"I consider myself primarily an observational painter, painting mostly from life, and often outside ‘en plein air’. Painting in one session, “Alla prima” keeps the surface fresh. I like to look for interesting compositions and often don’t know what I will choose to paint until I get to a location. Sometimes what attracts me is simply a light effect and, though my work is representational, it is often the abstract patterns of shadows that get me started. I paint a vast range of subjects, and am always looking for a new challenge."
Pennsylvania artist Julie Riker studied Illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. After graduating she became involved in the historic restoration of the PA State Capitol, replicating original decorative painting, stenciling and applying gold leaf and ornamental plaster finishes. In 1996 Julie started her own decorative painting business creating artwork for individual homes and businesses. Working out of her Camp Hill studio she specializes in custom art, decorative painting, murals and faux finishes for walls and furniture. She has travelled from New York to Florida for commissioned projects, and has even created and painted wall finishes for the PA Governor’s residence in 2002.
When not working for a client, Julie enjoys painting outdoors. Often these plein air paintings serve as inspiration for larger studio pieces, but some stand on their own as observations of the beauty and variety of nature. She has participated in many national plein air events and won several awards. Recent accomplishments are First Place at Paint Annapolis, Artist’s Choice Award at Paint Snow Hill, People’s Choice Award for Quick Draw at Finger Lakes Plein Air, Plein Air Magazine Award at the Wayne Plein Air Festival, Plein Air Salon Finalist, and Feature Artist juried into Plein Air Easton.
Julie’s paintings have been published in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine and she is profiled in an article in the Feb/March 2018 issue of Plein Air Magazine. Southwest Art Magazine has recognized Julie as an “Artist To Watch” in their October 2018 issue.