juLeS giSsLeR
"Live your magic" is a guiding principle for me, derived from my book, "Getting Your Magic Back". The story encourages having faith in oneself, and pursuing your dreams regardless of your circumstances.
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Originally from the Big Sky country of Montana, the desert of Phoenix, Arizona is now my home. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Montana State University, Bozeman, and my creative journey spans a diverse range of mediums and subjects. I have felt pulled to create for as long as I can remember. My art and writing isn't just about personal expression; it's a conduit for connection. This remains at the core of my work.
I also believe that art is meant to elicit a sense of aliveness in both the artist and the audience. Besides creating the art, I love to craft stories to go with some of my pieces, or give my subjects' names; whether it's a quirky woman, flowers in a vase, or even my abstract paintings.
Kinley Lorraine...the Moose Dog
Music is a huge part of my process, with a diverse playlist serving as the backdrop to my creative flow. In my world, there is no art produced without music.
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My style is primarily whimsical, injecting humor and joy into my art and stories. You can see this best in my pet portraits, which are done in acrylic and embellished with ink and sequins. My animals are animated, never looking straight ahead, to add to their personalities. I also create true-to-life pet portraits using a combination of watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, or charcoal. With some of my pieces, I'll mix my "JuLeS realistic" with whimsy.
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Beyond pets, I also paint offbeat women, florals, desserts, landscapes, collage, and abstracts. However, there is nothing I will say no to. Trying new subjects and mediums, I think, makes me even more creative and versatile.
I was Arizona Animal Welfare League's highlighted artist, and my art has been featured the past seven years for the Furry Friends event at Shemer Art Center and Museum. I was commissioned by HOKA with Sole Sports to paint their shop dogs, and commissioned to paint Pie Snob shop's pie paintings for all their locations. Most recently, I collaborated with designer Michael Grey, who printed my art on Birkenstock sandals.
My philanthropic endeavors include a painting of Phoenix Mercury's professional basketball player, Brittney Griner, which was donated to the "Making Strides Rock the Pink" for the American Cancer Society. I also donated my book to "Fresh Start" Women's Foundation, which empowers women to use their strength to thrive. My art has been showcased with the Arizona Artists' Guild and displayed at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as well as on permanent display at the Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix.
When I'm not creating, I find peace in nature, hiking or walking with my "moose dog", Kinley Lorraine, and hanging out with my eclectic group of very cool friends.
If you're interested in collaborating or commissioning a piece, please reach out to me
The "ziG" Belt & Bracelet
The creation of the "ziG" Belt & Bracelet is what inspired Jules to get back on her creative track while being a manager of a national envelope company. She thanks the ziG!
The "ziG" Bracelets
Getting Your Magic Back
by Jules Gissler
The Words
I Live By
My Heart Rock
Collection