Based in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Julia Gillies is an abstract artist working primarily with acrylic on canvas, alongside select watercolour pieces. Her practice is guided by an intuitive, process-led approach, where movement, colour, and emotion take precedence over realism or representation.
Her work is defined by bold, expressive mark-making, layered compositions, and a vibrant palette dominated by luminous pinks and fluorescent tones. Shapes and lines intersect and unfold across the canvas, creating pieces that feel both chaotic and intentional—an exploration of tension, energy, and release.
Influenced by neurodivergent ways of experiencing the world, Julia’s work embraces stimulation, contrast, and visual intensity. Her use of colour and form aligns with the concept of “dopamine décor”—art that sparks joy, energy, and sensory engagement—inviting viewers to connect with their environment in a more instinctive and emotionally responsive way.
Rather than depicting the external world, her paintings open a space for internal landscapes shaped by instinct and sensation. Each piece evolves organically, responding to shifts in mood, rhythm, and the physicality of paint itself. The result is artwork that feels dynamic, immersive, and open to interpretation.
Julia’s body of work reflects a distinctive visual language that celebrates colour, movement, and the freedom of abstraction.