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About Artist 
Julie Kok

I always enjoyed drawing and painting as a child, and throughout my married life I have dabbled here and there, whether it was travelling the world or at home.

I grew up in Seaford where my mother, June, inspired me to try sketching and painting whilst watching her at home and on holidays painting the scenes around her. June always had a pencil or brush in her hand.  I tried my hand with oil pastels at an early age which I loved, but I wanted a box of Derwent pencils which had such beautiful colours.  I saved up all my pocket money and bought myself the box of 72 pencils.

I was given a box of watercolour paints later and my mother tutored me in the magic of watercolours.  Since then I have tried Acrylics, but my passion is pastels.  I saw a portrait demonstration by Barbara McManus using soft pastels which had beautiful colours, the impact was immediate.

So, from then on, I slowly built up my pastels with various brands and colours, whilst learning the use of pastel at various workshops and classes.  I also attended pottery classes where I was inspired to create some wonderful pieces which are still in my garden and throughout my home.

Since then I have tried Black Ink which I have also love after attending a 2 day workshop with Maxine Wade.  The flow of the ink was so amazing, watching the colours change, merge or stop in their tracks.  Another wonderful form of watercolour.  Since then I have won a major award and sold many of my creations.

I am inspired by the landscape around me, and reflections in water, whether it is a river, lake or the sea.  After moving to Buxton, Victoria, the beautiful vistas are in my backyard.  Portraits of people and animals, catching the likeness of the sitter or animal, I also enjoy.  I like to tell a story, which I capture locally or from travelling interstate or overseas.

Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, Edgar Degas and Rembrandt inspire me.

I am a member of Sherbrooke Art Society, Pastel Society of Victoria and Yarra Valley Arts.

Many of my paintings are held in private collections in Australia, Finland and Holland.

My first solo exhibition was held at Sherbrooke Art Gallery in 2017 which was a great success with many sales taken at the Opening.

I have received the following awards:

  • Jack Montgomery Award 2019 – Sherbrooke Art Society

  • Best Small Art Prize 2017 – Warrandyte Donvale Rotary Art Show 2017

  • Artist of the Year 2017 – Sherbrooke Art Society

  • Hans Heysen Award 2016 – Sherbrooke Art Society

  • Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society Annual Spring Show 2016 – 2nd prize

  • Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society Annual Spring Show 2015 – 1st and 2nd prize

  • Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society Annual Spring Show 2014 – 2nd and 3rd prize

  • Highly Commended - Sherbrooke Art Society Spring Exhibition 2014

  • Honourable Mention – Sherbrooke Art Society Spring Exhibition 2013

 

Facebook and Instagram: Julie Kok Art

Email: julieandmartin2008@hotmail.com

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