Julia Thornton Wilson – Painter

On any given day as an artist (if I’m lucky!), I see colors, patterns, words, shapes,
scriptures and textures begin to dance and compose their own choreography. I’m continuing to learn that prayer before painting helps me step out of the way and lets my hands take on a life of their own.

In childhood and high school, I benefited from wonderful art teachers. As a student at
the University of Georgia, I enjoyed my art classes immensely, but my love for words — and desire to find a job — led me to a degree in journalism. After working as a writer for the Medical College of Georgia and the City of Virginia Beach, I segued into freelance work for newspapers, hospitals, and then a stint with my favorite, Southern Lady Magazine.
Then, a visit to a Charleston artist’s studio about ten years ago was like a magnet
drawing me back to painting — the fresh paints, the colorful palette, and that blank canvas called my name and I couldn’t resist. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to take lessons and workshops from several inspiring artists as I’ve sought to hone my own style.
When I faced a heartbreaking tragedy a few years ago, I couldn’t even bring myself to
pick up a brush for a long time. When I finally did, I was able to start feeling glimmers of healing and keep going each day. Allowing art to be expressed through me became my tonic and my testimony.

My faith continues to inspire me daily and I believe that the deepest roots of sadness
can give way to become the seeds of abiding hope.
I’d love to think I’m making the world a little better one painting at a time. New mercies
every morning!