Canvas Conversations with Julie Hansen

Julie Hansen’s abstract boat paintings reflect her love of color, composition and imagery. Drawn to her subject matter after having lived bayside in Melbourne, Australia, almost 15 years ago, she began her signature boat series. Using wax based pencils, she skillfully and artfully drafts linear shapes upon canvas or linen.

With colorful palettes and sometimes gold leaf, she brings the work to life marrying the drawing with the painting. Her art is always about bringing beauty to a space while at the same time meaningfully connecting with her collectors.

We asked Kansas City-based artist Julie Hansen five questions to learn more about her practice, her habits, and her dreams. Read more below:



Q: How do you start your day?
A: I like to start my day with a cup of black coffee and yogurt. I always try to do a daily inspirational devotion and prayer. It doesn’t always happen, life can be crazy. There’s an app called Hallow that I like especially when on the go. It keeps me focused on what’s most important and always opens me up to new ideas.

Q: What was the most unique experience you had while living in Melbourne, Australia?
A: So many unique experiences were had when we lived in Melbourne. The most unique I would say was that during our second stay I became pregnant with our youngest. This was during a time I painted with a plein air paint group. On one of our outings to a garden I was stunned by brilliant white calla lilies growing so tall and lush. I painted them in oil in the strong Australian sun. I can feel it now. When I went looking for a name for our baby girl, I felt Calla was fitting. The name also means “beautiful”, a word I heard a lot in Melbourne.

Q: If you could hang one piece of art from any museum in your home, which would it be?
A: That is a hard question. There’s a piece at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art that I have admired for years. It’s a rather unknown artist but the piece holds a special place in my heart for the sheer reason that I have probably spent the most time with it, just admiring it and letting it speak to me. There’s something very spiritual about it. The artist painted a graceful line with a little abstract imagery, a crescent shape and soft brushwork throughout. It just puts me at ease every time I visit it.

Q: What is the name of the last book you read?
A: I just finished Joy to Love by Pope Francis. I am currently reading Hope: The Autobiography, also by Pope Francis. It’s a beautifully written story of his life. It’s such a joy to read his thoughts and hear about his family’s and his own personal journey.

Q: Where in the world do you wish to travel/visit next?
A: I’d love to travel to Greece, London and Portugal. We’ve been overseas to other places like France, Italy and Denmark but not to those yet. They’re on my list!

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