“Study for Sunlit Pines” by Paula Holtzclaw

I first saw Paula’s paintings on Plein Air Painters of the Southeast’s Facebook page. Ahhh, the talent!

When I see that artists have their paintings categorized on their websites I always go to the plein air group first. Those are the paintings that are typically the loosest and most representative of what the artists see’s when they’re painting. I went straight to this study of the sunlit pines (NFS). It’s a beauty isn’t it? I love those trees, the clouds, the shadow and sun… gorgeous!

“For Miles and Miles” by Paula Holtzclaw

What a great name for this one! “For Miles and Miles”, I mean it feels like you’re sitting right there on that rock, looking out over the sea for miles and miles, while the sun hits your face… ahhh, this painting gives you a nice feeling, doesn’t it?

Here’s a blip about Paula from her website:

 Far horizons and infinite skies are the hallmark of Paula Holtzclaw’s art.  Paula is best known for her landscapes celebrating areas still untouched by industrialism.  Her depictions of its beauty, unspoiled by man show her concern that these last wild places may soon vanish.  Her compositions, often large in scale, have a classic and universal appeal.  
     Paula’s love of art began at an early age, passed on to her, she believes, by her grandmothers, both of whom were artists.  After time spent raising her twin sons, she returned to her original passion for painting.  In 2002, Paula left her 20+ year medical career to paint full time.  Always a willing and eager student, she remains committed to honing her artistic skills.  “Travel has been an important impetus for my art, always stimulating my desire for plein air painting, and quick studies which provide the opportunity to learn from nature itself, the greatest of all teachers.  I have been fortunate to study under such fine mentors as Joni Falk, Linda Glover Gooch and Scott Christensen and Jeff Legg.”    
     Paula Holtzclaw’s paintings are collected throughout the nation.  Her paintings have been displayed in many national juried and museum exhibitions, a few of which are the American Impressionist Society, Salon International, Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, The Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists National Exhibitions,  Bosque Conservatory, Texas , and  ASMA ‘s New England and West Coast  Exhibitions.  Paula was a finalist in American Artist Magazine’s 29th annual competition 2012, and their 2010 and 2009 Cover Competitions.  She was a semi-finalist in their 70th Anniversary Competition, 2007. She has just been selected as one ofSouthwest Art’s “21 over 31” Artists, (November 2010) and also by Southwest Art Magazine as one to collect, July 2009.  A member of Pap-se (Plein Air Painters of the SouthEast), Paula is also a Signature Member of: American Women Artists, The American Society of Marine Artists, Women Artists of the West, and  The National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society.  She is  Associate Member of  California Art Club, Oil Painters of America, and American Impressionist Society. 
      Paula resides in Waxhaw, N.C., a small community just south of Charlotte, (where the horses outnumber the people),  with her husband Chuck, and  constant companion Timber, her “Velcro” Golden Retriever.

And… YES! If you’re wondering if this website looks different… it does. Again. Ha ha…  I think I’m really liking this one! Catch you back here tomorrow!