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Give Away - Let's Face It, 2023!
Hello Friends!
I’m so excited to announce that I’m going to be part of the Let’s Face It - 2023 Team! LET’S FACE IT is a course created and hosted by Kara Bullock. It’s for anyone who wants to practice creating portraits and figurative art. Each week in 2023, you will receive one new lesson from one of our fabulous artists! These lessons are created to inspire you and expose you to different ways of drawing/painting the face and figure.
Let’s Face It, 2023!
We all know that there’s not a ‘one size fits all’ way to learn. Together, we want to share with you our strategies, tips, and techniques that we use in order to create our portrait and figurative artwork. We hope you’ll find something that works for you to help you continue on your journey of creating portraits. Not only will you leave this course feeling more confident in your skills, but also with a whole new community of art friends that will keep supporting you from here on out! Many have said that the LFI community is the most encouraging and supportive that they have ever been a part of! In 2023, artists will have full liberty to be creative and design the lesson for you that they feel is truest to their way of working and creating. I hope to see you there!
CLICK HERE to find out more about LET’S FACE IT - 2023.
This course isn’t open for registration yet, however, you can read more about this course and bookmark THIS PAGE so that on October 17th, you can come back and register. What’s even better?! If you’re one of the first 500 sign ups you will be entered into a drawing to win free art classes for one year, free art, free art bags, and free art supplies! Also, register by October 31st and you’ll get the course for ONLY $109!
I’m thrilled to be a part of this amazing team of teachers, and guess what else?! I get to give away one free spot in this course to one of YOU.
To enter the giveaway, do the following:
Give me a ‘follow’ on Instagram and tag a friend in the comments section (of the giveaway post) who might be interested in this course. That’s it!
I will announce the lucky winner TOMORROW — Saturday evening, September 24th!
I can’t wait to begin this journey with each of you!
Sincerely,
Holly
A New Studio in 2022!
Our little fam made the move from San Luis Obispo to Arroyo Grande at the beginning of January! Not too far away, but we found a great house closer to where our boys go to school and jumped at the opportunity. I’m also so very grateful to have a wonderful new studio space! It’s a lovely sunroom off the back of the house, looking out at the avocado trees!). Fresh guacamole, anyone? 🥑
I’ll admit, moving house (and studio!) has kicked my tail, especially when it comes to sorting through ALL the stuff. And cleaning out all the art paraphernalia I had stashed in the old studio. So much stuff! I’m still going through it (or letting it sit in organized chaos) and am working on some more storage solutions.
But I love all the space (even with the stuff), wood trimmed windows and the amazing natural light! Along with the tile floors that clean up nicely when I accidentally drip paint (when would that ever happen?!). I’m feeling very inspired and excited about the current group of figure paintings in progress in this new, magical space. More information about the new work to come later!
So, without further adieu, here’s a little peek into my new happy place…
The cleanest corner of the studio, where all the painting magic happens!
A recent work in progress, both the study on paper and the larger version on wood!
A Magical Photoshoot: Current Figure Series Inspiration
New Figure Series
COMING APRIL, 2021
Photo credit: Jennifer Grassecshi
When eight women met up in an oak forest last April for a photoshoot, it was honestly a dream come true! Born out of a desire to create figure paintings based on real women, I initially pitched my crazy idea to fellow creative soul and friend, Jenny Grasseschi. Thank you, Jenny, for fueling the creative spark and for agreeing to collaborate. The photographs you took are stunning, you truly have a way with capturing all that beautiful light!
Not to mention, when we first discussed the photoshoot idea, COVID-19 wasn’t even on our radar. But we didn’t let the constraints hold us back. If anything, they propelled us into new directions. And when we finally came together, some fresh air, time to be around one another and an opportunity to step out of what had become the “new normal”, made for a truly memorable experience. So many ideas were percolating. But a word that kept coming to mind was proximity.
proximity: noun
nearness in space, time, or relationship.
We all travel through challenges differently. The way we process, the way we get from day to day, the actual effects on our environment; that all may look differently.
But we need one another. I’m so much better for the connections I get to have with the people in my life. And regardless of physical distance, I’m thankful I don’t need to move through all this alone. I (we) were made for community.
Thank you to the amazing women who gathered for this collaboration. Your beauty and essence, the way God created you…ALL that is providing so much incredible inspiration for this new work. And thank you, Jenny, for diving into the unknown with me and digging deep for some incredible photographs.
Photo credit: Jennifer Grassecshi
Sisterhood / 12x12 inches / Acrylics, handmade papers and collage on wood
As this series continues to take form, I’m so excited about sharing more with you! Thank you for taking an interest in my art, I’m so grateful for the connection and pray that it brings some color, joy and inspiration to YOU.
New Figure Series Coming April, 2021!
Inspirational Quotes + Yummy Textures
The world has felt extra crazy lately. Life is messy. It seemed like a good time pull out some favorite quotes by other creative people and share a few with you. Painted backgrounds provided by yours truly :) Here they are gathered into one lovely printable file that you can download if you’d like, or just enjoy the individual quotes that follow. I’m hoping they bring a smile to your face today!
Hand Painted Ornaments for 2020!
Hand painted ornaments are happening this year! Just imagine 3D, original artwork that can be enjoyed on your Christmas tree, or hung up in a cozy corner all year round.
Because there’s beauty in the mess of 2020. And if you’re anything like me, you’re looking for sweet little reminders of it, even for years to come.
I’ve got a good start. The goal is twenty four ornaments, based off a couple different styles (inspired by some of my recent original landscape paintings). Some of them will be available on my website after Thanksgiving, so make sure you join my mailing list and I’ll notify you when they’re up!
I’m also thrilled to have some ornaments and other art available at SLOcally Made, a lady-run collective, here in San Luis Obispo! There will be some beautiful handcrafted items, all by local makers (December 12th-24th) please check it out!
This hand painted ornament is inspired by the colors and textures in “Beach Morning” 🧡
Candy Club Collective: October Virtual Art Show!
October 1st - CANDY CLUB COLLECTIVE - smallworks show with CANDYclub members, hosted on the website of oil painter and amazing artist mentor, Katrina Berg! Make sure you’re on her SWEETlist (email list) for reminders of our show!
Down The Hill / 8x8 inches / Acrylics and paper on cradled wood panel, ready to display!
Show pieces will be 10x10 inches or smaller, offered at one of two price points, $150 or $200. Free shipping within the US.
These are the four 8x8 inch, mixed media paintings I’ll have as part of the show. And there will be so much beautiful work by more than 20 other women artists!
SHOW OPENING:
Thursday, October 1st! See previews of other artists’ work at #candyclubcollective
Landscape Series 2020 – September 26th!
Hints of reality mixed with snippets of imagination. These landscape paintings celebrate the beauty found in God's rich creation. And aren’t we all longing for things to CELEBRATE in 2020?
This small but joyful series of 10 paintings, available in various sizes, framed and unframed, will range in price from $125-$350.
“Upon The Sand” (Shown with Maple Float Frame)
9x12 inches / Acrylics and paper on wood
Each painting features sections of delicious texture, created using a collage method, using handmade papers.
“San Simeon Schoolhouse” / 10x20 inches / Acrylics and collage on cradled wood panel
Newsletter subscribers will receive an early access code at 7pm on Friday, September 25th.
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter if you want in!
“Sandy Path” / 5x7 inches / Acrylics and paper on flat wood panel + natural wood frame
Thank you so much for all the support along the way and shared excitement about this series! It means so much.