Jules Onrí

As a lover of the Arts, acrylic portraiture is my chosen art form. I wanted to pursue female portraiture to highlight and support the role of women, their strength, and their dreams. I was inspired to paint, not only the physical portrait, but also to paint a story about the substance behind the finished works.

While developing “The Girls”, whether it was Wellesley college co-eds, actors, or activists, they are all part of the feminine fabric. Each portrait represents different eras and different narratives. I strove to capture their strength and determination in one series and their youth and innocence, in another.  I also wanted to include in my portfolio, portraits of older women that captured their wisdom and their quiet beauty that changes, lovingly, with age.

“The Wellesley Girls, 1934” is a collection depicting coeds from the esteemed East Coast All-Girls College that has given rise to graduates, such as Hillary Clinton, Madeline Albright, and Diane Sawyer, just to name a few.  

My admiration for these accomplished women inspired me to imagine their stories, representing determination and grit, and then, recreate them on canvas.

“The Feminine Force” is another collection of women and young girls, that today find they are emboldened by the kindred spirits that helped pave their way. I wanted to showcase their thoughts, their naivety, and promise, with each facial expression. I loved creating their soulful eyes (that may possess a smile, right around the corner) and lips that are quiet because the girls have perfected the skill of listening. 

Each portrait holds each girl’s secrets behind the canvas.

I hope that they speak to you as well, and will provide you a thought-provoking piece of art to add to your personal collection.