“Mountain Song” by Julia Munger Seelos

Viewpoints Gallery is thrilled to present our December exhibition, “Mountain Song” by Julia Munger Seelos. This gorgeous new collection features oil paintings that explore the beauty of the high Sierras, a dynamic natural world made famous by John Muir and Albert Bierstadt. Julia’s skilled hand brings the high Sierras to life, capturing the interplay of light, color and form with unparalleled mastery. Julia’s regular trips to Yosemite and the Sierras provided her with endless inspiration for this collection, especially the breathtaking displays of autumn colors. “Autumn brings a feast for the artist’s eye. The golden glow of the sun, lower in the sky, highlights everything it touches with rich fall tones,” says Julia. “I am especially inspired by the golden meadows of dry grasses with the lavender mountains and blue canyon walls contrasted behind. The clear skies provide dramatic light and shadows helping me to create strong impressionistic paintings.”

Julia grew up in northern Kentucky, drawing the rural farmlands around Cincinnati. After many years working as a merchandising design director, she is now inspired to paint outdoors, “en plein air”. Whether outside or in her studio, Julia paints alla prima, inspired by the California Impressionists. Her breathtaking works transport viewers into nature through her mastery of oil painting techniques, allowing them to fully experience the beauty of the place.

Julia started formal art training as a child, went to Rhode Island School of Design, and studied Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati. She received her degree in Illustration from San Jose State, where she also studied classical oil painting. For the last dozen years, Julia has participated in the West’s most prestigious plein air events, including the Carmel Art Festival, Los Gatos, Telluride, Sedona, Zion, Escalante and Santa Fe. Julia’s paintings have won many awards in national shows, including First Place in the 2024 Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Signature Show. Earlier this year, Julia’s work was juried into the Santa Cruz Art League’s 94th California Statewide Landscape Show and she participated in the Sonoma Plein Air. Currently, Julia’s work is featured in the 6th Laguna Plein Air Painters Association’s “Squared” Show (December 1st, 2025-January 5th, 2026) and the Pacific Art League’s “104th Anniversary Exhibition” (November 14th, 2025 - January 13th, 2026). In addition, her work will be featured in the California Art Club’s upcoming “Nature's Bounty” show from January 22nd through May 10th, 2026. More information about Julia is available on her website, www.juliaseelosgallery.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/julia.seelos.3/ and on the Viewpoints Gallery website at www.viewpointsgallery.com.