It was through his Father, a wood sculptor who had an interest in the natural world, that Julian Friers developed the love of wildlife that was to shape his career in art. But even before the first forays into the world of birds and mammals there was drawing. That process was a completely natural one in a household that was so inclined towards the visual arts. His Father, Ian, was well known, an academician in the RUA and a regular exhibitor in Belfast, and his uncle Rowel was very much a part of Ulster life in his commentary through cartoon. The atmosphere then was shaped by imagery and Julian subsequently found himself at Art College in Belfast in the mid seventies in what he considered a logical next stage in his education. It proved a difficult time, however, and he left after a single term, intent on learning to paint by his own experience.
He was greatly encouraged to concentrate on bird painting by Tom Cromie, a gallery owner from Bangor, and by the wildlife artist Robert Milliken who exhibited there. Julian undertook his first exhibition at the Tom Cromie Gallery in 1977 when he joined with botanical artist Elizabeth McEwan. After the success of that show he was offered another the following year - his first solo exhibition.
Shortly after the Bangor shows Julian completed work for the Castle Espie Gallery and so began a close relationship with Paddy and Julie Mackie which has continued to this day. Work for galleries elsewhere was undertaken - the Tryon in London and the McEwan Gallery in Ballater among them, while further involvements with both art and wildlife conservation organisations were to follow. Julian has been involved with RSPB, BTO, IWC, WWT and other international conservation groups. He has exhibited in group shows, alongside the world's most important wildlife artists, in the natural history museums of London and Bonn as well as projects in the Netherlands and America.
In 1997 he was commissioned to design the first Irish Duck Stamp for the American Duck Stamp Programme. In 1996 he embarked on a major commission by the International Foundation for the Conservation and Development of Wildlife, a group centred in the Middle East. This involved the painting of thirty two large canvases featuring desert wildlife which would then illustrate a limited edition book. The project, and book, was entitled 'Gifts from the Desert' and in 1999 the original artwork went on tour internationally. Julian's interest in conservation in the Middle East continues with further projects in progress.
Julian was elected President of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts in 2009.