Jun 8, 2023

Julie Rogers, professional artist and illustrator, has focused on painting pioneers, missionaries, and the early Saints for the last thirty years of her career. She shares that with Wilford Woodruff being one of her all-time favorites, she was thrilled to be commissioned to create two paintings of him for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation Conference, “Building Latter-day Faith.” This conference was held on March 4, 2023, where seekers of the truth were instructed, inspired, and motivated by Wilford Woodruff’s insights through speakers, presentations, musical performances, and art. The two pieces Julie created are titled “The Dawning of a Brighter Day” and “Language of Inspiration.” Her paintings were displayed at the conference and were a part of an art auction fundraiser for the Foundation.

“The Dawning of a Brighter Day”

While beginning the process for “The Dawning of a Brighter Day,” Julie knew she wanted to paint a story that would touch someone’s heart. She eventually decided to paint Wilford Woodruff baptizing converts, because she loved the thought of Wilford touching people’s lives through the spirit of baptism. 

In order to draw inspiration for the painting, Julie set up a baptismal scene. She spent many days studying Wilford Woodruff’s face so she could find a model who looked similar to him. For the face of the person being baptized, she decided to pick someone she had studied and painted before, Ann Jewell Rowley. Ann was a pioneer who became converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ just by seeing and hearing the words of Wilford Woodruff in England in 1840. To Julie, Ann’s faith was special, and she knew it was important to show in the painting. 

Julie also wanted to encompass a large background audience, illustrating that many people would watch as Wilford Woodruff baptized the Saints. With the audience and surroundings captured in the painting, “The Dawning of a Brighter Day” ended up being quite large. Because Julie wanted this piece to display bright colors, her medium of choice was oils, which provide a vibrant, distinct color.

“The Dawning of a Brighter Day”

To watch a video of Julie explaining her process creating, “The Dawning of a Brighter Day” click here. 

“Language of Inspiration”

The other painting Julie created, “Language of Inspiration,” depicts Wilford Woodruff writing down his inspiration in the temple. Painting this piece was a difficult process because Julie wanted it to feel very spiritual. She wanted the painting to feel like Wilford “was receiving some inspiration into his heart.” 

Julie chose to use pastels instead of oils for this painting because she feels that they have a more spiritual feel to them. When Julie used the pastels on sanded paper for this piece, she felt that it allowed the Spirit to come through the medium. 

“Language of Inspiration”

To watch a video of Julie explaining her process creating, “Language of Inspiration” click here. 

Insights

These two paintings differ from Julie’s other paintings because she spent a great deal of time studying and praying about them. She really wanted the paintings to touch someone in their own way.

Julie shared, “The paintings changed my life because I was able to delve into a little more about Wilford Woodruff. It allows you to feel their personality, when you study their life. For me, that’s an amazing experience.” Viewers of her artwork are able to see the personality in each of her paintings and see history come to life. Julie continued, “I challenge us to look back in our history, in our relatives, in people who have changed lives like Wilford Woodruff and let them teach you. Teaching by reading what they said, by reading how they were dedicated, and how their whole heart was into doing this.”

Julie with both of her paintings on display at the “Building Latter-day Faith” Conference

About the Artist

Julie Rogers has been painting throughout her entire life and loves the history that she learns through the process. She studied fine arts at Brigham Young University, which is where her talent really began to blossom. At age 21, she served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Boise, Idaho. Serving a mission helped Julie to have the desire to continue serving and reaching out to those who need the gospel. To this day, she has continued that great work through her art. She paints in oils, pastels, and watercolors and has been especially drawn to paint the stories of pioneers. She currently lives in Glendale, Utah, and loves spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, fishing, and riding horses. To learn more about Julie, visit her website julierogersart.com.

Display of the Painting

The original commissioned painting was revealed at the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation Conference on March 4, 2023. The painting can also be viewed virtually on our conference webpage, 2023.wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.

Maddie is currently a student at Brigham Young University working towards a degree in Public Relations. She will graduate in June of 2023. She is originally from Missouri and enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Maddie has always loved learning about Church history and loves to read the words of Wilford Woodruff. She is passionate about sharing those words with everyone and is grateful to be part of such an incredible work.