JOURNAL

Art Journal of Julie Breton abstract painter, view new artwork, studio update & inspiration. | Journal de Julie Breton artiste peintre. Voyez les oeuvres, l'atelier & ce qui m'inspire.

MÉMOIRES ABSTRACT COLLAGE SERIES

JULIE BRETON | MÉMOIRES No.4 - abstract collage

JULIE BRETON | MÉMOIRES No.2 - abstract collage

THE MÉMOIRES séries of collage and paintings is part of an effort to record what goes on in the mind. Using multiple photographic reference, I document the various subjects and the emotions they communicate through the use of vivid colours, sharp angles and organic lines. Working with layers of mixed media, I create a composition reminiscent of the fleeting moment.

I explore new materials and techniques using translucent paper as a support. I use graphite, coloured pencil, paper, canvas, acrylic & gesso in layers of various transparency. I have also been using vintage photographs and postcard found in my favourite local antique shop for the nostalgia they evoke.

work on paper

ART EXPLORATION

In an attempt to discover and grow as an artist I often experiment with new media, supports and subjects. I work with transparent velum to which I add layers of graphite, acrylic paint, coloured pencil, dry pastel & markers. I see what happens and then adjust from there trying to find new materials, media and subjects to work with.

With a specific subject in mind, I stain raw canvas with dark colours followed by layers of lighter hues. I draw marks with graphite, charcoal, pastel and conté blending them to the previous layers. I even work with gigantic canvases on the grass outside the studio. These all serve one purpose, to open up my mind and grow as an artist.

You can follow my experiments and discoveries on Instagram below.

GLASSHOUSE ABSTRACT SERIES

I am intrigued by the changes that occurred at the beginning of the 20th century and how they brought about the birth of the modern era. One things that still stands today is some of the architecture and buildings of that time. I am especially fascinated by the Victorian glasshouses that are now decrepit, abandonned and left for the vegetation to regain it's stake on the land. I get inspired from seeing vintage photos of their opulent grandeur and the social status they came to represent. I imagine them filled to capacity with lush tropicals and rare botanicals competing for light.

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JULIE BRETON ART | GLASSHOUSE SERIES - LUSH

I can't help but think that at the same time, the growth of the industrial revolution was bringing upon new ideology and cultural shifts. And so with time, these impressive structures became a thing of the past as for the exuberance of the era. This artwork series depicts the polarization of old and new ideas with lush botanicals surounded by unexpected shapes and colours. You can follow my progress on Instagram below.

LIVING WITH ART

CURATE & DISPLAY | KITCHEN RENO - ART BY BERIT MOGENSEN LOPEZ

How often did you see a fantastic piece of art and thought to yourself "maybe someday"? What if someday could be now? There are many ways you can incorporate art into your everyday life without investing your entire paycheck or digging into your emmergency fund.

My very favorite UK Stylist, Tiffany Grant-Riley a minimal design and slow living virtuoso, has found clever ways to incorporate art into her everyday life. Have a look at her latest project on Curate & Display, a kitchen reno in her very own Victorian Era Chatham House featuring art by moi, Julie Breton.

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CURATE & DISPLAY | KITCHEN RENO - ART BY JULIE BRETON

It's all about planning and making the right choices. First she made sure that key items like flooring and paint colour were the absolute perfect shade for her project. Followed by well curated accessories like fantastic French kitchen towells and a Miele coffee maker none the less!

When it came to the artwork, less is more. A perfectly framed print and small original abstract look stunning next to the Nordic Blue shade of the walls and cupboards. They are also easy to switch whenever you feel like a change. With the right frame choice, they look like upscale artwork and you get all the satisfaction and benefits of living an artful life!

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PRÉMONITION

This painting from the Émotions series inspired by the classic French novel Madam Bovary is one of my favorites. I had been searching for the perfect title for a few days when, on the eve of my 29th birthday (give or take 16 years), a meteorite entered the atmosphere passing over Nelson to crash in the mountains nearby. It produced a flash of light and a deafening rumble only Thor could be proud of. The next morning I knew this painting should be called Premonition. This can only mean that the next 45 years will be amazing. Hold on to your bérêt Picasso!

SEE GALLERY

Cette peinture de la série Émotions, inspirée par le roman classique Madame Bovary, est une de mes préférées. J'étais à la recherche d'un titre depuis quelques jours quand, à la veille de ma fête, une météorite est entrée dans l'atmosphère au-dessus de Nelson pour atterrir dans les montagnes un peu plus loin. Cet événement atmosphérique rare a produit un éclat de lumière intense et un grondement digne de Thor. Le lendemain, je savais que cette peinture devait s'appeler Prémonition. Je crois que mes 45 prochaines années seront les meilleures.

ÉMOTIONS

Emotions is a new painting series inspired by Gustave Flaubert's novel Madame Bovary. The novel takes place in 19th century provincial France and follows Emma Bovary's adulterous life. It's publication caused quite a commotion and public prosecutors attacked the novel for obscenity. Standards concerning obscenity having changed since 1850, the novel is now considered a French literature masterpiece.

“An infinity of passion can be contained in one minute, like a crowd in a small space.”

— Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary

Émotion est une nouvelle série inspirée par le roman de Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary. Le récit se déroule au 19ième siècle dans la France provinciale. Il raconte la vie d'Emma Bovary, femme adultère, incompris. La publication du roman a bouleversée la société du temps et à même amené son auteur en cours pour "Outrage à la morale publique, religieuse et aux bonnes moeurs". Les temps ayant changés, le roman est maintenant considéré comme un chef d'oeuvre de la littérature Française.

“Un infini de passion peut tenir dans une minute, comme une foule dans un petit espace.”

— Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary

The novel is inspiring for it's descriptions of the French provincial scenery, the unrealistic expectations of Emma and all the emotions the novel convey. It also has beautiful prose and quite a modern take on life and love. You can see the entire series in the gallery or see the shop for available original artwork.

SHOP ARTWORK

Ce roman m'inspire par ses descriptions du paysage, les attentes irréalistes d'Emma et la foule d'émotions d'écrites dans ses pages. Il se démarque par son écriture poétique et sa philosophie moderne sur la vie et les relations amoureuses. Visitez la galerie pour voir la série entière ou la section shop pour les oeuvres originales disponibles.

GALERIE

WORK IN PROGRESS

I am currently working on a series inspired by the French novel Madame Bovary from Gustave Flaubert. Using charcoal, conté, pastel and acrylic paint I built layers upon layers of colours, marks and drawings. Here are detail close up of my work in progress.

You can see regular studio updates on my instagram.

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JULIE BRETON ART | DETAIL ABSTRACT PAINTING

Je travaille présentement sur une série inspirée par le roman Français Madame Bovary de Gustave Flaubert. Je superpose des couches de couleurs, marques et dessins en utilisant fusain, conté, pastels et peinture acrylique. Voici un aperçu de mon travail en cours.

Vous pouvez voir des photos du studio sur instagram.

SKETCHBOOK

JULIE BRETON | SKETCH inspired by Ellsworth Kelly

This year I am resolved to discover a sketching method that works for me. I usually work on large scale canvases that offer me freedom of movement and can withstand some abuse. I find sketchbooks somewhat precious and limiting, choosing to sketch on large 3"x4" pieces of paper instead.

When drawing, I like to incorporate the same mediums as when I paint; charcoal, graphite, pastels, acrylic and water. I find these are not necessarily suitable for sketchbook pages. In the year to come I will be trying to work with pen, markers, conté and oil pastels.

As for subject matter and because of scale, I find it much more interesting to stay away from the work I do on canvas. I sometimes even get inspired by the drawings of famous artists in hopes to learn. Here is a drawing inspired by Ellsworth Kelly.

Cette année, j'ai pris comme résolution de découvrir une technique de croquis qui fonctionne pour moi. En générale, je travaille avec de grandes toiles très résistantes qui offre liberté de mouvement. Les carnets de croquis sont très fragiles. C'est pourquoi je choisi plus souvent faire mes ébauches sur un très grand papier.

Je préfère utiliser les mêmes matériaux que lorsque je peins; fusain, graphite, pastels, acrylique et eau. Ceux-ci ne sont pas les meilleurs choix pour ce qui est des esquisses sur carnet de croquis. Je me résous donc à utiliser stylo, feutre, conté et pastels à l'huile.

Pour ce qui est du sujet et en raison de la grandeur, je trouve qu'il est plus intéressant de m'éloigner de mon travail sur toile. Je m'inspire même, parfois, du travail d'artiste célèbres en espérant faire de nouvelles découvertes artistiques. Voici un dessin inspiré d'Ellsworth Kelly.

GREEN OBSESSION

Lately I have been obsessed with mixing green, olive and teal colours in search of the perfect shade to add to my Émotions painting series. I am inspired by moss, lichen and decay. Here is my work in progress and paint samples from the studio.

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À la recherche de la teinte parfaite, je continue de mélanger de nouvelles couleurs vertes, olives et turquoises pour ma série Émotions. Je suis inspirée par les mousses forestières, le lichen et la décomposition. Voici mon travail en cours et mes échantillons de peinture.

BRIEF STORM

Inpired by a poem from turn-of-the-century Montréal poet Emile Neligan The Golden Ship, I created a series of four 8"x8" paintings.

I first drew some marks in graphite and charcoal with the subject in mind. Then, I applied some colour washes followed by thicker paint using a painting knife to create some textural interest.

You can read the poem by following the link.

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Inspiré par un poème d'Émile Nelligan Le vaisseau d'or, j'ai crée cette série de quatres peintures de 8"x8" qui s'intitule "Tempête brève."

Avec le sujet en tête, j'ai dessiné des marques de graphite et de fusain pour ensuite les recouvrir de lavi de couleur. Finalement, pour créer une texture intéressante j'ai appliqué de l'acrylique au couteau.

Vous pouvez lire le poème en suivant le liens.

POEM | POÈME