Many of the æsthetic choices Julee Hutchinson makes reflect her decades-long career in graphic design. “I think [that career] gave me an edge on designing a good painting,” she says.

Hutchison draws inspiration from her surrounding area. The scenic wilderness of the San Juans has enchanted her for more than 15 years. Hutchison and her husband built their Telluride home from a refurbished barn dating back to the turn of the century. Here they are surrounded by amazing scenery and wildlife. Julee paints many portraits of animals in an attempt to capture their loving spirits. She frequently paints and photographs the ranch animals that graze on their property during the summer months. She paints plein-aire life studies using the temperature of the present natural light and combines figures seamlessly within the landscape. In addition to animals and landscapes, Julee also enjoys painting still lifes and the human figure. Painting from life is an important facet of her work, and as artistically inspiring as plein air painting.