We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Fisher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I believe that art is very important in that it brings happiness to both artists and collectors. Many artists, while fulfilling a passion to create, can also find healing for physical and emotional traumas they have endured. Art can promote expression, communication between cultures and preserve history.

Teaching painting to all age groups is very rewarding. I get especially excited when teaching children. Some children are not introduced to the arts in their school or home settings. Instilling a desire for creativity in people can only enrich their lives and their communities.

I have volunteered in public schools, working with the special needs classes. I bring all of the supplies and let the children, teacher’s aides and teachers experience creating an acrylic painting. Seeing the joy and sense of accomplishment on their faces is priceless. A similar experience is going to senior centers, letting them create which enriches their lives.

Many artists donate paintings to various fund raising events and causes important to them. I personally donate to animal shelters, 4H clubs, autism awareness and schools, fishing clubs and for any need which arises in my community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am mostly self taught, taking online courses, following artists on social media, reading and admiring art from the masters. I began painting with oils over 40 years ago. Through the years I have added acrylic and watercolor to the mediums I use, however, oils will always be my favorites.

My muse is nature; sunsets and skies being my most favorite, next flowers, mountains, animals and occasionally people.

I paint realism with a painterly twist. I have been trying PleinAir painting recently, and am hoping that it will improve my paintings and the ability to loosen up.

I love to share what I have learned over the years. I have taught at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, my church and at my daughter’s high school, working with the special needs children. Teaching comes easily for me, as I am patient, very thorough and organized.

I did not set out to sell my art, but after painting for so many years, as you can imagine, I have a lot of paintings. Marketing is where I struggle. I have been a Paralegal for as long as I have painted. Working on the computer and telephone in that profession has caused me to despise computers and phones. I have presence on social media with Instagram, Facebook, and a website. I have taken courses on how to approach galleries and I have all of the tools, but I still struggle with selling my work.

I have been in local galleries, shows and art fairs in both the East Valley and West Valley of Phoenix. I have been accepted in Oil Painters of America and National Oil and Acrylic Painters. I enter shows with these organizations.

My tip for other artists wanting to make a career as an artist is to spend a few hours each day doing marketing, follow up with galleries and customers, collect email addresses from everyone interested in your art. If you cannot find the time or the desire to do marketing, hire someone.

I would encourage anyone who is passionate about the environment, loves nature and animals to check out my art. I can paint vacation locations, favorite places to visit, pets and people. Go to “JulieFisherFineArt.artspan.com”.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In that I live in the mountain community of Tonto Basin, Arizona, near Roosevelt Lake, I would take a visitor to the mountains. Sedona is usually a favorite destination, as is the Grand Canyon. Just about any forest, mountain or lake is a wonderful place to spend time and enjoy the beauty that inspires me to paint. We would find restaurants that are family owned to have a great meal At night we would enjoy the sunset and then the stars in the sky.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my learning about galleries, marketing and selling art, I give a shout out to Jason Horejs, owner of Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. I have taken his courses, followed his blogs and hope to one day be represented by him.

Website: http://www.JulieFisherFineArt.artspan.com

Instagram: JulieFisherFineArt

Facebook: http://Facebook.com/Julie’sFineArt

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.