Lara Julian

In Whispers of Lake (R.Y-R.B.8.10.A22-24), Lara Julian transforms the serene beauty of nature, inspired by the lakes of Hamp-

stead Heath, into a spiritual and chromatic reverie. This acrylic on canvas, completed in 2024, begins with a lush underpainting of

green and red, evoking the organic vitality of natural landscapes. Julian sculpts this base with palette knife scratches, conjuring

the undulating rhythms of nature. Over this, she layers silver, pearl white, titanium white, and golden hues, applied with both brush

and knife, creating a shimmering surface that captures the ethereal light of tranquil waters. The painting, part of the Colour of Time

series, resonates with the serene introspection of Rosslyn Hill Chapel, where Julian’s work seeks to bridge the physical and meta-

physical.

The Munsell Color System (R.Y-R.B, saturation 8, lightness 10) governs the work’s vibrant palette, with the red-yellow and blue

hues vibrating in a dynamic interplay that recalls the atmospheric experiments of J.M.W. Turner. Julian’s textured ground, incised

with gestural marks, fragments light into prismatic refractions, amplifying the von Bezold Spreading Effect. This optical dance mir-

rors the spiritual quest for enlightenment, akin to the mystical light in Gothic stained glass, where divine illumination pierces earthly

forms. The golden and white top layers, applied with delicate precision, evoke the celestial glow of transcendence, inviting contem-

plation of nature and spirit.

Julian’s technique—layering up to sixty strata of paint—transforms the canvas into a topographic map of spiritual inquiry. The

coarse linen and palette-knife incisions create a tactile depth that contrasts with the smooth, luminous top layers, suggesting a jour-

ney from earthly roots to divine aspiration. This work aligns with the Romantic tradition of Wordsworth, who found divinity in nature’s

landscapes, yet Julian’s systematic approach grounds it in a modernist rigor akin to Bridget Riley’s optical explorations. Whispers

of Lake invites viewers to pause, reflect, and fi