Julie Simmons trained as a commercial artist (Graphic Artist) on leaving school. This was followed working as a tracer and detail draughtsperson for an engineering company. Julie also produced exploded view drawings for car manuals.

Whilst having her family Julie completed two Diplomas in pottery at Penrith Tafe and for the next 16yrs had a successful career as a studio potter.

In 2004 she was drawn back to painting, in particular watercolours working in the wet in wet tradition. She felt her drawing skills, learned during her time in an art studio in the city were more suited to the medium of watercolour. Julie has developed her own unique style, pushing the boundaries of the watercolour medium to produce works full of light and depth of tone whilst maintaining the transparent quality of the medium.

Although Julie paints in oils, pastels and mixed media it is the medium of watercolour that excites her the most. She paints en plein air regularly as well as on numerous week long painting trips each year. This painting outdoors is a crucial aspect of her work as it makes her concentrate on shape and tone and consequently the subject is simplified with detail being kept to a minimum.

A number of councils and private businesses have acquired her work.

Julie is a Fellow of the Royal Art Society.