Welcome to my online art studio!

I’m an Australian-born, nature-inspired illustrator based in the Netherlands. I create soft, nostalgic illustrations that bring animals to life in delicate, storytelling scenes. My work is meant to evoke a sense of warmth, wonder, and quiet joy—the kind of feeling you might get when stepping into a beloved storybook from childhood.

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A collage showing Julia Hope’s artistic journey from Australia to the Netherlands, featuring her whimsical watercolor art, nature-inspired illustrations, and creative workspace.

My Art Journey

I was born and raised in Australia, where I spent my childhood surrounded by the most incredible landscapes and wildlife. When I turned 15, my mother and I moved to Canada, and from there, life became a rather tumultuous journey across many different countries and cultures. I’ve moved several times—from Canada to England, the Cayman Islands, the United States, and now finally, the Netherlands, where I’ve found my footing and a place I can truly call home.

This constant movement shaped me in many ways, including the undeniable influence on my artistic identity. Having to leave things behind time and time again, I learned to carry my sense of home and comfort within me. Art became my anchor - a way to process change, hold onto the familiar, and recreate the warmth of places and moments I will always love. My love for nature deepened with each new landscape I encountered, and my fascination with animals remained a constant source of inspiration, no matter where I was in the world.

Creating these little animal illustrations has always brought me joy, but for a long time, I kept it private from everyone. It was deeply personal - something that almost felt too sacred to put out into the world.

And then came a turning point...

I found myself at a crossroads, uncertain of where I wanted my career to go. But no matter what, I always found myself coming back to art. Whenever I picked up my iPad to draw, it felt like waking up from a hibernation—like I was returning home to something that had been patiently waiting for me.

Then one day, after finishing an illustration, I hesitated before closing my iPad. Instead of keeping it to myself, I thought: What if I just… shared it this time? What if someone else out there feels the same warmth and nostalgia that I do when I illustrate?

That moment changed everything.

I quietly started posting my work online, and to my surprise, people connected with it. They saw the same softness, the same love for animals and nature, the same comforting nostalgia. That’s when I knew—this wasn’t just something I wanted to do for myself. It was something I wanted to share with others.

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My Process & What Makes My Work Unique

Unlike traditional watercolor artists, I also work digitally — but with a twist. My technique mimics the softness and fluidity of traditional watercolors, allowing me to blend the charm of classic illustration with the flexibility of digital tools. Having moved frequently throughout my life, I lost my physical art supplies more times than I can count, so I adapted. Now, my iPad allows me to create anywhere, at any time, without limitations.

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My Inspirations...

  • My art is deeply inspired by the illustrated story books I grew up with and loved as a child — the works of Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, and Jill Barklem. Like them, I aim to create worlds that feel inviting, peaceful, and full of quiet storytelling. Whether it’s a rabbit lost in thought, a badger curled up in a cozy burrow, or a scene of many woodland friends celebrating together, my work captures the small, beautiful moments that often go unnoticed.

  • Julia Hope holding her beloved bunny, a source of inspiration for her whimsical watercolor animal illustrations and nature-inspired art.

    At the heart of my inspiration are my two wonderful bunnies, Beatrix and Ori, who bring endless joy into my life. Watching them explore, interact, and show their unique personalities fuels my creativity in ways I never expected. Their presence reminds me daily why I love illustrating animals so much — they have a beauty, curiosity, and warmth that I always try to capture in my art.