Friday Feature: Karlyn Holloway

Hi Everyone,

"Between the Lines" by Karlyn Holloway

It's Friday!!   I swear they come faster and faster each week.  This week I have Karlyn Holloway as my Feature.  Karlyn  lives in Arkansas as well.  We live in neighboring towns.  I just love Karlyn's work.  I love monochromatic pieces and she has added a twist.  They are beautiful.

To see more of her work visit her website and facebook page

How did you get your start?  What’s your artist journey so far?  

When I was very young I started drawing models out of the newspaper.  In high school I always had a sketchbook with me and drew portraits of friends. I had a dream to go to college but it took a few years after high school before I was able to go. I loved art history and learning the basics of drawing and painting. I think it helped me grow as a artist and a person. It was after college I realized what I didn’t know.

"No Leaf Unturned" by Karlyn Holloway

Where were you born? I was born in Little Rock, AR 

If you could live anywhere where would you live?                                                                                                                I’ve always lived in central Arkansas and its home. Seems everywhere has its advantages and disadvantages, though I would like to have extended visits everywhere. 

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why? 

I’ve been painting a lot of florals lately. Each one has its own unique character and a story to tell.

For me the light is very important because it’s a symbol of God’s love. 

"Call it Timeless" by Karlyn Holloway

Could you talk about your painting techniques?                                                                                               Each time I start a painting I plan out everything from composition to each color. I don’t have a set technique I just experiment till I get the effect I’m after. I tend to work slow.   I’m always on the look out for a subject that has a message to convey.   I take a lot of photos and look for ones with interesting light patterns. Sometimes photos don’t show the details so I paint from life if I need to. I like photos to paint from because that moment is then  frozen in time and can’t move or wilt. The details are the fun part for me. So my work leans toward being realistic usually with an abstract design. My love of drawing has influenced my work in the past few years. That’s the reason I started the monotone paintings, you can say a lot with just value. 

Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites? I’m not real picky about brands but lately I’ve been using Gamblin and M. Graham for oils and Daniel Smith watercolors are my favorite.

Do you have a favorite artist?   Who has been your biggest inspiration?

I can’t pick just one favorite artist because I have a favorite for every style and movement through art history. My biggest inspiration has been Georgia O’Keefe more for her spunk and willingness to be frank about her life and work.

"After the Rain" by Karlyn Holloway

What have been some of your crowning achievements?

My most important crowning achievement is my daughter and my marriage.

Having a painting accepted into Watercolor USA is very high on the list.

What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years? Dream big here:)

1. To continue to grow as an artist.
2. To be accepted in a Oil painters of America juried show.
3. To become better organized.
4. Travel  everywhere.
5. Learn to be bolder about teaching workshops.

"Imagine the Day" by Karlyn Holloway

What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?

Try to draw or paint everyday its important to stay in practice.

Learn the fundamentals of art.

Strive to be original, but true to yourself.

Join an art organization or at least get together with other artists, it’s amazing how much you can learn.

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?

Always strive to do your best and not beat yourself up when its not perfect.  There is only one creator that is perfect.

"A Unique Find" by Karlyn Holloway

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? Mixed with hot fudge on top

Your dream vacation spot? Europe

Book or movie? Both

Favorite author? Bruce Wilkinson and Max Lucado

Favorite movie? It’s hard to pick just one but Fried Green Tomato’s is on top of the list.

Romance or comedy? Both

Favorite dessert? Molten chocolate cake

Night owl or morning person?  My nature is to be a night owl.

Thank you so much Karlyn:)  Have a good weekend everyone.

Carrie