Linda Holes

What made you choose pastels as a medium? and how long have you been using pastels?

Choosing pastels as a medium came to a surprise for me. Having been an avid oil painter all my life, I was surfing on IG one day seven years ago, and saw beautiful flowers in a field painted with these things called “pastels”. I was intrigued with the softness of the strokes yet having boldness of color. So off I went, watching videos, purchasing my first sets and learning a new medium…hook, line and sinker!!!

What are your favorite subjects to paint?

When I look at a subject for painting, regardless of what it is, I get a “feeling” of which medium I want to use. I mainly paint landscapes (usually has flowers in it) and pet portraits with pastels. Many times while out Plein Air painting, I will take both my oils and pastels with me because I don’t know what the subject will inspire me to paint with. Always be prepared!

How has your practice changed over time?

Over time, I have made an effort to just “paint in the moment”...paint what inspires me and not just what I think other people will like or what will sell. This is so very hard to do, but I am getting better at it. Taking the time to purchase quality pastels and dabbing around with different paper and substrates has pushed my skills over the years. I also find that I do less blending and more bold strokes. If you could have seen my first couple works…the mud I created with over-blending!!! Uugh!!!!!!!!!

What is the best art-related advice you’ve been given?

I have taken classes, courses and went to many painting Conventions over the years and I have been blessed to have had many wonderful teachers and mentors who have so inspired me. I have a notebook that I write down quotes, or advice from these special people that I draw on from time to time when I need a little pick me up. A few are: “mark your light source first”, “do not make all hard edges in your paintings, only a few here and there”, “don’t put too much detail in grasses, you don’t want your eye to get stuck there”, “value does the work, but color gets the credit”, “trust in what you are making”, “when you drop the goal of making a good painting, you start making good paintings!”, “listen to your artist voice” and one of my favorites, “have no fear, its only paper!”. HaHa!!!!

What do you wish you’d have known from the beginning, but took years to learn?

I wish I would have studied color theory, composition and value from the beginning of my art journey. I struggle with them still and maybe with a young, open mind of my earlier years it would have been easier to absorb! I also didn’t understand the importance of using “good” brushes and quality mediums.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration!!!! Ahhhh! I love inspiration!! Like many Artists, I paint what inspires me. Whether that be a beautiful sunset, waves on the beach, beautiful flowers or a beloved Pet. Normally, color has a lot to do with it. I have so many photos on my phone that I filed away for future paintings…hoping to get to those when I retire! I also get inspiration from following artists on IG.

When is your favorite time of day to create?

The question of “what time of day do I create” made me laugh! My answer is….when I can fit it in!!!

How do you develop your art skills?

Developing my art skills has been a 43 year process and still isn’t perfect. Taking classes/courses as well as subscribing to two Patreon artists (Karen Margulis and Emma Colbert) have been invaluable to my Pastel journey. Getting into Plein Air painting has given me new perspective on skills that I believe has helped me over the years. My one regret is that I don’t put enough time aside to create…this is crucial to enhancing my skills. But I have so many wonderful plans of painting when I retire!

How do you define success as an artist?

Success. This is a loaded question. It has so many levels of meaning to each of us, it's actually hard to answer. But for me, success would be creating a painting that brings me joy. It doesn’t have to sell or be in a Gallery. I think when people tell me they love seeing my art on FB and say how talented I am, that to me is successful. Making Joy for me and others…