By Bob Holmes, WORKING THROUGH SUPPER, 11" x 15" ... Scroll down to view more of Bob's beautiful watercolor paintings...
Growing up in Iowa, Bob Holmes has fond memories of farms that his family owned back in the Newton area during his childhood. Since then, he has always been interested in landscape art for the feeling of home, calm, and peacefulness such scenery evokes for him.
“Small farms are disappearing as corporations buy them,” Bob notes. “Their old wood buildings, like the red barns we’re accustomed to seeing, are hard to maintain and are now becoming a thing of the past.”
After teaching art for 34 years to middle school students in Geneva, IL he retired to Millington, IL to paint regularly and enjoy being surrounded by farms. He travels to participate in plein art events and art fairs where he often wins ribbons for his outstanding pieces. One look at his work, and viewers are instantly drawn in by his expert use of lighting brilliantly bringing the scene to life. From his realistic, light-filled skies to the reflections and shadows on the land and buildings below, there is something magical about how he connects all these elements to tell a story about place, season, and time.
“I like working with watercolor the best because of its spontaneity,” he explains. “I like how the washes run together to create soft edges. Capturing the light just right to create a mood is what makes the painting memorable.”
He adds that artists should not be afraid to make mistakes and start over – that’s how you learn. “Don’t pressure yourself to make a finished painting or be afraid to stop and start over,” he advises. “Paint in your big shapes first – that’s your foundation – putting in details later.”
He added that doing small studies is a great way to practice drawing and observational skills such as animals, skies, city streets or people. Once your confidence grows, add these individual elements to your painting.
Prices range from $30 to $200. Find out more, visit: bholmespaintings.com
WATERMAN RAIL CROSSING; 8" x 13"
AUTUMN GLOW, 9" x 13"
NOVEMBER, 9" X 22"
EVENING LIGHT AND SHADOW, 10" x 14"
“Late evening light-September”, 15x11 inches
“February Thaw”, 15x11 inches
Watercolor artist, Bob Holmes.