Julia Crossland (an artist for our natural world)

Julia Crossland

You’ve likely seen on this site that a huge part of its ethos is displaying and promoting beautiful art. England is still a green and pleasant land, but sometimes with issues like litter and streets of empty mobile phone shops, it’s nice to have a clear vision of what we can become (and return to).

That’s where talented artists help out. Teaching people to protect badgers is one thing – but have someone view a beautiful painting of a wild badger, will almost certainly inspire people to take action.

So for this post, we meet one of England’s most talented painters of the natural world: Julia Crossland

You may find Julia’s prints (on FSC-certified cotton paper) in local gift shops and galleries. Or else you can buy online. Just place in a nice picture frame, and you have affordable gorgeous art for your wall!

Robin Hood’s Bay (East Yorkshire) is where you paddle your toes, when completing Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk.

Julia is a Yorkshire artist who is inspired by the natural world, particular near her tiny terraced cottage in the Peak District. She loves bright uplifting colours that reflect the changing seasons, painted from her riverside garden studio.

Many paintings feature animals and birds (and little houses). To bring the coast and countryside to anyone’s home, and create a blissful escape away from the outside world.

Formerly working for NHS payroll, Julia was told she would never make it as an artist by a college art teacher?! When not painting, she enjoys walking, gardening, wild swimming and yoga. And autumn!

A Northern View is Julia Crossland’s Substack (a site where creatives share their latest writings). Here you’ll find a journal on her work and observations, plus peeks into her sketchbooks!

The good news is that Julia writes as well as she paints! These are lovely posts, and you are sure to feel inspired and relaxed. Also follow some of Julia’s life advice from her writings:

Make time each week to do something you want to do.
Spend time in nature, even if it’s just a cup of tea in your garden.
Spend less time on social media. Like this site, Julia is uneasy about Instagram, as it creates stress to be ‘owned’ by those who see artists and writers they are ‘content creators’.