Canadian Artist Julia Veenstra on Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and the Square Foot Show

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I’m joined by Canadian artist and entrepreneur Julia Veenstra — a woman whose life and work are as vibrant as her canvases. Julia shares her journey from being a child whose natural artistic ability was quickly recognized, to becoming a mother of five, and an entrepreneur whose creative vision has opened doors for thousands of artists worldwide.

We talk about her early influences, her fearless use of color, and the way her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of The Square Foot Show, a global movement connecting artists and collectors. Julia opens up about the obstacles she’s faced, the joy she finds in supporting others, and how she continues to grow as both an artist and leader in the creative community.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to blend family, business, and art with courage and heart, Julia’s story will inspire you.

Julia Veenstra is a renowned Canadian artist and entrepreneur known for her lively composition and vibrant use of colour. Having lived in various countries through her life, Julia incorporates diverse influences into her impressionistic and representational style—it’s no surprise, then, that her work is found in collections across the globe. She chooses acrylic as her medium of expression due to its immediacy and the ability to create bright and vivid colours.

Julia’s artistic journey has led her to focus on capturing the vivid landscapes of her native Canada, for which she has gained national recognition, including a feature on the coveted Royal Winter Fair poster. As an entrepreneur, she’s made a significant impact on thousands of artists and collectors worldwide through initiatives like Square Foot Show, Artlabel, and her new gallery, Crown and Press. You can often find Julia in her studio, a converted garage, at her home on Beach Boulevard in Hamilton.

According to Julia: “We all have a moment in time that comforts and reassures us when remembered. A smell that transports us back in time, stirring up emotions of all kinds. I am attracted to those moments that create comfort, those scents that cause a rush of deep memories. As a child, I would dream of home and security, observing the world around me on walks through different neighbourhoods. These moments shaped my understanding of wholeness and peace, both real and imagined.”

As an artist, Julia strives to translate these special moments into her work. She captures the play of light on trees, the elongated shadows on fields, and the structures of homes built to provide shelter for loved ones. Her paintings reflect a connection with the past and a sense of security. Vibrant colours and expressive brushstrokes bring her canvases to life, often surprising her and her collectors with unexpected shapes and details. Through layering techniques and a focus on negative shapes, she explores the essence of wholeness.

Julia believes that while home may mean something different to each of us, there are shared experiences that evoke a sense of safety and beauty. She aims to create artwork that stirs the heart and evokes these cherished memories. Her paintings capture these moments real and imagined, giving viewers a window into their own place of safety, whimsy, and wonder.

Upcoming Events:

Fun Facts: 5 kids 10 plus grandkids!
I have lived in 4 different countries and speak a little Swahili!
I run an international Online Art Show www.squarefootshow.com
I own a gallery called Crown and Press in Hamilton, Ontario.
I hung out with Brad Pitts brother once!

Website Home - Julia Veenstra
Facebook Julia Veenstra Artist
Instagram Julia Veenstra (@jveenstraartist)
YouTube Julia Veenstra Artist