Supplier: Ash Holmes Art

One of our favourite local artists is Ash Holmes. Her artworks are featured at Barrenjoey House Palm Beach.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Ash Holmes, I’m a Sydney born artist who lives on the Northern Beaches. I’ve been painting since I can remember, and I have had the pleasure to work with The Boathouse this year on custom pieces.

How did you first discover your love of painting?

I’m a fourth-generation artist; my grandma and Mum have all practiced art as a career in their lives, so it was something I naturally fell in love with. I knew early on it was something I felt passionate about. Throughout school I gravitated towards art and the drive to paint everyday never stopped.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

The idea behind a painting can be inspired from natural landscapes, songs or people. I start with the idea. Sometimes the thought or idea comes to me in the early hours of the morning or sporadically throughout the day. Once I’m sure of the action on canvas, from there it takes form.

What is the most challenging element to your work?

The best challenge is when I’m working on a commission/custom piece, finding alignment between my vision for a piece and my clients vision for their piece. There are so many contributing factors to a custom piece and it’s usually very personal to the client, I love when it pushes me out of my comfort zone.

Do you have a studio space where you create your artworks?

Yes, I have a studio in Brookvale. It’s a rotating room of finished, unfinished and in the works pieces. The natural light in the studio is really good which instantly gives me inspiration and ideas. I’m in the studio most days of the week!

Where are you travelling to next?

This year I went on a month trip to London, Berlin, Spain and France! I plan on returning for a few months and working on a new collection of work. Italy is looking very tempting for 2020!

This post originally featured in Issue Five of The Boathouse Magazine, which you can read here!