About the Artist
Holly R. Henson (b. 1971) is a professional portrait artist currently living in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two teenage children. For over two decades, she has painted heirloom portraits for families and institutions, which have been described by her collectors as "the first possession I would grab in case of fire". Holly's guiding principle is that we are all worthy of being truly seen and valued as unique individuals. She is captivated by her subject's physical characteristics, their stories, and their psychological landscape, together being intertwined in a personal tapestry and constantly in flux. A portrait sitting with Holly can become an experience her sitters will never forget and the process is opportunity for them to see how truly remarkable they are.
Holly approaches the portrait painting process with the mind of a creative and a scientist. As a creative, her thinking is oriented towards color and light, the sculptural and mark-making capabilities of oil paint, and the wholeness or feeling of the portrait. She weaves this together with a scientific curiosity. Holly is meticulous about the details, such as understanding the anatomy of individual features and their connection to the whole, and the chemistry between pigments, linseed/walnut oils, and surface. Holly has spent countless hours diving deep into the materials available to oil painters, how to use them to create various visual effects and a reliable structural integrity that will ensure a portrait stands the test of time. She believes this is key to creating an heirloom that will be treasured for many generations to come. She paints on both linen panels and copper plates and is passionate about each of these surfaces for their historical significance and visual qualities.
Holly's education reflects both her creative and analytical interests and how she marries these in practice. First a student of Mathematics and Philosophy at Samford University, she later continued her studies in Painting and Drawing at Georgia State University and the Atlanta College of Art. Holly has studied with a number of contemporary portrait/figurative masters, most notably Steven Assael, Seth Haverkamp, Richard Greathouse, and Steve Forster. Additionally she has studied floral still life painting with master painter Katie Whipple. Her paintings are collected nationwide and internationally in London and Brussels. Holly's work has been featured in various group and solo exhibits, including exhibits by the Portrait Society of Atlanta and Oil Painters of America. Her portraits have won awards in various exhibitions. Holly is a Juried Member of the Portrait Society of Atlanta, where she serves as First Vice President. She is also a member of the Portrait Society of America.
When Holly is not at her easel, she is passionate about creating in all aspects of her life. She loves spending time with her family, all things health and fitness, birding, long walks, quiet time in nature, black coffee, and learning new things.
