Julian Vilarrubi specialises in working with and from the figure, digital drawing and painting. He has a degree in Fine Art from Newcastle University, has studied at the V&A and is himself a lecturer in portraiture, design and life drawing.

Julian also paints dynamic, vibrant landscapes. They are largely abstract, yet suggest a real sense of atmosphere and the feel of a place. He says “All my work is inspired by my surroundings and I seek out new locations to create new work. I make drawings and colour studies on-site and create the work back in the studio. This means memory becomes a more significant aspect of the work as opposed to the strictly observational. It's important to retain the feeling and sensations of a place and try to get that into the painting. Somewhere in between the drawings, the studies and the memories lies the point of it all and to get to that and express it is the challenge.

“I work in oil paint - it retains its colour and depth, and can be used to create thick and luscious textures. The paint surface is key for my method. The way light falls on a painting helps provoke our responses to the textures. If all the elements are working the painting transforms from a flat illusion of the subject into something that engages the senses.”

Julian has exhibited extensively in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. His works are included in the collections of Leeds City Council, TSB Group London Citibank, and The National Trust, amongst others and are in private collections in Europe and the USA.