About

Update from Julia’s husband, Lee

In April of 2024, Julia was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 47. She fought the disease valiantly and with dignity and ridiculous strength. She desperately wanted to stay with me and our two children, Eleanor and Arthur.

Sadly, the cancer was very aggressive and despite a colon resection and a major liver resection (removing 80% of her liver) in 2024, the cancer returned shortly afterwards. Julia fought on throughout 2025 with intensive chemotherapy that sapped her energy and crushed her body, but never her spirit.

I am devastated to say that on August 30th 2025, Julia lost her battle and passed away at Doane House Hospice in Newmarket. She was surrounded by her family, and endless love.

Julia was the absolute best person I’ve ever known; the love of my life, an incredible and devoted mum, and full of passion for creativity and beauty. Her joy lives on in the art pieces she created. Even though I am beyond devastated, I am so lucky to have had her in my life. Her legacy lives on through our kids and her art.

We will not be selling the remaining pieces of her artwork that we still have; they will remain with us as part of her legacy. I hope to be able to show them in public from time to time.

That said, if you would like prints of her work, please reach out to me; I would be overjoyed to know her art is able to live on in people’s lives.

Sleep tight, my love. I’ll love you with all of my heart forever.

Bio

Julia is an emerging acrylic artist who is passionate about painting the diverse flora and fauna of Southern Ontario, both domestic and wild. As a graphic designer working at a conservation authority, Julia is inspired to create art that celebrates nature. Through the visual catalogue she is building of the many species in our own backyards, she hopes to inspire others to see their beauty and help protect our local natural environment.

Among the various subjects that Julia paints, birds hold a special place in her heart. Her vibrant paintings capture the spirit of the species she portrays, and rich colours bring them to life. She paints her subjects in their natural environments while maintaining simple backgrounds, thereby drawing attention to the subjects. Her bird paintings are often small in size, reflective of the species she paints, and pulls the viewer in to appreciate their minute, delicate and unique beauty.