Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh: An Art Exhibition by Julia Murden

Explore Julia Murden’s Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh exhibition at The Western General Hospital, featuring art inspired by mindful walking through Edinburgh’s beautiful green spaces.

Discover the beauty of mindful walking through the eyes of graphic designer, artist, and author Julia Murden. Julia’s exhibition, inspired by her illustrated book Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh, will be displayed in the hospital gallery as part of NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts programme.

About Julia Murden

With a career that spans graphic design, education, and the fine arts, Julia Murden has lived and worked in various parts of the UK, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the West of Scotland. After studying at Newcastle Polytechnic (now University of Northumbria), Julia’s design work took her across the country, from Leicester to Edinburgh. Her passion for the creative process led her to teach at James Watt College and work in the Medical Illustration Unit at Glasgow University, before settling in Edinburgh.

Now semi-retired, Julia balances her work at an Edinburgh GP surgery with her lifelong love of art. A member of the Edinburgh Urban Sketchers, Corstorphine Art Group, and Holyrood Art Club, Julia regularly embarks on walking and painting holidays in Scotland, seeking inspiration in local parks, woodland estates, and along river and coastal paths.

The Exhibition: Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh

Julia’s Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh exhibition invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the healing power of nature. Through her captivating illustrations, Julia brings to life her mindful walking journey, captured alongside her loyal Papillon, Rio. The artwork showcases the beauty of Edinburgh’s green spaces, hidden woodlands, and tranquil canal paths.

The exhibition reflects Julia’s belief that walking is not just a physical activity but a mindful practice that nurtures the mind and body. Each piece in the exhibition is inspired by her walking experiences and incorporates fine directional lines to evoke the sense of movement and connection with nature. Julia’s illustrations do not aim to be exact depictions of the landscapes but rather creative interpretations that reflect the emotions and natural beauty of the area.

The Art of Mindful Walking

Mindful walking, as Julia describes it, is an opportunity to disconnect from distractions and connect deeply with your surroundings. It’s about walking with intention – listening, observing, and fully experiencing the moment. Julia’s art invites us to embrace this practice, recommending walks in all weathers to refresh our minds and restore our wellbeing.

Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh is a celebration of how the simple act of walking can become an act of mindfulness, one that allows us to appreciate the small wonders of nature and find peace in our busy lives.

Experience Julia’s Journey

The exhibition includes a slide presentation that takes you through the pages of Julia’s research sketchbooks, created over two years of walking and sketching with Rio. The final illustrations, completed over an additional year, offer a personal and artistic interpretation of the walks Julia has enjoyed throughout Edinburgh.

Get Involved

If Julia’s work inspires you to explore Edinburgh’s hidden paths, consider purchasing a copy of her book Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh. To enquire about purchasing a copy or for more information about the exhibition, please email: [email protected].

Visit Us

Experience the exhibition at NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts gallery at The Western General Hospital, where creativity and wellbeing come together. Immerse yourself in the artwork, enjoy a mindful moment, and discover how nature and art can help refresh both your body and mind.