I'm Julia Koroleva (born 1972), from the former Soviet Union, and have lived in the Netherlands since 1992. You could call me self-taught.
Painting is a passion of mine, a passion that draws you in and then disappears. It's the magic of creating something that doesn't exist yet, something that springs almost from nothing, coming to life. Although I drew and painted a lot as a child, I didn't pursue this passion until I was around 50. So you're never too late to follow your own calling!
Believing that we are an immortal soul, my subjects are often inspired by our consciousness, the higher, immortal love. I discovered that depicting people is my favorite. People with their feelings and imperfections, but also those, created with divine perfection, are inspiring subjects. People in their relationship to the eternal, the infinity, religion, nature, and other people—what could be more fascinating? Because I identify as a woman, I often depict women. A woman who is vulnerable yet so powerful, tranquil yet invisibly moved by the mysterious depths of her soul.
My paintings are executed in oil paint, in which I apply five to six thin layers over a colored background. It's a time-consuming process, but very special. The process itself is a magical journey of discovery that can surprise and inspire you.
But above all, I want to inspire viewers to explore and create their own interpretations, to feel, to open themselves up, and to be touched.
