Judy Gittelsohn’s paintings are more than a play of color; they are rich reflections of memory, family bonds, and life’s symbolic layers. Raised in the scenic surroundings of Portland, Oregon, her life and art have been inspired by vivid childhood memories and a sense of shared space with family.
Gittelsohn’s early years were defined by the lively, interconnected atmosphere of a big family, all within arm’s reach. Growing up with grandparents, cousins, and extended relatives under one roof, her world was one of constant shared moments and collective experience. The family gatherings at a beach house in Cannon Beach and weekends spent by a community pool provided a sense of unity that later became central to her artistic outlook.
After studying architecture at the University of Oregon, she ventured to San Francisco, immersing herself in the city’s unique art scene. Her creative pursuits during this period were varied, from playing in punk bands to co-founding a maternity clothing business. Eventually, her focus shifted entirely to painting. In 2007, she opened Art For Well Beings, a studio for people with special needs, making art accessible and inclusive. Through her work, Gittelsohn has pursued a deep connection to form and color, creating pieces that resonate beyond mere imagery and delve into universal human experiences.
Greg In His Garden
“Greg In His Garden” embodies Gittelsohn’s skill at blending tangible experiences with deeper layers of meaning. In this piece, Greg stands as a grounded figure, almost as if rooted in place while the world swirls around him. He serves as an anchor in a scene that feels both tranquil and active, evoking the strength we find in stillness amid the world’s constant movement.
Gittelsohn uses color to create a distinction between Greg’s rooted presence. With warm, natural tones on Greg and softer, lighter hues on the angels and background, she crafts a visual balance that speaks to harmony in the midst of change. Greg’s stability is reinforced through her layered brushwork, blending these elements into a cohesive space that symbolizes the inner peace we carry even when the external world feels in flux.
Electricity of Coincidence
In “Electricity of Coincidence,” Gittelsohn explores the excitement and energy of life’s spontaneous connections. This painting is a visual celebration of the unexpected moments where people’s lives intersect, creating bonds that, though fleeting, feel powerful. Bright, energetic colors and dynamic shapes fill the canvas, capturing the thrill of serendipitous encounters and the collective energy that emerges from such connections.
The composition itself is alive with motion, as shapes, lines, and colors weave together in an intricate dance that reflects the unpredictability of human interactions. Gittelsohn’s approach reveals her appreciation for life’s surprises and the moments of shared understanding they bring. The intersecting colors and forms echo a message of unity, suggesting that even in brief connections, there exists a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Portrait of a Doctor as a Young Woman
In “Portrait of a Doctor as a Young Woman,” Gittelsohn presents a figure standing at the start of a profound journey. The young woman is on the edge of becoming a healer, her expression calm but resolute as she faces forward. Around her, the world seems turbulent; the sky darkens, and the ground below seems to shift, embodying the challenges she is set to confront.
Gittelsohn keeps the focus on the young doctor by using strong, clear lines and muted tones that convey her sense of purpose. In contrast, the chaotic brushstrokes and darker hues around her highlight the obstacles she must navigate. Rather than being deterred by the storm, the figure appears to draw strength from it, representing the courage and resilience needed to embrace a path of service. This work speaks to the transformative power of purpose, symbolizing a young woman’s journey toward self-realization and responsibility.
Conclusion
Through her art, Judy Gittelsohn brings viewers into spaces of quiet reflection and subtle strength. Her works explore ideas of connection, resilience, and growth, giving them a universal appeal that encourages others to find beauty in shared experiences and moments of unexpected unity. Each painting, while specific in its subject matter, invites viewers to explore their own relationships with stillness and change, grounding and movement. In her studio, Art For Well Beings, Gittelsohn extends this vision, fostering a space where people of all backgrounds and abilities can express themselves. With a palette that communicates warmth and purpose, her work stands as an invitation to look beyond the surface and find meaning in the delicate threads that bind us all.
