We are happy to have, Vivian Holabird-Casey, as our Featured Artist, she is an amazing painter you can find the amazing paintings of all sorts of animals she has done on her Instagram and even buy awesome prints of her artwork from her website, make sure to click the link and give her a follow to support a fellow artist!
Find Vivian: Instagram – @vivianholabirdfineart / vivian-holabird.pixels.com
How old are you?
I’m 47
Where are you from?
I’m a California girl through and through. Born in Folsom and grew up in the mountains and foothills of the greater Sacramento area
How long have you been an artist? What is your specialty? Where do u find inspiration?
I’ve been a practicing artist since I was a child, sketching out animals and the world around me at age 5. I started taking on commissions of people’s pets when I was in Jr High school. I most recently started my interest in creating Fine Art as a business only 7 years ago.
My passion is Wildlife and Nature so I consider myself a Wildlife Artist who also takes commissions to do just about anything, on various surfaces (including painted tiles and murals!) I also enjoy throwing In Home Paint Parties where I come in to a host home (or office) with all my painting supplies and guide a group of up to 15 in creating a beautiful painting together.
All my inspiration comes from hiking in nature (places like Yosemite and the the Sierra Nevada Mountains) and from my appreciation of wildlife photographers and other painters whom I follow via online sources and galleries.
Do you have a job in the art industry? If So, what’s one thing you don’t like about it? If no, where would your dream job be?
I call myself a self taught freelance artist (I am in business for myself). I have never worked in a position in the art world but I have submerged myself over the past few years in local art clubs and galleries where I have volunteered and gleaned knowledge from other aspiring artists and collectors of artwork. .
Do you have a favorite Artist?
Artist’s I follow who inspire me. TeshiaArt (Contemporary Wildlife Artist), Derek DeYoung (Fish Artist), Jennifer Vranes, Cory Hayes (Wildlife and bird Photographer) among a few…
What is one accomplishment you’ve had in your life? Does not need to be art related.
I must say my biggest feeling of accomplishment in my life so far has been raising a family. I did stop creating art for many years while doing this but maybe my next biggest accomplishment is coming back to create some of my best pieces AFTER! 😉
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
Next 5 years: I see myself continuing to enjoy creating beauty on canvas for (and with) people as I learn more ways to market myself. Increasing my In Home Paint Parties to 4-5 a month. Long term goals 10-20 years although they may change, I see myself very knowledgeable in the avenues of internet marketing, creating mostly all commissions (my passion!), and having increased interpersonal skills and success in my other part time business as a Massage Therapist. Incorporating my services in with my boyfriend’s business as a professional Yosemite Tour Guide (I love variety!).
If you could meet and talk to any person in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
I would love to talk with some of the great artist’s like Albert Bierstadt or maybe have a conversation with inspirational and authentic people like Brene Brown!
How is one way you make money with your art?
Believe it or not word of mouth has been my best way so far for getting work, any work! Now that social media has come along, “the word” can travel faster and the lines get real clogged if you don’t know what you’re doing! When people see my art and the variety in what I can do, they tell friends and family and that’s my BEST advertisement. Finding your niche is also advisable so I have learned to make friends with business owners who’s clientele love animals! 😉
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
One day I will visit Italy and France and hike their beautiful countryside and mountains. Enjoy the vino and be inspired by the people, the galleries and the wildlife!
What is your favorite brand of art supply? Whether it’s a brand of pencils or brand of camera or software
One of my favorite brands I use is Krylon brand varnish for sealing my creations. Kamar Varnish is my current go to. They give me the opportunity to re-touch my work at any time while offering a beautiful wet paint look to all my work. I also love any well made Gallery Wrapped Stretched Canvas! Give me a white canvas and I shall create! 😉
Any advice for young artists?
My advice for aspiring artist’s (of all ages) is this, JUST CREATE! Yes, learn how to market yourself but don’t lose yourself in that part of creating! I have had this problem on many occasions..the internet is time consuming. Know your limits and don’t let it suck away your creativity. Also, STOP COMPARING! Every artist has their own style. We are all unique. Learn from others who are successful in the art business but remember to always make time to disconnect and CREATE YOUR ART, YOUR VISION. Enjoy the process!
