Virginia-based artist and instructor Julia Malakoff is inspired by her unique vision of the natural world as well as by ordinary, everyday things. As as child in Iowa, she passed the long winters seeking to capture the world around her and the comforts it evoked with painting, photography, and storytelling. Julia’s current art practice is a continuation of that effort, a creation of colorful visual narratives that celebrate the simple joys to be found with close observation of what surrounds us. While recognizing the significance of ‘statement art’, Julia is passionate that art should also provide a refuge, offering a break from the stress of hectic lives. Her primary goal as both an artist and a teacher is to provide joyful moments through art.
Teaching Philosophy
Julia believes anyone who has the desire to make art can do so, regardless of experience. Her goal is to inspire her students, new and experienced alike, to develop their individual artistic voice, and to embrace the creation of art as a potent medium for self-expression. To this end, Julia creates a supportive learning environment for all her students. Regardless of level, she encourages them to follow their instincts and experiment and take risks, rather than merely replicating her demonstrations. Above all, Julia wants her students to have fun and enjoy their art-making experiences.
Education and Career Path
Since earning her degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Julia has continued to train extensively in diverse art techniques, and is skilled in the use of a broad range of art materials, including watercolor and acrylic paints, pastels, and drawing tools.
Early in her career, Julia founded a commercial art agency, Envoy Creative Consultants. In that endeavor, Julia relied on her extensive art background as well her strong interpersonal skills, nurturing her artist clients’ strengths, identifying appropriate opportunities, and supporting their efforts to land desirable accounts. This work experience provided a valuable foundation for guiding art students later in her career.
After raising four children, Julia decided to devote her time to her personal art practice and to teaching. In 2016, she began teaching from Oak Hill, her home studio, as well accepting teaching assignments with multiple local venues, including The Lorton Workhouse, Arts Herndon, and Reston Community Center.
Gallery Representation
Julia’s work is represented by two Virginia galleries: Crossroads Art Center in Richmond, and Reston Art Gallery. In Reston, Julia often collaborates with two current Odyssey Art at Sea teachers, Parinaz Bahadori and Marthe McGrath. This August, 2026, Julia will be featured in her sixth solo show at Reston Art Gallery. Her highly sought-after art is currently held in collections of both private individuals and major corporations. Julia’s most recent commercial commission was for the Medical College of Virginia’s new NICU tower and rehabilitative center
Recent Achievements
- Multiple honorable mentions at highly competitive Torpedo Factory Art League shows (Alexandria, Va.)
- Selected for numerous juried exhibitions, including recent prestigious “Women in the DMV” regional exhibition, curated by renowned Cuban-American artist Lennox “Lenny” Campello
- American University purchased rights to selected art for cover of “Grit & Gravity”, AU’s online literary anthology
Media Contact: juliamalakoffart@gmail.com
Learn more at JuliaMalakoff.com.