Julius took his first art lessons from his father, Hendrik van de Sande Bakhuyzen, who was a painter. Julius studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. In 1871 he won the royal medal at an exhibition in Amsterdam with his painting 'Pond in the Hague Forest'. From 1875 he spent most summers in Drenthe, often with his sister Gerardine, who also painted. His works include mainly landscapes, with trees often playing a prominent role.