One of artist Paula Holzclaw’s quotes-to-live-by comes from one of Vincent Van Gogh’s dearest friends, the French novelist Emile Zola: “The Artist is nothing without the gift,” he said, “but the gift is nothing without work.”
It’s evident that Paula Holzclaw doesn’t mind putting in the work, both in developing her professional career and creating each of her detailed paintings. This is especially visible in her meticulously rendered still lifes, where she blends a contemporary ambiance with the stylistic sensibility of the Old Masters.
The North Carolina artist has gained a national reputation for her ability to capture the drama of nature on canvas. Light-filled paintings of pristine, undeveloped landscapes are a favorite, executed with a unique blend of classical realism and impressionism, while her still life paintings demonstrate a love of historical European art.
Paula Holtzclaw, “Painter’s Hutch,” oil, 20 x 20 in.
“I choose to paint what is beautiful and meaningful,” she says, “knowing that this act of celebrating and communicating the beauty in this world has the power to uplift and inspire.”
Her still life, “Orchid with Pears,” won the top slot in the 15th Annual PleinAir Salon’s monthly salon announced last month.
Holtzclaw’s paintings have been included in many National Juried and Museum Exhibitions. Museum venues include the Haggin Museum, Gilcrease Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, Muscarelle Museum of Art, the Tucson Desert Museum and the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.
Paula Holtzclaw, “SunDown,” oil, 14 x 14 in.
She has been the recipient of many notable awards and often serves as an entry and awards juror for regional and national exhibitions. Holtzclaw served on the Executive Board of American Women Artists from 2012 – 2019, a 501 (c) (3) educational nonprofit organization, dedicated to advancement of women through the arts.
”Paula Holtzclaw paints a southeastern coast I thought only a poet or great novelist could create,” says author Pat Branning. “She conveys both the eternal beauty and ephemeral mood of each place, harnessing the timeless, universal aspects of landscapes untouched by man. These wilderness areas of our coastal terrain become spiritual sanctuaries of unparalleled enchantment that evoke a sense and awe and reverence for our natural world.”
Holtzclaw’s newest book “Southern Exposure” is 11 x 11, all color,144 pages, hardbound with dust jacket, available in select stores and galleries including NC Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC, Park Rd. Books, Charlotte NC, Southern Style Design, Waxhaw, NC, Providence Gallery, Charlotte,NC, Floyd Fine Arts, Pawleys Island, SC, Principle Gallery Alexandria, Va. Alternately, you can email her for more info at [email protected].
The monthly PleinAir Salon rewards artists with over $50,000 in cash prizes and exposure of their work. A winning painting, chosen annually from the monthly winners, is featured on the cover of PleinAir magazine. The deadline is ongoing, so visit PleinAirSalon.com
