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‘U.P. on canvas’

Local artist discusses work at reception

Deerton-based artist Julie Highlen shows one of her pieces, “On Solid Rocks,” at Travel Marquette during a reception for her on Tuesday. Highlen’s work had been on display there since May. (Journal photo by Christie Mastric)

MARQUETTE — Julie Highlen’s studio is named the Northwoods Art Studio for good reason.

The Deerton-based artist’s specialty is scenery and landscapes, and there’s plenty of that in the north woods of the Upper Peninsula.

Highlen’s work had been featured since May 19 in the downtown Travel Marquette office at 117 W. Washington St. in Marquette.

Although a Tuesday art reception for Highlen marked the end of the display at Travel Marquette, people can view and purchase her work directly from Highlen at Zero Degrees Gallery in Marquette, Open Wings Pottery and Gallery in Munising, and Art in Abundance in Grand Marais.

Highlen called her work “U.P. on canvas.”

She said she’s been painting since 2004, with her aunts’ artwork inspiring her to give the pastime a try.

She also got an early taste of art the way many others do.

“I always liked to color as a kid,” Highlen said.

She studied through a number of workshops, and ended up specializing in landscapes — water, rocks and trees — with acrylics her chosen medium.

Highlen explained her choice of subject matter.

“I like being in the outdoors, so that’s what I like to paint, too,” she said. “Of course, I enjoy all weather, although I really do like winter.”

One of her favorite pieces she created is called “On Solid Rock.”

Alongside the artwork at the Travel Marquette display was this description:

“For years now, we have enjoyed the Upper Peninsula. Near the rugged tip of the Keweenaw, on Superior, we came across this rock just offshore. I knew right away I was going to paint it. It is always amazing that trees can grow ‘On Solid Rock.'”

Although she prefers landscapes, Highlen has painted a few still-life pieces.

“But when I do those, it’s more of a treasured item,” she said, with two of those treasured items being Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls sitting on a chair.

Occasionally Highlen can be seen in a true natural setting, such as the June 26 Fresh Coast plein air painting competition held during Art Week. It went well for her since she won the People’s Choice Award. In fact, Highlen said this year marked the second time she finished first in this competition.

Whether she wins events or simply paints for the love of it, most likely, scenery still will be her favorite.

“It reminds you of the place that you love, so I might as well paint what I love,” Highlen said. “If you’re in a bad mood, you go for a walk, then you find something that gives you either joy or peace — and then I want to capture that.”

Susan Estler, executive director of Travel Marquette, said COVID-19 had limited public access to its West Washington Street location, but Highlen was proactive in bringing the display there.

“It’s been a really nice addition,” Estler said. “I don’t have anybody coming right in after Julie, but hopefully we’ll get some traction again.”

She has praise for Highlen’s work.

“I really like it,” Estler said. “I was telling Julie I’m very envious of her landscapes, and especially trees because I have never been able to paint a tree in my life. I can’t. I like to draw and I like to paint, but I can never do trees for whatever reason, and landscapes.

“I love her color palettes in the different paintings and I really like her use of shadows in some of the work.”

For information on Northwoods Art Studio, email northwoodsartstudio@gmail.com or call 906-343-6610. Highlen and her studio also are on Facebook.

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