Artist Statement

I have explored various mediums, delving into the world of representational realism and then into the evocative power of abstract. 

In my earlier works of representational realism, I aimed to breathe life into the subjects that captured my imagination. The interplay of light and shadow, the intricacies of human form, and the natural landscapes that envelop us served as my muse. My desire was to immortalize fleeting moments, to evoke a sense of nostalgia and evoke emotions that transcend time.

However, as I embraced the power of abstract art, I discovered a new language of expression. Within the unbounded realm of abstraction, I found the freedom to unleash emotions beyond the confines of literal representation.

Artist,
Educator,
Philanthropist

Julie Siler Olander holds a Masters Degree in Art and has received international recognition during her 30 years of painting and teaching in various mediums.  She taught at the College Level in the Boston Area, and continues to teach here in Florida. 

Color and form are Julie’s primary interests.  She has studied oil painting with Charles Sovek, Sam Barber, Paul George, Robert Douglas Hunter, and Greg Biolchini; her watercolor studies were with Janet Rogers, Ron Ranson, Peter Spataro, Charles Reid, Frank Webb and others. Acrylic painting and abstract work with Vickie Marsango.

A past faculty member at Big Arts, Bonita Springs and Naples Art Associations, she is well respected for her art. Her work has been in exhibits around the world but primarily in Massachusetts and Florida.

Julie is an active member in many national and international artist groups.  

In Florida, Ms. Olander’s works can be found in several art leagues as a current member of the Alliance for the Arts, Big Arts, Art League of Bonita Springs, Naples Art Association.  When she isn't entering art shows, she is a juror for art shows.

When this busy passionate artist isn't painting or teaching classes, she is making the world a more beautiful place with her philanthropic endeavors and promoting those in the arts.  She even has a fund awarded each year to a young artist, called the Julie Siler Olander Foundation Scholarship.  

Art Association Memberships

National Memberships

ISEA - International Society of Experimental Artists

Portrait Society of America

NOAPS - National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society

The Cecilia Beaux Forum

Past Memberships

(The Phil) Artis-Naples

Studio Place Arts Gallery VT

Edison-Ford Winter Estates, FL

Cahoon Museum of American Art, MA

Falmouth Art Association, MA

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Julie Siler Olander Art - Bonita Springs, FL

Florida Memberships

Naples Art Association

South West Florida Watercolor Society

Art League of Fort Myers

Center for Arts Bonita Springs

United Arts Council-Collier County

Art Council of Southwest Florida

Florida Watercolor Society

Alliance for the Arts

Massachusetts Memberships

Attelboro Art Museum

Twenty-One in Truro

Life Member of the Danforth Art Museum

Cape Cod Art Center