‘Dreaming in Full Color’
-
-
Dreaming in Full Color
24 x 30 oil painting by Holly Van Hart
Here’s wishing that our biggest, boldest, most colorful dreams come true!
Let’s stay in touch! Learn more
New commissioned painting delivered
This new commissioned painting was just delivered and installed in a gorgeous new home in Lake Tahoe, CA.
-
-
Commissioned painting for new home in Lake Tahoe, CA
48 x 60″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
Thank you Karen & Greg!
“I love it” they both said. Music to my ears 🙂
Abstract forest painting – Wandering in Wonder
-
-
Wandering in Wonder
48 x 60″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart (sold)
Does ‘Wandering in Wonder’ make you want to wander through this forest? And take in the wonder of nature and life? Hope so!
Here’s how this painting looks in a living room –
-
-
Three abstracted forest paintings by Holly Van Hart
From left to right, Woodland Symphony, Wandering in Wonder, Grand Escape
Wandering in Wonder is sold, but you can see available forest, flower, landscape, and nest paintings here.
More info here –
Studio visit
Purchase details
Try Before You Buy program
Questions? Email holly.vanhart@gmail.com.
Thanks for your interest!
Possibilities Alight
-
-
Possibilities Alight
24 x 30 x 2.5″ oil painting by Holly Van Hart
$2500
Story behind the painting
Meet “Possiblities Alight”. This painting features a bird’s nest resting in the middle of brilliantly lit branches and flowers.
All my paintings with nests are meant to express the boundless possibilities and opportunities we have in our lives, and are part of my “Possibilities” series. Larger-than-life eggs and nests symbolize the promise of our own capabilities, to be nurtured and explored and stretched to their fullest potential.
Interested? For purchase info, email holly.vanhart@gmail.com.
More info here –
Studio visit
Purchase details
Try Before You Buy program
If you’d like to see more available paintings, click here.
Open Studio Event (ongoing)
Hello art lovers!
You’re invited! Please join me at my home gallery and studio in Tiburon, California for an ongoing art exhibition.
Dates: By appointment Email holly.vanhart@gmail.com and let’s make a date.
Location: Tiburon, California (near San Francisco)
More than twenty new abstract nature paintings are on display and for purchase – forests, fields, flowers, nests, landscapes and more.
Plus you’ll see some brand new experimental work that is only available in my studio.
The Open Studio event includes a tour of my home gallery as well as my home studio.
Seeing art in person is the absolute best way to experience it. Please take this opportunity to visit!
Make an appointment and add it to your calendar today. See you soon!
For news on upcoming open studio and gallery events, sign up for my mailing list. (One email every 2-3 weeks.)
Abstract forest painting, ‘Every Restless Night’
Hi there! Thanks for being here to check out my new work. Here’s the latest!
-
-
Every Restless Night
48 x 48″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
-
-
Every Restless Night
Mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
This painting has gotten great feedback & has been featured on the cover of Denver Life magazine.
Every Restless Night, 48×48″ painting by Holly Van Hart
Featured on the cover of Denver Life Magazine
Questions? Interested? Please contact Steve Sonnen of Mirada Fine Art gallelry, (303) 697-9006, info@miradafineart.com or holly.vanhart@gmail.com
Does it get lonely painting all day?
Working on Woodland Symphony (almost as tall as I am)
Question #25 Does it get lonely painting all day?
Nope. I treasure my time alone in the studio, and follow that with lots of time with friends and family. For me, it’s a perfect combination!!!
On a related note . . . on personality tests, the results usually show me to be 50% introvert and 50% extrovert. So it makes sense how this plays out in my work and personal life.
Which are you . . . extrovert or intravert?
btw, if you’re curious, here’s the finished painting . . .
-
-
Woodland Symphony
60 x 40 oil and acrylic painting by Holly Van Hart
Other questions I get asked a lot –
[Top 50 Questions] Do you use photo references?
Often I’ll start a painting by creating a realistic rendering of the subject. Once I’m pleased with the design and the how the subject looks, then I put away the photo references and the real fun begins! I crank up the music, get loose, use my imagination, and start introducing exciting not-found-in-nature colors and shapes and rhythms. This is where the ‘abstract’ of my ‘abstract nature paintings’ comes in.
Click here to see the rest of the Top 50 Questions
Get the latest paintings delivered to your inbox. (One email every 3 weeks)
Your email will never be shared.
Embracing the Light
Here’s my latest abstracted forest painting –
Embracing the Light
48 x 60″ mixed media painting on canvas by Holly Van Hart
$7,500
This pic shows Embracing the Light installed (center) –
Abstracted forest paintings by Holly Van Hart
Woodland Symphony, Embracing the Light, Autumn Dance, and The Stories They Tell
Please contact holly.vanhart@gmail.com or 650 646 5590 for availability and pricing. Your email or call is welcome any time.
Receive invitations to upcoming art shows
Sign up below, and you’ll be the first to know about upcoming art shows.
You’ll also get early access to new paintings and other special offers.
(One email every 2-3 weeks.)
To see past events, please check out Holly Van Hart’s resume/CV (includes the most important career highlights such as solo shows, museum shows, awards, fellowships, and press, podcasts, and TV interviews.
Ready for a cruise?
Autumn Cruise
30″ x 40″ oil painting on canvas by Holly Van Hart (sold)
‘Autumn Cruise’ is about the majesty of the mountains and the allure of the alpine lakes. This painting includes two cruise boats ready to take us on a tour of the lake, up closer to the mountains.
The unusual textures in ‘Autumn Cruise’ (for example, in the sky in the upper right, and skirting the mountains in the upper left) are there to remind us of nature’s unseen forces – potential rainstorms, winds, avalanches, floods, and hungry bears. Nature is beautiful and alluring, and also commands the utmost of respect.
Ready to cruise up the lake? Sure, it’s a crisp, clear autumn day and looks like a safe bet. (If there were dark clouds overhead, then it would be a different story.
btw, if you’d be interested in some art freebies (free art books and more), click here.
Top 50 Questions I’m Asked as and Artist
At cocktail parties and other fun social events, people often ask me questions about life as an artist.
Click here for the Top 50 Questions and answers! (And videos!)
Holly Van Hart
Click here for the Top 50 Questions
Latest art news – The Two Yvonne’s
Hi there.
Every once in a while in my VIP emails, I feature a collector of my work. Here’s a fun fact. Two collectors of my paintings are both named Yvonne and they are both CEOs of San Francisco-area companies. What a coincidence!
Meet Yvonne Linney –
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tell me about the texture in your paintings
-
-
Possibilities in Full Bloom
30″ x 40″ oil painting by Holly Van Hart
$3800
Story behind the painting
Most of my texture is created using heavy acrylics in an underpainting. That is, my first step is to apply acrylic paints to the stretched canvas (usually red paint, applied thickly), and let that dry before starting the first layer of oil paints. The textured swirls are made using a variety of tools; my favorites being a painting knife and a hair comb. (You can see a video demo of the texture process here.)
The texture sometimes aligns with the subject of the painting, and sometimes goes against the natural lines of what’s represented in the painting. That’s on purpose. It mirrors the complexity of our lives.
Thanks for your interest!
Click here to see the rest of the Top 50 Questions
Have a question to add to the top 50? Ask away (in the comments section below or send an email to holly.vanhart@gmail.com).
Washed in Light
Have you ever strolled through a forest and felt strong sunlight beaming through the trees? That’s what I was aiming for with this new painting, Washed in Light. It is set in springtime, with lots of bright yellow-green leaves. Come take a walk with me down the winding path!
-
-
Washed in Light
36 x 48″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
$4800
Story behind the painting and in-progress pics
Here are some in-progress pics for this painting –
-
- This will be a new forest painting. Experimenting with using more yellow.
-
- Add the sky and started some trees.
-
- Lots more trees, adding variety of sizes and colors.
-
- And even more trees.
-
- Starting to add the leaves.
-
- Lots more leaves. The background leaves need to be pushed back (to give it more depth).
Drumroll please. Here’s the finished painting –
-
-
Washed in Light
36 x 48″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
$4800
Story behind the painting and in-progress pics
And here’s how it would look hanging in a living room –
Washed in Light
Mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
(Installed)
To purchase, please email holly.vanhart@gmail.com.
Want to be the 1st to see pre-release paintings? Click here to become a VIP member.
A Full Life
-
-
A Full Life
30 x 40″ oil painting by Holly Van Hart
$3800
Story behind the painting
The abstract nature paintings you see on this website are inspired by life’s limitless possibilities!
Each painting is meant to convey a sense of plenty, fullness, color, prosperity, and opportunity. Sometimes we have all of these things in our lives. Sometimes we’re only wishing for them.
But it’s always nice to think and dream about them!
‘A Full Life’ is available for purchase (30 x 40″ original oil painting on canvas, painted on the edges, wired on the back, ready to hang, $3800 + tax). For a limited time, shipping is free for VIP members. Contact holly.vanhart@gmail.com for details.
Secrets Within
Here’s one of my latest abstracted forest paintings . . .
-
-
The Secrets Within
40 x 30″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
$3800
-
-
The Secrets Within
Mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
Secrets Within is currently available. Would you like to see more? Please email holly.vanhart@gmail.com to inquire about delivery (free in the continental US) or to arrange a studio visit.
How do you know when a painting is done?
Possibilities in Full Color
24″ x 30″ oil painting by Holly Van Hart
Purchase (email holly.vanhart@gmail.com)
When I look at the painting and am pleased with it, then it’s done.
To be pleased with it, the painting needs to convey the desired idea or feeling or mood, be well designed, well executed, and have some kind of pop or surprise or glow that makes it special. If it’s missing any one of these things, it’s not finished!
I sometimes have the feeling that a painting is done, but then after a couple of weeks, decide it needs further tweaks or even major changes. Then it goes back to the easel.
On rare occasions, I know right away when a painting is done. It feels like a personal breakthrough, and all the stars and moons have aligned, and I’m really digging what I see in front of me. Wish I had more of those days 🙂
Click here to see the rest of the Top 50 Questions
Be the first to get Holly Van Hart’s latest paintings, art exhibit news, and VIP members-only special offers (includes a free gift). Click here to learn more.
Springing to Life!
Springing
40″ x 30″ oil painting by Holly Van Hart (Sold)
‘Springing’ got its name because (to me) it looks like the whole painting is springing to life. A nest with 3 eggs, a tree with dozens of red flower buds, and sweeping textures are all combined to give the painting a certain energy and vivaciousness.
This painting now resides in a beautiful home in the UK. To see available paintings, click here.
btw, if you’re wondering ‘What’s up with all the nests?’, click here.
3 abstract nature paintings
‘Autumn Dance’ ‘Summer Sparkle’ and ‘Amid the Scent of Roses’
Currently hanging my my home, but could be hanging in yours 🙂
Want to see more pics of installed paintings? Click here.
‘Into the Light’
-
-
Into the Light
24 x 30 oil painting by Holly Van Hart
I wanted this painting to capture our attention with its warm autumn colors, and to tempt us to walk toward the light at the end of the path.
What’s down that path? There’s only one way to know. Come with me, let’s go for a stroll!
btw, on a topic related to color . . . are you moving into a new home, remodeling, or just freshening up a room? Are you wondering how to use color successfully in your home or office? If so, you can get a Free Color Guide by clicking here – ‘The Top 7 Designer Secrets for Adding Color to Your Space‘.
Let’s stay in touch! Learn more
New article just published in Outdoor Painter Magazine
My article “Conveying our Deepest Emotions” was just published in Outdoor Painter magazine 
“A great painting conveys an artist’s deepest emotions. When we encounter a masterpiece, it stirs up something primal that causes us to stop, stare, pause, . . . . ” [click for full article]
😍 What fascinates you? 😍
Hello, my fearless friend.
What things in life fascinate you? What do you really love?
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strong pull of what you truly love.” — Rumi
My top loves include family & friends, spending time in nature, and exploring faraway places. And, of course, painting 🙂
|
|
|
|
High school starts this week for our sons, so we did some family outings to San Francisco and Santa Cruz. This is us as we walked over the Golden Gate bridge, through a thick fog bank. I really love spending time with these 3 men! (That’s Erik on the left, and Ike on the right. Skyler snapped the photo.) |
|
|
|
| Other landscape paintings are still available. Would you like to see them? Click here – |
|
|
|
| OK, my most amazing friend . . . three cheers to you for following your fascinations! |
|
|
|
| P.S. Into forests or flowers instead? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| btw, if this email was forwarded to you, and you’d like to get on my VIP list to receive future emails (one every 3 weeks), click here. |
|
Mirada Fine Art Gallery (ongoing)
If you’re in the Denver area, please come see my latest paintings at Mirada Fine Art gallery.
I’m proud to be working with this prestigious gallery. It has been selected for many awards, including American Art Awards “Top 25 US Galleries”.
Vibrations in Time (on wall, right)
Mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
At Mirada Fine Art
Holly’s Video Tour through Triton Museum solo show
Come take a tour through my solo exhibition at the Triton Museum of Art! Learn the stories behind a few key paintings, and see the exhibition installed in the Triton’s Rotunda Gallery.
“Van Hart’s hard-won painterly skills are undeniable and compelling. Her naturalistic yet symbolic paintings . . . present their enigmatic subjects with both beauty and conviction, memorably.” – DeWitt Cheng, Art writer for Art Ltd, Artillery, ARTnews, and Visual Art Source
<!–Special Offer – Choosing art should be easy, exciting and fun. With my new 'Choosing Art with Confidence' cheatsheet, you’ll receive hot tips on choosing art and letting it work its magic on you! Click here for your ‘Choosing Art with Confidence’ cheatsheet – Free!–>
Have you ever tried meditation?
-
-
Alternate Reality
30 x 40 oil painting by Holly Van Hart
Have you ever tried meditation?
I’ve tried it multiple times, including a 2-day class in Indonesia, but failed miserably each time. I can’t calm my mind in that way.
On the other hand, the act of painting has a meditative quality to it that I love.
Painting can completely absorb me and transport me to a different place.
My paintings often go through a bunch of twists and turns before they are done. Sometimes, by the end of all that, I don’t quite remember how things progressed along the way.
‘Alternate Reality’ (shown above) was a painting that was totally absorbed me like that.
It felt so refreshing. Lucky me.
Do you have a meditation practice, activity, hobby or job like that? If so, lucky you!
[Top 50 Questions] Do you listen to music when you’re painting?
-
-
The Grand Escape
30 x 40″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
Yes, I love to listen to music all day long in my studio!
Usually I listen to a custom Pandora station or downloads on Spotify. Some of my current faves are –
The XX
Portishead
Lorde
Florence and the Machine
Feist
Lana Del Rey
Jem
Bjork
Sometimes I need a break from music, and will switch to listening to podcasts. (For my list of top ten podcasts for artists, click here.)
When I need a break from podcasts, then I listen (not watch) Netflix movies. I’m too occupied with painting to ‘get’ the whole movie, but I get enough to make it fun and interesting.
How about you . . . do you listen to anything while you work?
Click here to see the rest of the Top 50 Questions.
If you’d like to ask a question, please email me holly.vanhart@gmail.com.
Isn’t it hard to part with your paintings?
-
-
Paradise Found
40 x 30″ mixed media painting by Holly Van Hart
In “Top Fifty Questions”, I’ll answer the top questions I’m asked as an artist. (These questions are usually asked at cocktail parties and other fun social events.)
Question #4 – Isn’t it hard to part with your paintings?
Yes, and no, mostly no.
Every time I set out to make a painting, I’m excited about the potential of it. If (after a few months of work) I complete it and am equally or more excited, than I know it’s done. I photograph the painting, post it to my website and blog, and start exhibiting it. When it sells, I feel a great sense of satisfaction and love the connection it establishes (or strengthens) with the collector.
I’ll make this analogy . . .
* Starting a painting is like having a newborn baby – exciting and exhausting.
* Making a painting is like raising a child – tons of work, challenging and fun.
* Selling a painting is like having your child graduate university and land an excellent job – you’re elated that he/she has successfully ‘launched’ and sad that you’ll see less of him/her. But mostly elated.
That’s my experience. Do you have a similar experience to share?
Click here to see the rest of the Top 50 Questions
Get the latest paintings and exhibition info delivered to your inbox! Learn more here.
What is success?
A new article published on The Commissioned!
Meet Holly Van Hart, the Energetic and Calm Artist
“You perfectly transformed my dream into reality in the form of a stunningly beautiful painting.”
— Dr. S. Hall, Ventura, California (a satisfied collector of Holly’s paintings)
One word that best describes your style: Energetic yet calm
1. What does a typical day in your life look like?
I wake up and can’t wait to get painting! Usually I’m in the studio and painting in the early morning, then enjoy breakfast with my husband and sons, then back to the studio for a full day of painting. Evenings are for taking care of the business part of being an artist…updating my website, responding to emails, etc.
2. What does your studio look like?
I have a home studio in a separate part of the house that comfortably holds me and lots of canvases – big and small! It has lots of windows and even a door that is mostly a window.
3. Tell us one unique thing about you and your art.
Collectors tell me they find my work inspirational. I’m honored by that, because with titles like ‘Possibilities Abound’, ‘Larger than Life’, and ‘Dream Weaver’, that’s exactly what I had in mind when painting them.
4. What do you love most about being an artist?
I love how it connects me to people…giving me new friends and strengthening ties with established friends.
5. What are 3 things you can’t live without in a day?
Painting, chocolate, time with my family and friends.
6. Where do you get inspiration when you need it most?
Internally, and from looking around in nature. Also, other artists are a huge inspiration.
7. What does success look like to you?
Making paintings that I’m proud of, and finding collectors who love to have them.
To create a stunning piece of calm and beauty, visit http://hollyvanhart.com/commission-painting .
To see the rest of Holly’s Top 50 Questions, click here.