Night Walk
By Julie Lawrence | November 15, 2020
These images are from a body of drawings and paintings that I created during lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Nightwalker series pastel drawings record a passing sense of myself during an isolated evening walk.
Julie Lawrence, “Night Walker (#2),” pastel drawing on paper, 47cm x 38cm framed, 2020
Julie Lawrence, “Night Walker (#3),” pastel drawing on paper, 47cm x 38cm framed, 2020
Walking has always been a key activity for me. My working process has begun to change recently and now involves initiating a body of work by walking and photographing. I then complete a body of drawings, working instinctively and using the photographs as a memory trigger back in my studio. Alongside this, I work slowly on a body of oil paintings, focusing on the horizon at the end of the walk and the sense of emptiness and mood. Nightfall references my coastal destination where, in my stillness, I observe and respond to the fleeting nature of light.
Julie Lawrence, “Nightfall,” oil on cradled gesso panel board, 2020
For me, the coronavirus pandemic has intensified a liminal sense of identity in my relationship with place. The bridge between self and world has become increasingly about the notions of transience and impermanence.
The Night Walker (#1) is currently on display in the Ty Pawb Open, Wrexham. The exhibition celebrates creativity during lockdown. The entire Night Walk series will be available for viewing in a solo exhibition at Cass Art in Liverpool in January 2021, lockdown restrictions permitting.
Julie Lawrence, “Night Walker (1),” pastel drawing on paper, 47cm x 38cm framed, 2020
Copyright © 2020 Julie Lawrence
Julie Lawrence is a contemporary landscape painter living in the Northwest of England. Rooted in the painting language of Romanticism, she responds to fleeting and ephemeral moments of light. Ideas of liminality underpin her work, which stands on the threshold of nostalgic association and something unknown. Lawrence holds a BA (hons) first class in Art with Theology and Religious studies; she also holds an MA in Fine Art from Chester University.
Julie, your images are poignant and lovely. I like that they are faceless, without defined lines. This leaves me a full canvas to interpret the work with just hints of structure. The colors lend themselves to keeping the eye in comfort, there is nothing assaultive about it. Hope to see more of your work here on the Lens.
Thank.you very much .I really appreciate that! Julie