Rising Stars: Meet Julie McLellan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie McLellan. 

Hi Julie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Funny story… My art journey started with an elementary art experience with “not following directions.” I used too much white cotton fluff on my styrofoam Santa Clause, and I was told I was doing it “wrong”. I loved my fluffy bearded Santa, and it is still proudly displayed with its overabundance of fluff in my parents’ home every year. I loved to create, and my high school art teacher really fostered that growth in me. Although I loved art, I always had a teacher’s heart. I combined the two and spent nearly 25 years teaching art at public schools, charter schools, private classes, and workshops. I have taught all ages and levels, and my students taught me more about art and life than I taught them. I spent most of my professional career helping others find their enjoyment in art, and now I have decided that it is time for me to focus on my passion. I still teach, but now virtually from home, which allows me more time to paint and create. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would have to say that I am my own obstacle. I used to be an expert at finding 57 other things to do when I thought about creating art. I painted in spurts, but not consistently. The idea in my mind was always perfect, and the thought of starting and failing scared me enough to keep me from starting. Age has taught me patience and the fine art of slowing down, and the amazing realization that perfect does not exist. The loss of my mom in 2020 derailed and gutted me. Any momentum I had started gaining in practicing art stopped. I had no motivation. I finally decided to paint the road that I would drive to visit her while she was with Hospice. “The Road Home” took me nearly two years to complete after many stops and starts and do-overs, and it was definitely part of my ongoing healing process. 

The older I get, the faster that landmark year of 50 approaches, the more I find myself wanting to be left alone with my canvases, paper, brushes, paint, and mess. Which for anyone who knows me is quite contradictory. I am an extrovert, outgoing, gregarious, life of the party. At least before 10:00 pm anymore. But this need to create is gnawing away at me in a way it never has before. I am finding my “niche”, whatever that is, but mostly just painting what I see and enjoy and want to share with others. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I completed my undergraduate work in Education and Fine Arts at Indiana University then earned a master’s degree in Art Education from Western Michigan University and studied one summer at SACI in Florence, Italy. I taught elementary and middle school Art for over 20 years, and I worked with Very Specials Arts in Indiana and Michigan. I also teach art classes and workshops, which I call “Art: Uncorked!”. I am passionate about making art fun and accessible to everyone. I have painted my whole life, but not consistently, until recently. I am still teaching virtually, but I am turning my focus to my own art and making it part of my daily life. Luckily, I am an early riser. I spend a few hours in the dark of the morning drawing, painting, and catching up with social media. I spend a good chunk of the day online with my students, then usually return back to painting for a few more hours. I am not much of a night owl, but occasionally I will have a late-night painting session that will keep me up way longer than I ever intended. 

I am definitely inspired by nature. My paintings are a response to what I see and feel, and I love to look closely at details, especially in flowers and plants. Conversely, I love landscapes as a way to step back and capture a moment. I find my style evolving and changing constantly, and I love to try new materials and experiment. I used to paint mostly with watercolors, and lately, I have been drawn to acrylics. I love the way I am able to work fast, layer and create various textures. I have always been in awe of Georgia O’Keeffe, Vincent van Gogh (who isn’t?), Henri Matisse, and the use of intense color by the Fauvist painters. My goal is to capture a moment, remember how it feels, and share it with others. My art is my way to express my feelings and to share my story. I want to connect with people through my art. People surround themselves with what makes them feel good, and I want to be part of that. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I am lucky to have been born into the most fabulous family, immediate and extended. I have two brothers, two sisters-in-law, 10 nieces and nephews, and a crazy amount of aunts, uncles, and cousins. My support system is impenetrable. I am also lucky to have a fantastic and supportive husband (ups and downs included), two amazing stepchildren and I am surrounded by great friends that have my back at all times. I would definitely say I am lucky, but I also work hard to nurture and maintain these relationships that bring me so much joy. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yellowdogarts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yellowdogarts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yellowdogarts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/yellowdogarts
• Other: https://yellowdogarts.wordpress.com/ 

Image Credits
Julie McLellan