Julie Freund – Gaze

Artist Statement

I like to use colors in an unconventional way while still portraying the recognizable. Letting the inner energy of the colors play out on the canvas through the brush.

I use the equine form in my artwork as a tribute to their significance in my life. It’s the permanent connection with the horse that sparks my creativity. Horses have an ability to be far greater in size than us, and yet make us feel so comfortable in their presence – a partnership that transcends species. My artwork gives an unique perspective of the equine.

Artist Biography

Julie Anna Freund was born and raised in upstate New York. Ever since Julie can remember she has been drawing and painting. She began riding horses at the age of 8 and entered her first show at 10. After losing her father at a young age Julie found sanctuary being around horses and the barn. She credits the equine and barn environment for her up-bringing, from adolescence into adulthood.

Julie attended Bridgewater College in central Virginia before transferring to Savannah College of Art and Design. She rode on both school’s equestrian teams in addition to showing her privately owned horses throughout the east coast. Julie graduated with a B.F.A in Painting and double minored in Equestrian Studies and Art History.

Upon graduation Julie moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she taught both riding lessons and painting classes. Most recently Julie was an Administrative Assistant at Wisconsin Equine Clinic and Hospital before becoming a full time mother in 2020.

Julie is still living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She balances her time between being a mother and creating art that honors the positive impact horses have had on her life. She hopes to share her love and appreciation for these animals through her artwork. When she isn’t mothering or making art Julie rides her horse at Foremost Farm in Delafield, WI.