Artist Julie Littler Shares Tips and Her Process for Creating Award Winning Paintings
We can’t help but smile when looking at the joyful and unique artworks produced by award winning artist Julie Littler.
Based in the beautiful historic city of Chester, it is not hard to see what has influenced Julie's art. This, together with a love of cheerful Caribbean colours, has enabled Julie to produce wonderful artwork and giftware that sells worldwide.
Similarly to ourselves, sustainability is close to Julie's heart with her use of UK companies to produce giftware, prints and cards and use of sustainable packaging.
We were lucky interview Julie about her influences, design processes and tips.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself including what inspired you to become an artist and did you study art?
I’ve always been a doodler, and I am fascinated with architecture, the quirkier the better! I never studied art full-time but learned by watching and working things out for myself. While working as a teacher and school librarian, one of my closest friends was the head of the art department. She was the one who nudged me to start sharing my art on social media which led to pieces being sold. It was then suggested to me that I should have giftware and souvenirs made for local shops and it has all gone from there!
Can you tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?
I was an Assistant Cruise Director for Princess Cruises and spent a lot of time in the Caribbean and Alaska!
Is there an artist past or present that you admire, and do they influence your work?
When I was tiny, I adored the illustrations of Mabel Lucie Attwell. The beautiful whimsical paintings of her imagination. Imagination is an art form. We all grow up with it, but it so often gets lost in day-to-day life. Remember the days of getting lost in books with fascinating pictures? This is where many of us first come across art. Modern artists like Romero Britto who founded the Happy Art Movement and Lucy Pittaway are totally different but both wonderful in their own escapist ways.
What has been your most favourite piece of art that you have painted? Can you describe it to us?
I think my favourite piece of art which I have painted has to be the Eastgate Clock in Chester. It is iconic and the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben. Bringing colour and life to it add to people’s happy memories of seeing it. Happiness and colour have very strong links. It has been sold all over the world in various forms. I know there are cushions on sofas in New York, mugs in America and Canada, prints in Australia and New Zealand and recently gifts taken to Eswatini in Southern Africa! As with all my art, it is bright and cheerful and a happy reminder of a landmark from a holiday or a place once lived in.
Has your art style changed over time?
It has become much more detailed. I now use a magnifying lamp to get all those tiny bricks painted during the darker nights!
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
My inspiration comes from the colours of the Caribbean. So many places there are boldly painted with such uplifting colours. Regardless of properties being tiny houses or huge mansions, the colour shines through and reflects the general attitude of the islands. The buildings I paint are often found from suggestions from my followers and connections on social media who tag me in photos or share ideas from their holidays or memorable places from childhood. Travel blogs are also a wonderful source of inspiration, but I have to be careful not to get carried away and book another trip!
What time of the day are you at your most creative?
I’m definitely more of a morning person to work but my imagination and best thoughts often come during the evening and nighttime. I have learned that those brilliant ideas that come at 2 A.M. which you are convinced you won’t forget, must be written down…or you will!
Do you ever suffer from creative block? If so, how have you overcome this?
Thankfully, not often. Getting outside is by far the best way for a reset. Even during the winter months, there are still some peeks of vibrant colours out there if you look closely enough.
What is the most challenging aspect of creating a new design?
Getting everything into one painting without cluttering it! I’m working on a picture of landmarks in Anglesey, which in comparison to major cities might seem an easy task but there are so many beautiful buildings, lighthouses and heritage places that I think this will be a two-picture project! Places like London, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester will end up as a Tolstoy-esque series!
Can you tell us a bit about the process of producing a design, including your favourite and least favourite parts? How long does it take?
Everything starts with a pencil plotting to see what will work best in which area. This is then neatened up using a ruler. The first layer of fine lining happens before the painting and then a final outlining and highlighting. The painting part and the finishing touches are my favourites as I can see the life going into it. My least favourite part is the scanning and tech parts after to prepare it to be sent to my manufacturers. I’m not a fan of computers as they just don’t interest me. Faffing around with getting the correct format for each submission drives me potty!
From absolute start to finish, it usually takes two weeks to create a full painting.
All my giftware manufacturers are in the UK and where I can, I use independent family businesses. I’m proud to do this as not only is it more sustainable, but it also means that I know these people and have personal contact with them. They ensure that anything produced from my art, comes out exactly as intended.
What is your favourite medium and why?
Gouache is my absolute favourite medium. It provides the rich pigmentation for my colour choices and is so easy to blend. When I want to add temporary (often seasonal) aspects to the paintings, I place a sheet of clear acetate over the original and use acrylic paint. This works perfectly for snow, extra trees and other decorations.
Is there a meaning behind the rainbows you add to all your paintings?
Yes! Well spotted. Nobody is grumpy when they look at a rainbow! Everyone smiles when they see one and that is the entire basis of my paintings!
How do you tell when a design is finished?
It’s mostly instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. At that point it’s best to scrutinise it then walk away for a while. I have been known to creep back into my studio in the wee small hours to add a bit of shading or a few extra highlights!
We have seen that you use beautiful bright colours in your paintings, what role does colour play in your creative process, does it influence the design?
Colour is everything to me. It is what my entire style is based on. Everything that is natural, stays the colour of nature but BRIGHT! So, grass is green, and skies are blue. If something is corporate or iconic in its colour, then I respect that too. Apart from that, it is really what feels right. Bricks are a favourite as they can be any colour on the spectrum and a dull wall can become a rich palette of ruby, carmine, cardinal, mocha, chocolate even cerise. I really only use black for the fine line work, and it makes the other colours pop!
There have been countless scientific studies to prove how colours can affect happiness, wellbeing and even lifestyle. Colours can make us feel more confident and reassured. It can change our heart rate and up our cognitive performance. Colour psychology is fascinating.
Do you have a favourite colour/colour combination?
Fuchsia pink and bright yellow are my favourite combination! They are just so joyful when put together. I even had those as colours for my wedding flowers and yes, we did get married in the Caribbean! I have a special paint called Opera Pink and the name really suits the colour as it is so vibrant. Sometimes I’ll put a pop of lime green in there too.
Do you like to use colour in your own home?
Of course! I am a huge fan of natural light and so our home has a lot of big windows, and many walls are painted bright white to get the light bouncing around. To work with this, we have the inner reveals of the windows in a rich pink and my studio had sunshine yellow skirting and windowsills. They are real zings of colour.
Can you describe your interior style?
Uncluttered and cheerful is the best way to describe it. My husband is a real fan of creams and muted colours but I’m still trying to teach him my ways! Three years ago, he asked what I wanted for my birthday, and I replied, ‘a pink front door!’ After he had stopped laughing and asked me what I really wanted, he got the idea. Our bright pink front door makes everyone smile, even our postman and he sees more front doors than most!
What is the best thing about being an artist?
The freedom of being an individual and seeing the joy my art brings to others. There is nothing better than watching people smile as they see it for the first, second or third time even.
What tips can you give to aspiring artists?
Doodle. Play around with your style and colours until you find one that is perfectly you. Don’t be afraid to try new things as there is never a right or wrong in art. Be totally authentic to what makes you happy.
What do you want to accomplish that you haven’t yet achieved?
I would love to paint more places from around the world and find opportunities to have my art stocked as prints and giftware in places I have visited over the years such as America and Canada. To work with travel companies on bespoke pieces would be a joy!
What would be your dream job and why?
It would be wonderful to collaborate with heritage organisations and paint our fabulous stately homes and historic sights. We have so much wonderful historical architecture that to bring them to life in my style would be such a privilege.
What is next for you, Julie?
I have booked for two more giftware trade shows next year and hopefully this will find more partnerships and adventures in painting!
Thank you for this wonderful interview Julie.
If you would like to find out more about Julie’s work, to collaborate or order bespoke pieces of artwork, please visit Julie’s website: thelittlerplaces.co.uk or see Julie’s Instagram page: @the_littler_places
