Judy Gittelsohn’s work is more than paint on canvas—it’s a vibrant reflection of her life, rooted in family, memory, and the symbolic threads that connect us all. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Gittelsohn developed a deep appreciation for capturing her world in bold, expressive strokes.
Her childhood was shaped by a close-knit extended family that shared everything from meals to summers at a communal pool. These formative experiences left a lasting impression, inspiring her artistic exploration of connection and nostalgia. Family trips to Cannon Beach, with its windswept coastline, became recurring themes in her artistic journey.
Though her early studies at the University of Oregon focused on architecture, Gittelsohn found herself drawn to the creative energy of San Francisco. Immersed in the city’s punk music scene and artistic landscape, she pursued various ventures, including co-owning a maternity clothing company. But painting remained her true passion. In 2007, she founded Art For Well Beings, a studio offering creative opportunities for individuals with special needs—a testament to her belief in art’s power to include and uplift.
A Look at Judy Gittelsohn’s Art
Gittelsohn’s paintings are deeply layered, not just in texture but in meaning. Her art often delves into themes of movement, time, and emotion, creating visual narratives that invite quiet reflection.
Blue Loops
Blue Loops captures motion in its most fluid and organic form. Swirling ribbons of blue float in a sky that shifts between clarity and haze. The painting feels alive, evoking the ebb and flow of water or the unpredictable currents of wind. The shades of blue range from light and translucent to deep and opaque, each loop creating a rhythm that feels both serene and dynamic.
The piece suggests movement beyond what’s visible. The loops seem to speak in a language of their own, one that resonates with the unseen forces of nature. Like musical notes arranged in a visual score, the painting conveys a sense of rhythm and continuity. The spirals, while mesmerizing, hint at something deeper—a balance between chaos and calm, a dance between the seen and the hidden.
Light Yellow Head
Inspired by a self-portrait of Rembrandt, Light Yellow Head offers a fresh take on the complexity of human emotion. The figure in the painting stares directly at the viewer, yet there’s a softness in the gaze—a quiet vulnerability that feels grounding. Gittelsohn intentionally blurs the line between the subject and the background, blending the figure into the surrounding space and creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
The use of light yellow in the portrait conveys warmth and introspection. It’s a subtle yet powerful choice, drawing attention to the interplay of light and shadow on the figure’s face. The expression speaks volumes, blending confidence with tenderness, strength with fragility. By referencing Rembrandt, Gittelsohn creates a dialogue between eras, softening the intensity of the original and infusing it with her unique perspective.
A Practice Rooted in Connection
Gittelsohn’s art extends beyond the studio walls. Through her work with Art For Well Beings, she fosters creativity among those who might not otherwise have access to artistic opportunities. For her, art isn’t simply about creating objects—it’s a way of building bridges, sparking dialogue, and enriching lives.
Her paintings, whether they depict swirling ribbons of color or intimate portraits, reflect a deep understanding of the human experience. They invite viewers to pause, look closer, and feel the stories embedded within the layers of paint. With Blue Loops, she captures the motion and rhythm of life; with Light Yellow Head, she reveals its emotional complexity.
Gittelsohn’s art resonates because it reflects the everyday moments that shape us all. From the chaotic beauty of nature to the quiet vulnerability of a single gaze, her work reminds us of the importance of connection—both with ourselves and with one another. Through her bold use of color and layered symbolism, Gittelsohn offers not just paintings but windows into the emotions and memories that define a life.
