace and quiet of the village. She feels that every day she is able to paint is a highlight in her life.