Vilarrubi, Julian

My work is inspired by my surroundings. I seek meaningful connections to landscape locations through personal or others’ histories and experiences. Often sparked by literary influences, the creative process begins with direct observation, usually through drawing and colour studies completed on-site. The final works are completed in the studio, blending memory with observation to capture the essence and sensations of a place.

Drawing is essential for understanding the landscape or the figure, while colour plays a crucial role in setting mood. My materials for drawing include pen, paper and ink and I sometimes use digital tools like the iPad as a portable studio. Oil paint is my preferred painting medium for its versatility, depth, texture, and interaction with light. It transforms paintings into immersive sensory experiences.

I strive to pictorially reflect the elusive qualities of light and space experienced in nature, making the painting a tangible, living equivalent of direct experience. 

I studied at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and at the Royal Academy Schools in London. 

I have held multiple solo exhibitions across the UK and Spain, participated in numerous group shows, and received awards and commissions such as the Richard Ford Award for travel in Spain, the Hatton Gallery Award, Celia Walker Prize and several commissions for the National Trust Foundation for Art. 

My work is held in private collections in Europe and North America.

I live and work in Brighton, England.