AUGUST 2026 - STUDIO NOTES
New work, creative spaces & life behind the canvas
Julie Crisan
8/22/20262 min read
The Story Behind the Climb
The Climb is a heavily textured painting featuring a climber (you have to find him/her) making their way through an expansive mountain landscape.
For me, the small figure represents the moments when the journey ahead feels much larger than we are. Progress may be slow and the destination may still be out of sight, but continuing to climb is its own kind of courage.
The texture gives the landscape a physical presence, while the scale of the climber reminds us how small we can sometimes feel in the face of a challenge.
It is a painting about perseverance, perspective, and continuing forward - even when the way is not easy.
Hello, friends!
Welcome to my first edition of Studio Notes - a little glimpse into what I have been creating, exploring, and working on behind the scenes.
FROM THE STUDIO
This month, much of my creative energy has gone into reimagining my home studio/gallery.
I recently installed new art display racks that will allow me to move and rotate my paintings more easily. Until now, finding a way to display a changing collection of work has always been a challenge, especially with the construction of the walls in Portugal. These racks will give me greater freedom to shift things around while creating a more beautiful and effective way to present my art. I have been thinking about how much our surroundings influence creativity. Reworking my studio/gallery is not simply about making it look better. It is about creating a space where the work can breathe - and where visitors can experience each painting more fully.
A studio is more than simply a place where paintings are made. It holds the experiments, the unfinished ideas, the moments of frustration, and the unexpected discoveries that eventually become part of the finished work.
I am looking forward to completing the space and, eventually, inviting people into the studio to see the paintings in person.
Creativity as a Way to Slow Down
I am continuing to develop my De-Stress with Art Experience, an inviting, pressure-free opportunity to relax, experiment with color, and enjoy the creative process.
No artistic experience is necessary. This is not about producing a perfect painting; it is about giving yourself permission to pause, capture your feelings on canvas, and reconnect with yourself.
I am offering to this experience to small groups and am exploring opportunities to offer it as an addition to retreats in Portugal. If you organize retreats or know a group that might enjoy this experience, I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for following along, supporting my work, and allowing me to share this creative journey with you. I hope Studio Notes will help you feel a little more connected to the stories, spaces and experiences behind the finished paintings.
With much gratitude,
Julie
Julie Crisan Art | www.JulieCrisanArt.com
P.S. What would you most enjoy seeing in future Studio Notes - new paintings, works in progress, stories behind the art, or glimpses inside the studio? i would love to hear from you.