HUMANS OF CLEVEDON: JULIE MAINSTONE

I was delighted to have the opportunity to interview Julie Mainstone, whose work I have admired and enjoyed for a long time. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and the transformative power of art. From her early artistic awakening, nurtured by her mother’s influence, to her flourishing career as a full-time artist and tutor, Julie’s journey is a testament to the enduring pursuit of creative fulfilment.

Through her captivating watercolours, Julie invites us to witness the world through her eyes, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty and the human spirit. Her dedication to sharing her knowledge and fostering artistic expression within the community is not just evident, but it’s a part of her essence. Julie’s involvement with Clevedon Art Club and the vibrant collective, Art 6 Explore, is a testament to her commitment to the local art scene.

Join me as we delve into Julie’s inspiring story, exploring the pivotal moments, artistic influences, and unwavering passion that have shaped her remarkable career.

Julie at 6 months with her parents Maureen and Jim.

EARLY INFLUENCES AND ARTISTIC AWAKENING

Born in Bristol, Julie has lived in North Somerset for the past four decades. Her father John, a creative in the field of engineering, instilled in her a profound appreciation for pursuing one’s passions. It was her mother Maureen however, who served as her earliest and most significant artistic inspiration.

The spark of creativity

From a tender age, Julie and her mother would spend countless hours engaged in artistic endeavours, their brushes and pencils dancing across canvases and sketchpads. A cherished scrapbook, lovingly assembled by her mother, immortalises those early collaborative works, a testament to their shared creative journey. As Julie matured, she found herself increasingly drawn to the fluidity of brushes over the precision of pencils.

The scrapbook! The picture on the left was drawn by Julie’s mother Maureen for her to copy. The Christmas picture is one of her earliest paintings in the scrapbook, painied at age 4/5.

A shared passion

During the 1970s, Julie’s mother, recognising a shared artistic spirit among a group of young wives, spearheaded the formation of an art collective. Julie occasionally served as their model, and a poignant portrait of her in her Brownie uniform, captured by her mother’s skilled hand when she was around seven years old, remains a treasured possession.

Her mother’s burgeoning love for watercolour painting led Julie, at the age of fifteen, to join her at local classes. It was here that Julie’s own passion for this captivating medium blossomed, setting the stage for a lifelong artistic journey.

Nurturing the flame

Julie’s artistic journey took a significant leap forward under the tutelage of Brian Parrish, the Yatton-based watercolour artist. Brian’s mentorship unlocked for her the sheer joy and boundless freedom inherent in this expressive medium. The captivating blend of challenge and exhilaration ignited a passion deep within her soul.

THE PROFESSIONAL PATH AND ARTISTIC EVOLUTION

Choosing a different path: the corporate years

Upon completing her school years, Julie opted against the traditional art college route, choosing instead to immerse herself in the real world by seeking a creative apprenticeship or learning opportunity. A coveted apprenticeship as a stained-glass artist narrowly eluded her grasp, leading her to join a major financial services firm. Her talent quickly shone through and led to her transfer to their Creative Services department. Here, she thrived amidst a diverse and stimulating array of creative projects, spanning audiovisual productions, exhibitions, displays, and corporate literature.

For the next twenty-two years, watercolour painting remained Julie’s cherished companion during leisure hours. It was during this phase of her life that she became a valued member of the Clevedon Art Club, further enriching her artistic journey.

COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION

The Clevedon Art Club: a creative haven

In those days, Clevedon Art Club had a charming basement studio tucked away on Victoria Road. It was a haven where club members gathered for meetings and immersed themselves in the creative process during regular workshops. The thrill of being in a space solely dedicated to art-making was palpable. Julie vividly recalls the exceptional tutors who led those weekend workshops, including the late great Anthony Hodge. Their guidance and inspiration were instrumental in nurturing her own creative curiosity and emboldening her to explore new genres and mediums. Those formative experiences at the Victoria Road studio laid a strong foundation for her artistic growth, leaving an indelible mark on her creative journey.

The thirst for knowledge

Julie has always possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a boundless curiosity that fuelled her creative spirit. From her earliest years, play was not merely an idle pastime but an essential tool in her artistic development. She eagerly explored every new material or process that crossed her path, driven by an innate desire to understand the inner workings of the world around her. Fearless in the face of the unknown, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, always seeking out opportunities to learn and discover new mediums for self-expression.

Julie delved into the tactile world of pottery, her fingers shaping and moulding clay with an intuitive touch. She experimented with countless crafts, her workspace a kaleidoscope of colours and textures. Yet, amidst this creative whirlwind, her heart always belonged to watercolour. The fluidity of the medium and its ability to capture the ephemeral beauty of light and shadow resonated deeply with her artistic soul.

The knowledge gleaned from her explorations didn’t remain confined to isolated compartments but rather seeped into her chosen medium, pushing its boundaries and blurring its edges. She immersed herself in the work of her contemporaries, dissecting their inspiration, processes, and practices with an analytical eye. This constant study, a testament to her lifelong commitment to growth, challenged her to evolve her own artistic voice, refine her technique and expand her creative horizons.

Being part of a vibrant creative community was crucial for Julie, especially in those formative years. The camaraderie and lively discussions with fellow artists at Clevedon Art Club were a constant source of inspiration. She has fond memories of Bank Holiday exhibitions, where they would proudly display paintings on the railings by the bandstand. St. John’s Hall hosted their larger shows, while meetings often took place in the cosy setting of St. Mary’s at Walton Bay. Julie became deeply embedded in Clevedon’s art scene, forming connections that lasted a lifetime. Sadly, many of the names Julie remembers from those early days are no longer around, but their influence and the memories they shared continue to inspire.

Inside Art: A Dream Fulfilled

In 2002, a turning point arrived when Julie’s department’s work was outsourced. She seized the opportunity for redundancy, transforming her long-held dream of an arts and crafts business into reality. Inside Art was born, opening its doors in the heart of Nailsea and quickly becoming a Premier Art Centre for Winsor & Newton.

This was an exhilarating chapter. Imagine a child let loose in a sweet shop – that was Julie, surrounded by a treasure trove of art supplies. She immersed herself in exploring the materials and equipment, eager to advise and inspire her customers. Every day was a joy, spent amidst all things creative.

While Julie continued painting in her limited spare time, the demands of running a business were all-consuming. Personal artistic growth took a back seat as the shop became her life. Still, she found immense satisfaction in teaching art, sharing her knowledge, and witnessing the creative journeys of others.

The photo above shows some of the team at Inside Art. They used to have regular creative get togethers to share ideas and explore their creativity so they could share ideas with their customers.

A time of transition

However, the landscape shifted. The recession hit, and the rise of TV shopping and the internet dealt a blow to the High Street. The financial burden of running a shop became unsustainable, and after nearly a decade, Julie was forced to close. The closure was devastating, marking the beginning of a personally challenging period. 2011 was her annus horribilis – her mother passed away, her father’s health deteriorated, and she ended the year with a serious health battle of her own.

For the next five years, Julie dedicated herself to caring for her father full-time. The Alzheimer’s Society featured Julie and her parents in an article about coping with caregiving while running a business. Both of her parents ultimately developed dementia, and Julie became their sole caregiver. Her mother lived with the disease for about seven years, and her father developed Lewy Body Dementia in 2012.

Remarkably, amidst this demanding role, Julie managed to continue teaching her art class and rekindle her connection with the Clevedon Art community. This immersion reignited her own artistic journey, though she found herself chasing an elusive sense of looseness in her work, a feeling that something essential was still missing.

Finding a mentor

And then, in 2016, as the Programme Secretary for Clevedon Art Club, Julie took the initiative to approach the renowned international artist and author of the Kew Book of Painting Roses, Trevor Waugh, about presenting an evening programme for the club members. Intrigued by his work, Julie also booked a workshop at his studio, and something truly magical happened – a connection sparked. She recognised that she had discovered the mentor she needed to propel her artistic journey forward. She dedicated herself to studying with Trevor for a couple of years, immersing herself in his atelier-style foundation course. His generosity in sharing his vast knowledge and experience was unparalleled. Their bond has remained strong ever since, and she feels incredibly fortunate to count him as a friend. It was with Trevor’s unwavering encouragement that she finally found the courage to let go of the security of her day job and embrace the life of a full-time artist and tutor. Looking back, she knows it was absolutely the best decision she ever made.

Trevor was instrumental in helping Julie find a way to express her emotions in her paintings, moving beyond mere replication of what she saw. The potential had always been there, but she needed guidance to unlearn certain habits and gain clarity on her artistic direction. Under his mentorship, she discovered her own unique artistic language and her mark-making evolved to become more instinctive and intuitive. Now, they can paint side-by-side, engaging in stimulating discussions about their shared passion for their craft.

It was during one of her visits to Trevor’s studio in the Cotswolds that Julie mentioned Portbury Church. Recalling that Trevor’s previous studio had been a church where his work felt remarkably at home, the idea struck her that he might relish another opportunity to exhibit in a similar setting. He responded enthusiastically, suggesting they collaborate on a joint exhibition. And that’s where the concept of Camels to Cliff Tops was born.

Julie’s journey with St Mary’s at Portbury began in 2017 when she was invited to exhibit her artwork. From the moment she stepped inside, she felt an immediate connection. The church clearly has a deep appreciation for art, and its unique blend of heritage and warmth creates a truly special atmosphere. Someone once described entering St Mary’s as receiving a warm hug, and she couldn’t agree more.

Since then, Julie has been fortunate enough to work alongside the community, using art and creativity to help keep the church open and thriving. They’ve organised exhibitions, workshops, and events that bring people together and celebrate the beauty of this sacred space. This is a display of some of the creative exploits of the youngsters at the free Holiday HeARTS sessions run at the church.

Witnessing the positive impact these initiatives have had on the community has been incredibly fulfilling. Julie is dedicated to continuing this work and ensuring St Mary’s remains a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.

In 2018, Julie realized a long-held dream by joining North Somerset Arts, where she quickly stepped up to co-ordinate their Nailsea exhibition. The next year, she, along with Bea Williams and Tessa Norris, made their Arts Week debut by remarkably transforming the church into a gallery space that was voted the public’s favorite venue. This was a particularly special accomplishment, given that it was their first year participating in Arts Week, the first year the church had been used as a venue, and the church was undergoing major renovations due to a Heritage Lottery Grant. They ingeniously incorporated the ongoing construction and the church’s heritage into the exhibit, making it a truly unique and memorable experience.

Just as they were preparing for another North Somerset Arts exhibition in early 2020, the first Covid lockdown struck, devastatingly cancelling the event. However, this setback spurred Julie to gather a small group of local artists, and together they formed Art 6 Explore.

The original concept was simple but powerful: provide a platform for artists to create with renewed purpose and an online space to showcase and sell their work. The group embraced monthly themes, each artist interpreting them through their unique medium, culminating in captivating exhibitions. Their online presence grew as they shared their creative journeys, inspiring followers with glimpses into their processes and motivations.

Together, they navigated the world of social media, the group evolving organically over time. The challenges of lockdowns fostered deep connections, transforming them into a tight-knit artistic community. As restrictions eased, they ventured into the physical world, hosting joint events at Portbury and Flax Bourton churches and under the banner of North Somerset Arts. Their Advent Fair and Earth Day celebrations became eagerly anticipated fixtures, their online community swelling to over seven hundred followers.

Their shared passion extended to charitable endeavours, leveraging their artistic talents for numerous good causes. A testament to their impact was the £1,000 raised for UNICEF last Christmas. The sense of belonging to this compassionate collective of creatives is palpable.

Their commitment to fostering artistic expression remains unwavering. They actively support North Somerset Arts, an organisation dedicated to promoting creative engagement within the community. Even as individual artistic careers flourish, the bond with Clevedon Art Club endures, a testament to the enduring power of shared creative roots.

This is a story of how a simple idea blossomed into a vibrant community, a testament to the transformative power of art and shared purpose. It is a narrative of resilience, growth, and the enduring connections forged through creativity.

Painting en Plein Air

Julie’s love of painting en plein air has deepened over the years, a passion intertwined with her deep connection to the natural world. Although born and raised in Bristol, she identifies as a country girl at heart, drawn especially to the coast. Cornwall is her haven, the place she visits to rejuvenate her creativity. Immersing herself outdoors, feeling the wind and rain, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, it’s inevitable that this sensory experience infuses her paintings.

Of course, some of the spontaneity in Julie’s work comes from the unpredictable challenges of painting en plein air. The uncertainty of the weather—a sudden shower or a gust of wind threatening to whisk away her materials—forces her to focus on capturing the essence of the scene quickly and decisively.

Julie strives to paint alla prima, completing a piece in one sitting. If a painting isn’t finished on location, it’s difficult to recapture the initial feeling and atmosphere. Back in her studio, the comfort can lead to overthinking and overworking a piece. To counteract this, Julie takes numerous photos for reference and even uses creative writing exercises to rekindle the sense of urgency she feels when painting outdoors.

The allure of watercolour

Watercolour’s allure captivates Julie like no other medium. The thrill lies in its unpredictability. It’s far more intricate than simple colour mixing; it’s an alchemical dance. Pigments possess unique properties, interacting and surprising you with unexpected outcomes. Mastering this delicate balance of water and pigment unlocks pure enchantment. Watercolour flows and blends with a grace unmatched by other mediums.

Tools of the trade

Julie’s loyalty isn’t tied to a single brand. Even colours with identical names perform distinctly across brands. Each pigment possesses its own personality, and she carefully selects those that resonate with her subject matter.

When it comes to paper, discovering a surface that embraces watercolour with the same passion amplifies the joy of creation for Julie. Two Rivers Handmade Cotton Rag Watercolour Paper, crafted in Watchet, is her go-to choice. Its handmade nature lends an organic quality, with each sheet possessing its own unique character. She’s particularly enamoured with deckle edges – those raw, uneven edges characteristic of handmade paper. While she does experiment with other papers, good sizing is paramount. It ensures the paint lingers on the surface, allowing for the fluid movement and blending that yields those breathtaking watercolour effects.

When it comes to brushes, Julie favours synthetic over sable. She enjoys the springy quality of the fibres that allows them to snap back to a fine point. A few years ago, she came across a brush from Rosemary & Co that, in addition to its incredible point, also possesses impeccable balance. Julie described it as feeling like an extension of her hand. A brush with improper weight distribution can disrupt the fluidity of your hand movements.

Artistic Influences

The artists who most influenced Julie’s formative years were all living, and she relished learning her craft by observing their diverse styles and techniques. However, she’s always held a deep fondness for the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, with Van Gogh being a particular favourite. Julie believes it’s the raw emotion in his work that resonates with her, along with his masterful use of colour and light. In recent years, she’s found herself particularly inspired by John Singer Sargent.

The drive to create

Winning the Jean Kent Award last year at Clevedon Art club – presented by Martin Bentham RWA.

Staying motivated is effortless for Julie – while even the most dedicated artist experiences occasional dips in inspiration, art has been her lifelong source of joy and stability. It’s woven into her very being, and she could never abandon it because it defines who she is. Julie was born to create. Every day unfolds as a series of potential paintings; inspiration lurks around every corner. Her subjects vary widely, but the pieces that make it to paper often tell a story. Early on, she committed to mastering a diverse range of subjects, refusing to be pigeonholed. If a subject has something to say, she embraces the challenge of capturing it. But her most powerful interpretations always come from the heart. She eschews clever art or work driven by trends, marketing, or shock value. Authenticity and integrity are paramount. She believes in respecting her audience and their intelligence. It still astounds her when someone truly feels what she felt while creating a piece. She’s even had someone correctly identify the song she was listening to while painting! There’s no greater reward for an artist than that profound connection with their audience.

Julie’s artistic contribution to the Curzon Cinema’s roof restoration was a resounding success! Her beautifully painted tile, inspired by the iconic film Singin’ in the Rain fetched an impressive £560 at auction – one of the highest bids of the entire Art on the Tiles project. To prepare the tile, Julie meticulously applied a specialist watercolour ground, allowing her to transform the ordinary surface into a canvas for her vibrant watercolour creation. She then sealed the artwork with a professional matt acrylic varnish, ensuring its longevity. This unique project, a collaboration between the Curzon Cinema and Aardman, invited artists to decorate original roof tiles, which were then auctioned to raise crucial funds for the much-needed restoration. Julie was overjoyed to play a part in preserving this historic cinema, and her stunning artwork will undoubtedly be treasured by its new owner.

THE JOURNEY OF AN ARTIST

Reflections on growth and words of wisdom

Julie’s artistic journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of learning and growth. Each stage and each new situation has enriched her artistry, moulding her into the accomplished artist she is today. She recalls Brian Parrish’s comment about her technical skills outpacing her life experience, a statement that once sparked indignation but now resonates with wisdom. In her youth, the focus was on mastering technical skills and on faithfully representing the world around her. However, as her proficiency grew, so did her desire to express deeper truths, to communicate beyond mere appearances.

For those embarking on their own artistic path, Julie’s advice is simple yet profound: embrace the joy of the process, practice diligently, and seek guidance from a skilled tutor. A good tutor doesn’t mold students into replicas of themselves but rather unlocks their unique potential, nurturing their individual style and artistic voice. They provide a safe space for experimentation, helping students learn from their missteps and refine their techniques.

In essence, Julie’s message reminds us that artistry is a lifelong journey, a constant interplay between technical mastery and personal expression. It’s about finding your own voice amidst the vast landscape of artistic possibilities, fuelled by a passion for creation and a willingness to learn and evolve. Julie’s classes at Portbury recommence this November and if you are interested I would book early because they are very popular.

JULIE’S UPCOMING EXHIBITION WITH TREVOR WAUGH AT ST MARY’S CHURCH PORTBURY.

Alongside the exhibition of their work, Trevor has kindly offered to do a couple of demonstrations in aid of the grade 1 listed 11th-century church. St Mary’s.

Trevor has captured hearts and imaginations across the globe, so whether you’re an aspiring painter eager to learn from the best or simply an art enthusiast seeking inspiration, this event promises you an unforgettable experience.

This is Julie’s oil painting of Bea Williams and Trevor having an end of day conversation after one of their Foundation course days with Trevor at his then home and studio in Wiltshire.

WITNESS A MASTER AT WORK AND UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF HIS CRAFT!

During this exclusive demonstration, you’ll have the rare chance to:

Observe Trevor’s mastery firsthand: Witness his techniques, brushstrokes, and creative process as he brings a blank canvas to life.
Gain valuable insights: Learn tips and tricks from a seasoned professional with numerous bestselling books and a wealth of artistic knowledge.
Be captivated by stories from his travels: Hear fascinating anecdotes about his artistic journey and the places that have shaped his work.
Immerse yourself in the world of art: Whether you paint or not, prepare to be enchanted by the beauty and power of Trevor’s creations.

On 7th September, he will be painting Roses in Watercolour. Trevor deeply enjoys flower painting. He captures the beauty and diversity of flowers using both watercolour and oil paints. Floral art has a long and meaningful history, spanning from the Renaissance to modern times. Flowers have symbolised various aspects of the human experience throughout the ages, like poppies for remembrance and roses for love.

Trevor believes that flowers and painting were made for one another, as they can both express profound human values and emotions. He sees flowers as having the power to “illuminate the soul.” Book here.

On 14th September, Trevor will be creating a Middle Eastern desert scene in oils. Trevor, a founding member of The New Orientalist Artists, maintains a strong presence at The Majlis Gallery in Dubai, where he participates in both solo and group exhibitions. His artwork is well-regarded in the UAE, gracing both royal and public collections. His book, The Emirates, through the Eyes of an Artist, sponsored by HSBC on its 60th anniversary, chronicles his experiences and has become a bestseller. In Trevor’s own words, “Dubai and the UAE have become a second home to me over the years, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to have painted my dream there!” Book here.