Growing up in a haunted, 19th century farm house in Minnesota, Julia Leigh has naturally drawn and painted multi-dimensional art since childhood. Her art reflects her passion for animals, nature, dance and the mystical. Labeled a Romantic Etherealist, Julia seeks to visually portray what is not always apparent to the naked eye yet is definitely perceived by the subconscious. As a result, her work has evolved into a sensual integration of the spiritual and physical realms.

Via elements of line, shape and color, Julia specializes in creating tension and drama by using high contrast on canvas. She allows the media to work through her and often combines several techniques, such as watercolor with pastel in order to achieve a variety of interesting textures. Her recent paintings have been created using oil because of the heightened contrast, color and detail that can be achieved. To heighten yet ground her creative energy, Julia customizes her Minneapolis studio for each piece by using music and lighting. This influences each painting's purpose. She also works intimately with her clients to understand their creative desire, thereby transforming that information into a personalized work of art layered with spiritual symbolism that is designed to move the soul.

Julia's original paintings and giclée prints have received national recognition and are collected throughout the United States. She has had numerous exhibitions and her work appears in several galleries and publications. She is a favorite of the national magazine, Dancing USA, where she has been featured as a cover artist twice. Her work was nominated for PRSA's National Media Kit Campaign award in 1998. In a desire to give back to the community, Julia began to contribute artwork in 2000 to causes such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, the Sarah Smith Schools of Atlanta, and the Francesca Genéréux Foundation in Canada for children with Rett's syndrome.

Julia studied art at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design and with Victor Cagliotti of New York City. She also has a BA from Columbia University in English and Theatre Arts and worked for several years in New York and Los Angeles in the performing arts arena. Her work can be viewed online at www.julialeigh.com and is also available for purchase online or by calling 612.872.0924.