We were lucky to catch up with Julia Whitworth recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julia , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In early 2023 I began a 100-day painting project, creating a 5×7 mini painting every day. This challenge, different from my usual large-scale work, allowed me to explore new ideas, experiment with fresh color palettes, and refine my skills on a smaller scale. The resulting collection blended unplanned abstract and landscape pieces—each day, I’d select my color palette and inspiration, letting the mini painting guide me.

This project taught me many meaningful lessons not only about my art practice, but about life. Here are my top 3 takeaways from my 100-day painting project:

Persist through your obstacles.
While this project was far from easy, it repeatedly proved that even uninspired days can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. This journey taught me the essential value of persisting through creative challenges.

Consistency is key.
Making space each evening to express the emotions of the day became my moment of reflection and release. The daily act of stepping away from technology to use my hands and to create inspired by a particular moment in time became a powerful tool to slow down and live each day with intention.

Creative exploration feeds the soul.
I’ve often struggled with perfectionism and this journey allowed me to make mistakes and learn. Most days I had no clue what to paint which granted me the freedom and permission to try new colors, unexpected tools, and take time to play. Exploration is essential in discovering who you are and who you want to be.

The entire collection was unveiled at the Dwell Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, culminating with my 100th daily painting created in front of a live audience. Since then, I have launched fine art reproductions of select daily paintings due to the rapid sale of fan favorites, available on my website.

Julia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

On New Year’s Day 2021, a time where I was in desperate need of self expression, I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in years and started to paint. The feeling was indescribable. I became lost in the beauty of the canvas and the colors at my fingertips, and time seemed to slip away. That evening, as I stared at the abstract painting I had created, I realized that it was a mirror of my emotions. From that moment on, I knew that there was no turning back.

You see, as a child I was fortunate enough to have a childhood that emphasized the importance of the arts. Singing, painting, acting – I did it all and loved every second of it. These creative outlets gave me the space to work through my emotions and strengthen my mental heath. After college I dove straight into the corporate world where unintentionally I starved myself of self expression, and after four years I felt completely lost.

Since that life changing moment in 2021, I’ve sold out multiple collections and gained a diverse clientele from across the country. My portfolio features a range of styles, including abstracts and landscapes, and my work is consistently described as peaceful. My primary focus lies in creating large-scale artwork, murals, and live event paintings.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My painting practice has brought a sense of inner peace that I hope to share with viewers. as mental health is incredibly important to me. I believe art and self expression, in any form, can sooth minds in a powerful way. My ultimate goal is to evoke true feeling through my artwork, using canvas as a medium to inspire a sense of tranquility and wonder. I often play with the idea that light can shine in the darkest places, and it is my hope that the viewer can reflect and relate this in their own lives.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has been integral to my artistic journey from day one. Just one month after I resumed painting, my family gifted me painting supplies on my birthday and I created all weekend. During this time, my husband documented my process and I posted a painting video online just for fun. Within twenty minutes, to my utter shock, the painting sold.

From there, my art business was born. Family and friends commissioned pieces and I documented each painting on my Instagram and TikTok. A few of these paintings went viral which led to collectors from New York to California.

Today, I continue to share my painting process online, turning it into a cherished part of my practice. Followers often express finding moments of peace and inspiration in the unfolding creations—a full circle experience mirroring the tranquility I feel when painting.

Contact Info:

• Website: juliawhitworth.com
• Instagram: @juliawhitworth.art
• Facebook: Julia Whitworth Art
• Other: Tiktok: Juliawhitworth.art

Image Credits
Keren Trevino