ARTISTIC SPOTLIGHT Unwavering passion for art evident early on in life for local artist

IN THE STUDIO

With Taren White

Nestled in the heart of picturesque

Paris, Ontario, Holly.O.'s sunny studio space bursts with creativity, adorned with works in progress, easels dripping with paint and tubs of paint in every colour imaginable. This talented artist, a household name in Paris, has not only graced our lives with her expressive and impressionistic creations but has also warmed our hearts with her unwavering passion for art. Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with her to delve into her artistic journey and what keeps her inspired. "I can't remember a time when art was not part of my life," Holly.O. reminisces about her earliest memories of being inspired to create. She attributes this artistic inclination to her mother, an artist herself, who infused creativity into every aspect of their life. It's no wonder that Holly's work is imbued with a profound appreciation for beauty and nature Mother Nature reigns supreme as Holly's muse. “Inspiration is everywhere in nature - colour, texture, form," she explains. Her deep connection to the natural world is evident in her work, where the vibrant hues and beauty of flowers often take centre stage.

Speaking of influences, Holly acknowledges her mother's pivotal role not just as an artist but as a mentor. Her big sister, too, recognized her artistic potential even before Holly did, shaping her artistic identity and the "eye" for artistry she possesses today.

Holly's preferred medium is palette knife painting with acrylics, a choice that allows her to paint with a looser, less detailed composition. Her work is characterized by a marriage of colour and texture, all infused with a dash of wild abandon.

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