Meet Julie

A Passionate Fine Artist from Brisbane

Biography

Julie Cane

Julie Cane is a Brisbane-based fine artist known for her ability to capture the exquisite details of the world around us. She is an emerging artist whose journey has been marked by an unwavering drive to represent our extraordinary natural environment.

Cane’s art showcases her mastery of realistic painting, Her work has encompassed various genres, focusing on still life and landscapes that reflect her keen observation and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. She has exhibited her pieces extensively, including venues in London, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Cane’s work has been selected for numerous juried exhibitions and awards. Highlights include winning the Lethbridge 10,000 Small Scale Art Award in 2014 and the Still Life Prize at the EKKA in 2013 and 2015. Her work is collectable and can be found in the Queensland State Library collection, ANL corporate collection, and private collections throughout Australia and around the globe.

Cane’s recent artistic focus has shifted to a critical engagement with still life. Her current practice-led research project appeals to recognition of the social and cultural importance of real-life social interactions.

Julie’s education includes a Master’s in Visual Art with Distinction from Q.C.A.D. Cane’s dedication to her craft and ability to see and portray the details in the world’s beauty are outstanding.

JULIE CANE

My Artistic Journey

 Hello, I’m Julie!

I’m a practising artist with over 30 years of experience. My journey began in 1982 when my mother gifted me my first Winsor and Newton artist’s watercolour set at the age of 14.

I still cherish that set, holding on to some of the original paints while replacing my favourites as they ran out. In the early years, I dedicated myself to mastering watercolours and graphite drawings.

JULIE CANE

My early career in England

During my university years, studying for my Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, I was commissioned for several graphite drawings, all while continuing to hone my watercolour skills.

After qualifying, I found more time for art and explored marquetry, further building my watercolour expertise and dabbling in oil painting. Between 1996 and 2002, I created several veneer pictures and progressed through exhibition classes, ultimately winning the Rose Bowl for the Advanced class and becoming a fellow of the National Marquetry Society.

In 1999, I attended my first botanical art workshop, a genre that perfectly suited my love for fine details. A year later, I took a second workshop to further my skills, and by 2004, I achieved full membership in the Society of Botanical Artists. I successfully exhibited in their London show for several years before taking a break to focus on my young family.

​I began oil painting in 1995 and spent several years refining my skills in this medium. My work was exhibited and sold in numerous shows locally and in London, where I was a finalist in “The Daily Mail Not the Turner Prize.” While living in Wiltshire, England, I studied under Trevor Waugh to perfect my oil and watercolour techniques and completed an art foundation course with him in 2004. In 2005, I won first prize in the painting section at The Bourne Show in Surrey with an oil portrait.

From 2006 to 2010, I continued painting while raising my two young children, although I was less productive during this period.

A Creative Journey of Passion and Recognition

My career in Australia

Since moving to Brisbane in 2011, my art career has flourished through exhibitions, awards, and significant commissions. In 2012, I showcased oils and watercolours at the Percolator Gallery, launching a creative chapter enriched by nature-inspired works.

In 2013, my oil painting In the Shed won first prize in the still life class at the Royal Queensland Show (EKKA), while my watercolour Evening Play secured the People’s Choice Award at the Watercolour Society of Queensland’s Annual Exhibition. That same year, my work There is Always One! earned a Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 10,000 Small-Scale Art Award.

The following year, my oil painting Do You?, centred on environmental conservation, won the Lethbridge 10,000 award. I also received commendations at The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular and the EKKA.

By 2015, I had claimed another EKKA first prize with Box of Mangoes, followed by a major commission in 2016 for The Brisbane 18ft Sailing Club. That year also brought the Curator’s Choice Award at The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular and further recognition at the EKKA.

In 2017, Afternoon Stroll earned a Special Commendation at the ANL Art Awards in Melbourne and was acquired by the ANL Corporate Collection. After focusing on my family, I returned in 2019 with my River City Cafe Scenes, exhibited at the prestigious Tattersalls Club, Brisbane.

Enrolling in a Master of Visual Art at QCAD Southbank, Griffith University, in 2021 marked an exciting new chapter. I explored drawing, printmaking, and still life painting, with one of my prints included in the 2022 Folio Box collection, held by public and private institutions, including the Queensland State Library.

In 2023, my seascape received a Commended Award at the EKKA. I am excited to unveil my latest still-life series at my MVA project exhibition later this year.

2024 was a busy year, I achieved my Master of Visual Art with Distinction from Queensland College of Art and Design, Southbank, Griffith University, QLD. My exhibit in the Q.C.A.D. Honours and Master Grad Show was awarded the 2024 Highly Commended Master of Visual Arts award for the highest quality Masters entry in the show.  My entry in the Redland Art Award 2024 was awarded a Highly Commended, by Judge Steven Alderton.

Julie Cane - Curriculum Vitae

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2016 ‘Reflections’, Lethbridge Gallery, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 ‘Nature’s Bounty’, Lethbridge Gallery, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2012 ‘Solo in Australia’ Percolator Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Awards 

  • 2024 Highly Commended, Redland Art Awards, Redland Gallery, Redland, QLD.
  • 2024 Highly Commended Master of Visual Arts for the highest quality Masters entry in the Q.C.A.D. Honours and Masters Grad Show, Q.C.A.D. galleries, South Bank, Griffith University, Brisbane.  
  • 2023 Commended – Seascape, Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2017 Special Commendation, The ANL Art Awards, Mission to Seafarers, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
  • 2016 Highly Commended – Still Life, Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Highly Commended – Watercolour, Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Special recognition artist – Botanicals Art Exhibition Painting, Light Space and Time Online Gallery.
  • 2016 Curators choice, The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular.
  • 2015 First Prize – Still Life, Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 Winner, Lethbridge 10,000 Small Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 Highly Commended, The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, Riverside Centre, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 First Prize – Still Life, Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 People’s choice – Watercolour Society of Queensland, Annual Exhibition, Richard Randall Gallery, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 Third Prize – Belmont Art Show, Belmont State School, Belmont, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 Highly Commended, Lethbridge 10,000 Small-Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, QLD, Australia.
  • 2012 Winner – Logo Design Competition -Bulimba C&K, Bulimba, QLD, Australia
  • 2005 First prize – Painting section – The Bourne Show, Lower Bourne, Farnham, Surrey, U.K.
  • 2004 Full Membership, The Society of Botanical Artists, London, U.K.
  • 2002 Fellowship of the National Marquetry Association, England, U.K.
  • 2002 First Prize – Advanced and Best in Show, National Marquetry Exhibition, Chelmsford, Essex, England, U.K.
  • 1999 First Prize – Three veneers, National Marquetry Exhibition, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, U.K.
  • 1997 First Prize – Miniatures, National Marquetry Exhibition, England, U.K.
  • 1997 Second Prize – Intermediate, National Marquetry Exhibition, Thurrock, Essex, U.K.
  • 1996 First Prize – Beginners, National Marquetry Exhibition, Winchester, Hampshire, U.K.

Group Exhibitions

  • 2024 Redland Art Prize, Redland Gallery, QLD, Australia
  • 2024 Master’s Exhibition, Project Gallery, QCAD Galleries, Southbank, QLD, Australia
  • 2023 The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, Central Plaza One, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2022 ‘Matrix’, Impress Gallery, Kedron, QLD, Australia
  • 2022 Undercurrent Print Crawl, West End, QLD, Australia
  • 2022 Don’t Look Away’ POP Gallery, Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia
  • 2021 ‘All the Small Things’, Grey Street Gallery, Qld. College of Art, Southbank, QLD, Australia
  • 2021 ‘Revival’ Project Gallery, Q.C.A., Southbank, QLD, Australia.
  • 2021 Scrumptious Reads Gallery, Red Hill, QLD, Australia.
  • 2019 Tattersalls Brisbane – River City Exhibition, Tattersall Club, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2019 Brisbane Passionate Painters, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2019 Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2019 Grill’d Local Matters Art Show, Bulimba, QLD, Australia
  • 2019 Montville Art Gallery, Montville, QLD, Australia
  • 2018 Brisbane Passionate Painters, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2018 The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, Central Plaza One, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2018 ANON Sunlight Centre, Cannon Hill, QLD, Australia
  • 2018 Emala Gallery, Mt Tambourine, QLD, Australia.
  • 2018 Montville Art Gallery, Montville, QLD, Australia
  • 2017 The Eutick Memorial Still Life Art Prize (EMSLA 17)
  • 2017 The Cliftons Art Prize, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2017 The ANL Art Awards, Mission to Seafarers, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
  • 2017 The Clayton UTZ Art Award, Riparian Plaza, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2017 Watercolour Society of Queensland Annual Exhibition, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2017 Bluethumb Artists Exhibition, Juggler’s Art Space, Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia
  • 2017 Tattersalls Brisbane Faces and Places Exhibition, Tattersall Club, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2017 The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall Mudgeeraba NSW, Australia.
  • 2017 The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, Central Plaza 1, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2017 Lethbridge 10 000 Small Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2017 West End Street Art Festival, West End, QLD, Australia.
  • 2017 Watercolour Society of Queensland Autumn Exhibition, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Watercolour Society of Queensland Annual Exhibition, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 The Clayton UTZ Art Award, Riparian Plaza, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2016 Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Art Extravaganza, Garden City, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Buddina Art Show, Buddina State School, Buddina, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Lethbridge 10 000 Small Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Botanicals Art Exhibition – Light Space and Time Online Gallery
  • 2016 The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, Central Plaza 1, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2016 Watercolour Society Autumn Exhibition, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 Artist Showcase, Lethbridge Gallery, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 The Clayton UTZ Art Award, Riparian Plaza, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2015 Watercolour Society of Queensland Annual Exhibition, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 Lethbridge 10 000 Small Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, Waterfront Place, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 Bulimba Festival, Bulimba, QLD, Australia.
  • 2015 Watercolour Society Autumn Exhibition, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 Lethbridge Gallery Artist’s Showcase, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 The Clayton UTZ Art Award, Riparian Plaza, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2014 ‘Floressence’ Botanical Artists Society of Queensland Exhibition
  • 2014 Lethbridge 10,000 finalists – Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 Watercolour Society of Queensland, Annual Exhibition, Richard Randall Gallery, Mt Coot- tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 The Lethbridge 10,000 Small Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 Watercolour Society of Queensland, Autumn Exhibition Richard Randall Gallery, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2014 The Brisbane Rotary Art Spectacular, Riverside Centre, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2013 Open Studio 2013 Weekend, Bulimba, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 “Floressence” Botanical Artists Society of Queensland Exhibition
  • 2013 The Clayton UTZ Art Awards, Riparian Plaza, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • 2013 Royal Queensland Show (EKKA). R.N.A. Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 Watercolour Society of Queensland, Annual Exhibition, Richard Randall Gallery, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 Belmont Art Show, Belmont State School, Belmont, QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall Mudgeeraba NSW, Australia.
  • 2013 The Lethbridge 10,000 Small-Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2013 The Cliftons Art Prize, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • 2012 Solo Exhibition at Percolator Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2012 The Lethbridge 10,000 Small-Scale Art Award, Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
  • 2010 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 2006 The Society of Botanical Artists Annual Exhibition, London.
  • 2006 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 2005 The Bourne Show – 1st prize – painting section.
  • 2005 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 2005 The Society of Botanical Artists Annual Exhibition, London.
  • 2005 Wiltshire Guild of Artists, Marlborough, Wiltshire, U.K.
  • 2004 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 2004 The Society of Botanical Artists Annual Exhibition, London, U.K.
  • 2003 The Daily Mail “Not the Turner Prize” Mall Galleries. London.
  • 2003 The Society of Botanical Artists Annual Exhibition, London, U.K.
  • 2003 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 2002 National Marquetry Exhibition, Chelmsford, Essex, England, U.K.
  • 2002 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 2002 The Society of Botanical Artists (S.B.A.) Annual Exhibition, London.
  • 2001 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts, U.K.
  • 2000 Millennium Mural Plaque, National Marquetry Exhibition, Bexleyheath, Kent, U.K
  • 2000 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 1999 National Marquetry Exhibition, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, U.K.
  • 1999 Malmesbury Art Society Exhibitions, the Library, Malmesbury, Wilts. U.K.
  • 1997 National Marquetry Exhibition, Thurrock, Essex, U.K.
  • 1996 National Marquetry Exhibition, Winchester, Hampshire, U.K.

Collections

  • Queensland State Library, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  • ANL Corporate Collection, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
  • Numerous Private Collections in Australia, UK, Europe and USA.

Education 

  • 2024 Master of Visual Art with Distinction, Q.C.A.D. South Bank, Griffith University, Brisbane.  
  • 2021 Graduate Certificate in Visual Art, Q.C.A. South Bank, Griffith University, Brisbane.  
  • 2013 Landscape Painting (Independent course), Tutor – John Wilson, Blue Mountains, NSW. Australia
  • 2005 Foundation in Art (Independent course), Tutor – Trevor Waugh, BA, Slade School of Fine Arts, London U.K.
  • 1993 Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College, London, U.K.

Bibliography

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