My name is Julia Morgan Scott, and I've been reading posts and lurking for the past couple of weeks, and learning a great deal.
My career has been meandering since my graduation from the University of Tennessee in 1984, where I was the odd woman out in the art department, totally obsessed with learning how to draw realistically! Painting realistically was but a distant dream.
I've been a professional artist of one sort or another, gradually moving from part-time to full-time, since 1994, after my kids were older. My "art jobs" started with drawing cariacatures in blinding heat and sun in front of the Tennessee Aquarium (but I was so glad to have an art job); then I chanced on a part-time position at the University here in Chattanooga doing scientific illustration. I was the only person who applied who could draw a bone.
Over the past decade I've also done magazine illustrations and a few book covers and game cards in the world of fantasy illustration. Most of what I've learned about painting has been picked up by talking to the talented professionals at SF conventions, such as the World Fantasy Convention (I couldn't believe that another member, Michael Georges, also listed the WFC as an influence!).
Since 2000, I've been changing course. The scientific illustration has improved my drawing skills immensely, but it is not figurative which is what I love. The fantasy illustration was figurative, but in acrylics, and done to an art director's often tasteless whim. Over the past several years, I've been studying and taking workshops to improve my oil painting skills and "loosen up," which after 10 years of scientific illustration, I need to do.
There is so much to learn.
I recently rented a large, north-lit studio in a downtown office building, and am stretching linen and priming it and learning as much about oil painting as I can! Every day I spend in my studio I am so grateful for every minute. The light and the view are fantastic.
I'm thrilled to be accepted on the forum.
Best, Julia Morgan Scott
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