Julia Sabatino
Through my artwork I explore the idea of female empowerment, depicting unique forms of expressive style women have adopted throughout various decades. I paint women finding their talents and passions, channeling their own individuality through arts, fashion, music, and other media. I celebrate women who embraced their differences and found their voices.
I create pen drawings which I later add watercolor paint to, making my marks complex and intentional. I start with simple outlines, and then add detail using various types of marks to make my figures and their surroundings realistic and interesting.
In “Woodstock”, my pen marks are clean and light. The limited amount of shading allows my audience to feel the light and warmth, similar to the mellow nature of the depicted environment.
I was hesitant to add color, but I found color contributes to the meaning within each piece. I’m exploring the idea of self expression and creative freedom- using color seems very fitting, and it helps to make the women I paint more individual.
I often use colors with a vintage feel, dull colors that make some works appear faded and old. Most of my pieces are images that I imagine may have taken place between the 50’s and 90’s. Through color I remind my audience of the time period. In “Polaroid”, I use colors I associate with the 70’s and hope my audience sees this connection as well.
All of my paintings are simply moments. Sometimes very small moments are memorable and defining. I hope to capture the feelings and energy of a moment that is hard to describe in words.