Hi, I’m Holly.

I am a fine artist, living and creating in Providence, Rhode Island studio. I’ve dedicated my life to developing my craft and observing first-hand the creatures of nature that inspire me. My original watercolors, pastels, drawings, prints, and cards celebrate that we are kindred spirits with the creatures of nature. I hope my work helps you slow down in a world teeming with distractions, so you can have your own dialogue with nature. I am grateful for your interest and support of my work, my family, the artists and entrepreneurs I work with, and our local community.

Why the Birds?

Birds are the ambassadors to the natural world, refusing to disappear, always adapting, and persevering. Even in the busiest of cities, sparrows and pigeons thrive, while Peregrine Falcons and owls find ways to make their homes alongside us in our busiest urban areas. Much like the birds, I think of my art as an entry point: the beginning of a relationship to get to know and care about these creatures. I believe the only way to ensure nature thrives is by building genuine fascinations, curiosity, and respect for wildlife. In some ways, I feel like they are using me to connect. 

My obsession started with a fruiting mulberry tree outside my studio window. One day it burst into bloom and in came the birds - Blue Jays, Orioles, all kinds of species! I couldn't stop watching them, and then, I couldn't stop painting them. Ever since, my eyes have been wide open to birds on the streets of Providence, the beaches of Rhode Island, and the woods of West Virginia. I lose and find myself when I watch them patiently teach their young, clumsily run across the sand, furiously feast on flowers, and gracefully float through the skies. 

Observing, researching, and listening to the connections others make with birds generates the energy that I pour into creating my original watercolors, pastels, charcoal drawings, prints, and cards. Each handmade piece honors the beauty, intelligence, strength, and playfulness of birds using sophisticated palettes, revealing details, and expressive movement. I return to pieces over and over again, building up careful layers until the bird’s character, personality, and spirit is revealed. I hope my work helps you slow down in a world teeming with distractions, so you can have your own dialogue with nature and draw your own inspiration from your special bird.

About My Business

I spent 20 years trying to make art on the side, believing as many do that I couldn’t make a living at this. I believed that I needed a safety job because the only options for a career as an artist seemed to be to give art away or work to create someone else’s vision. Then, a few years ago our family decided to move from California to Rhode Island. With the catalyst of this and other big life changes already in the works, I decided it was time to go all-in on my dream without a safety net. If not now then when? I just trusted I could figure it out. I googled “artist making a living at art” and found there were people doing it. I started using Instagram as a way to show up and force myself to create every day. I put blinders on to anyone that questioned or complained that it was impossible to make a living this way. Then, 8 months after making that decision, my muses arrived, landing outside my studio window on the Mulberry tree.

A few years on, I am still painting the birds that land on the Mulberry tree, but my business has grown and developed. My studio has evolved into a bustling workspace, gallery, and store. 2020 provided its own opportunities to adapt and expand my digital storefront and think creatively about maintaining and scaling the different aspects of my business. I am now able to collaborate and partner with other artisans and small businesses to support our local economy of makers. I hope my work and business will continue to foster connections - to a special bird that reminds you of something important, to the natural world, and to our community.

Learn more about my education, professional background, and business in the Press Kit.