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ABOUT JULIA
Julia Pankhurst, a renowned British artist, is celebrated for her stunning seascapes that capture the beauty and majesty of the sea like few others can. Her paintings are characterized by their striking colours, dramatic skies, and a palpable sense of the ocean's power and movement.
Her masterful depiction of the sea's ever-changing light from the golden dawn glow on the horizon to the shimmering blues and greens of the water, her paintings radiate a vivid, energetic luminescence. This luminous quality draws the viewer into the scene, making them feel as if they have been transported to the shore, standing amidst the ebb and flow of the tides.
Another hallmark of Julia’s seascapes is the sense of movement and power that she portrays in the waves. Whether a gentle swell or a crashing wave, her paintings convey the inherent force and vitality of the ocean, creating a compelling tension that enthrals the viewer.
Julia’s seascapes are a testament to her masterful skill at capturing the beauty and power of the sea. With meticulous attention to detail and a deft hand at manipulating light and shadow, Julia imbues her paintings with an uncanny life-like quality. Whether gazing upon one of her smaller works or a grand sweeping marine canvas the viewer is effortlessly transported to the shore, immersed in the scene's captivating realism.
From a young age, it was clear that art would be the path for celebrated Portsmouth artist, Julia Pankhurst. After leaving Epsom Art School, Julia spent several summers earning a living as a portrait artist. However, a lack of direction caused her painting to take a backseat as other priorities in life took over.
Whilst working in the Portsmouth Naval base, in 2010, Julia surprised everyone by painting her first seascape featuring HMS Ark Royal. Its success encouraged her to paint a collection of Naval ships culminating in her being commissioned to paint the final picture of HMS Illustrious, prior to her being decommissioned in 2014. The original painting was presented to Lady Sarah Chatto, (the Queen’s niece), on the quarterdeck of the aircraft carrier by Julia and the ship’s Captain.
In 2017 Julia was commissioned by BAE Maritime Services to paint the official handover painting of HMS Queen Elizabeth in celebration of her being commissioned into Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. The original painting was presented to the ship’s Captain and is now displayed on board in the ‘Flag dining room’ – where Royalty and dignitaries will be entertained for the duration of the ships service. Julia was also asked to paint HMS Prince of Wales commissioning Painting in 2019.
