Julie Trail Watercolors and Oil Paintings

   I am fortunate to live in the Sierra Foothills, in the Historic Gold Rush community of Sutter Creek.  I came to art after a career as an elementary school teacher, and having always been a watercolor painter, I began to study seriously with several successful artists I found in the "neighborhood," Howard Rees of Jackson, CA, and Kathleen Dunphy of Angels Camp.  
   I love to wander the foothills and mountains of Northern California seeking out landscapes that hint of quieter times.  My goal is to create a feeling of nostalgia for a beautiful spot, either a grand view, an old stone wall, or a tree just capturing the light in an amazing way.  I am continually seeking places for plein air painting.  After the delight of painting outdoors in oil, I return to my studio to create larger oil paintings or watercolors.  
   I also enjoy doing commissioned artworks for people who have a dream of a painting of their home or a special place.  I've done commissioned paintings in both watercolor and oil, and it's rewarding to bring my clients the joy of having a painting of something they love.
    I currently exhibit my work at Gallery 10 in Sutter Creek, and at Story Winery in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County. 
   By owning one of my paintings, you are sharing my love of the land and its history in the gentle hills and magnificent mountains of Northern California.