Julia Varady is an artist from Ann Arbor who loves to spend time in nature and enjoys painting birds and horses. Recently we checked in with her to learn a bit more about what inspires her and what draws her to birds as a subject for her work.
How did you get started as an artist?
Julia: I have always enjoyed being creative, and while I was working at a stable after high school, I began to paint and draw much more and decided I wanted to go to college for art. I ended up attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where I got my degree in illustration.
How do birds and nature inspire your work?
Julia: I have always enjoyed going for walks. Since moving to Michigan, my favorite thing about going on my walks is watching the birds and other animals, observing how they interact with their environments and with humans.
What other artists inspire you?
Julia: I really enjoy other artists who capture animals realistically, and a few of my favorites currently are Dustin Van Wechel, Richard Symonds, and Irene Meniconi.
Eastern Bluebird. Painting by Julia Varady
When did you begin embracing birds in your art journey?
Julia: I began the birds and nature series after moving to Ann Arbor from Boston. One of my favorite things about Michigan is all of the parks and nature areas where wildlife is abundant all around us.
How do you choose the bird species to feature in your work?
Julia: Probably the most significant factor in choosing my subjects is how memorable each encounter was with the animal. Creating the paintings of them reminds me forever of that brief moment, and through the painting, I get to know each subject even better.
How long does it take to create your work?
Julia: There is a bit of range in the number of hours for each painting based on the painting’s environment and size, but generally, an 11×14 piece takes about 10 hours and a 16×20 piece takes about 20 hours.
What mediums do you work in?
Julia: I primarily work in acrylics, but I do also enjoy experimenting with other mediums from time to time.
What is the hardest part of creating your work?
Julia: For me, the hardest part is starting the painting. Usually, I do a few sketches, which are quite quick and fun, but then while transferring the sketch to the canvas and laying down the first set of colors, I really have to focus. After the first layers of colors are down, it becomes very enjoyable again as the animal starts to come to life!
Northern Cardinal. Painting by Julia Varady
Do you consider yourself a birder?
Julia: Probably if there were more hours in the day, I would! At this time, I just enjoy the birds I come across in my everyday adventures and have not specifically set out to find particular bird species.
Do you have a favorite bird species?
Julia: I definitely have a serious love of the tiny birds, including chickadees, goldfinches, tufted titmice, and warblers.
Do you have a favorite spot to observe birds?
Julia: My favorite place so far is the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, but I will definitely check out some other recommended areas this year!
You can view Julia’s art on her website juliavarady.com and follow her on Instagram @juliavarady_fineart. Her work is available for sale and you can contact her at info@juliavarady.com.
Julia will be doing an Instagram takeover for Michigan Audubon Jan. 29–31. Follow us to see what she shares!
This post is part of a series featuring artists who celebrate Michigan birds in their work. Do you know an artist, amateur or professional, who should be featured in our series? Contact Communications & Marketing Coordinator Molly Keenan at mkeenan@michiganaudubon.org.