A native of Bluefield, West Virginia, Julia Mahood received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1985. She furthered her studies in New York City at Parsons School of Design and at the Portfolio Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where she also taught graphic design.

Julia's pursuit of a dual career in painting and graphic design is evident in the varied approaches to style, subject, color and composition seen in her painting. Her strong commitment to exploring the human form in a non-traditional way is distinct and complemented by a dedication to the mastery of traditional studies.

Hailing from a long line of accomplished women, Julia represents the fourth generation of professional women artists in her family. Her great-grandmother, Sallie Lee Mahood, was a prolific portrait artist whose portraits are on display in selected institutions and have appeared in a variety of publications.

Julia resides in Atlanta with her husband and two sons.