I was on the verge of packing my bags for China.  Guangxi Arts University extended an invitation to me to teach a 10-day intensive drawing course in December.  The only hang-ups were that I had just five weeks to square up the work visa and I had to find a replacement to provide critiques for my students at Iowa State University.  Alas, Erica and I decided there wasn't enough time to maximize the benefits of the opportunity this year, but I'm looking forward to the raincheck in May 2019!  ​

ARTIST + OWNER
STUDIO HOLLAND ART

Before hosting an event, I always get nervous.  But when Brent and I meet with visitors at his open studio for the bi-annual Fitch Open House event, I only feel happy.  Much to my relief, I genuinely enjoy talking with visitors who are familiar and some are new faces.  The studio isn't mine, it's Brent's, and I wouldn't be able to work in a space like his.  I think that might just be the secret to why I don't freak out before activities at the studio.  I can just let go of that control and enjoy that it's a unique place of creativity which is my pleasure to live in vicariously (and briefly) through Brent.

I've reorganized and tidied the studio, yet I need more space!  So, please help me make this shift to a clean studio by taking an artwork at a deep, deep discount. 

I’m thrilled to be working on my next project with the financial support from a recently awarded $10,000 grant from The State of Iowa Arts Council.  I MUST make room in the studio for the new body of work. This sale runs through Dec 31st.

We're on the cusp of something great yet we're miles away from reaching it!  How is that possible? 

When Brent and I decided to join forces as a married couple and business partners, we knew it would challenge us. There are obstacles and opportunities around every corner.   

In the summer of 2015, I left the corporate workforce to focus on our growing family and to also understand Brent's goals as a professional artist.  Two simple things to state, but both are huge undertakings in real-life.  After the party was over, and the leaves started to fall the next season, we took a hard look at where we were with the studio business versus where we wanted to grow.  ​

Welcome to the art business series of Studio Holland Art! 

The Des Moines Public Art Foundation & Des Moines Area Transit presented me an opportunity to put an artful stamp on a city commuter bus.  The experience was tremendously beneficial in developing the unique skills of working for a public client.  Fortunately, the partners gave few parameters - but one important one being to use the form of the bus in the artwork.
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Welcome to the first article in the series How It's Made!

Want distinct and original art...content? 
You've found it! This is the place to gain insight into my artistic vision, and you’ll also benefit from the art business content that my wife, Erica, shares.

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Have you ever wondered how some artists seem to be propelled towards success as if a wand was waved over their painting palette - while others just never quite seem to make it?  I have.  I’ve put myself in both extreme camps at one time or another.  In reality, I know I fall in the hard-working class of artistic people who get ahead by creating boundary-pushing art with integrity.  It can be a healthy yet painstaking place to reside, most of the time.  You can learn more about me as an artist today - right here.

​Are you curious how an artist approaches a work of art?  Well, it's different for many of us, but I'll try to share with you as honestly as I can the considerations I give before, during and after I create.  If you can't wait, you can start with Splatter - HOW IT'S MADE.

Whether you're an artist, lawyer, foreman, or restaurateur, chances are you work yourself to death most days.  I DO.  Sometimes I feel like I can't finish the project I want to do because there's a list of things I'm obligated to complete first.