Julie Amabeli is blessed with analytical, left-brain skills – in addition to right-brain artistic talent.

Julie became a financial analyst at Aultman two years ago, after graduating from the University of Mount Union. In her spare time, she’s an award-winning artist who uses basic black ink pens on white mat boards to create amazingly detailed portraits.

“I wouldn’t really say anyone in my family is that artistic, although I think my grandpa would’ve been a pretty good artist had he had the time and money available growing up,” Julie said. “My mom, who’s been an Aultman nurse for 33 years, steered me toward art because she saw I had potential. I think I took every art class available in high school – drawing, painting, advanced art, even some computer graphics classes. And art was one of my minors at Mount Union.”

Julie often draws portraits of athletes, musicians and celebrities she likes. “When I go to draw, it’s because I already thought of something that I think is cool or interesting. I already have the layout in my head,” she explained. “I never sketch anything out on scrap paper, which probably isn’t a great idea. But I usually draw the design with pencil on the mat board first, so I can erase it if it looks strange.”

The LeBron James portrait shown here, called “King’s State of Mind” with the Cleveland skyline as his crown, took about 12 hours to complete. Julie finished the artwork in two weeks. “I’ve tried doing multiple pieces at once, but that only happens if I start one and then wait too long to touch it again,” she shared. “By that point, I’ve already thought of something else I want to draw even more.”

Julie’s creations have been featured in the Canton Arts District All-star Exhibit, Artfest at the University of Mount Union and the Akron Art Prize. She was among the local artists featured in the May issue of “About” magazine.

When it’s time to get creative, Julie plants herself at the dinner table. She is currently working on a portrait of actor Dane DeHaan, who played Harry in the most recent “Spider-Man” movie.

When Julie finishes a piece, she definitely feels a sense of accomplishment. “Most of the time I’m really pumped about the way something turns out – and then bummed about a different part of it,” she said. “For example, I’m usually excited with the way clothes turn out because it’s really hard to get the folds and everything. But then I’m often bummed about shading around the neck, as weird as that sounds.”

Julie has experimented with other techniques including painting and drawing with a charcoal pencil, but she prefers the precision of a standard ink pen. “I’d say only 10 percent of my family and friends are familiar with the people I draw,” she said, “so people are really drawn to the fact my portraits look real.”