Biography

Paintings of

Light, Peace and Life

Speak to my spirit. I love art that speaks to my spirit- that Something that strikes the chord with the spiritual side of things. My hope is that as you view my paintings that that chord would be struck.

Art itself has always been my passion since I was able to hold a brush and being an artist is the fulfillment of all my dreams. As a child, I took every opportunity to draw and paint. Even now as a grown woman, I do the same. One of the greatest influences of my art is the genius of the Impressionists. Their exciting style of color lends itself to my approach to watercolor.

When my first child was born, my husband and I took a step down our hectic lifestyle. Looking through the innocence of a child’s eyes gave us a fresh view of the world around us. As the years went by, more children came. To those children, we included two nieces whose parents passed away. So, children are a huge part of my life and my art. All these awesome children make our lives a bit chaotic, but they also fill our lives with meaning, fun, and excitement, the stuff from which all good art is made.

My creative process

During my college years, I painted large-scale canvasses in oils. After having children, I found using watercolors easier and more mobile. While the little ones slept, they became the subjects of my paintings. They are probably the most sketched and painted children around. 

As I have grown as a watercolorist I have found that the process is very important to me. From taking the time to stretch the paper to planning out the layers of watercolor paint. Some paintings I do throw the paints down, I love to add extra water and load a paintbrush with pigment and watch as the color bleeds into the paper creating all kinds of patterns. Like a puzzle, as I go it falls into place. I do plan the composition out but it is fun to see where it will take me and what the puzzle will become. It is in a sense the opposite of oil painting, where you can build up the lights and darks. And if there is a mistake, just paint right over it or wipe the wet paint off. In oils the thicker the paint the illusion is that the light really pops out, but for watercolors the paper is the light.

Another aspect off my art that elicits unspeakable joy is being able to evoke an emotional response from others. The subject matter, color and composition all play a role in this. For my finished works, I use acid-free archival paper and paints. I have grown to love the fluidity of the watercolor medium.

Subject Matter and Themes

  Whether it is the peaceful repose of slumbering children, the energy of frisky animals, or the first rosy glow of summer sunrises, my aim is to capture the character of my subject at the moment of the event. Where I live has had a profound influence on my art. There are many plain people here and their simple way of life. Also, the farm and forestry landscape is very beautiful.

  The translucence of watercolor allows me to juxtapose two colors or add a thin glaze of warm, bright colors in just the right spot to make the moment and the subject come alive. As a sculptor finds the subtle nuances to build a three-dimensional form in clay, so I find the subtle colors to make the viewer see a form emerge on a two-dimensional surface.

Welcome to my site and enjoy a walk through my world! 

A high school picture of Holly painting in oils.