Paula B. Holtzclaw

  Far horizons and infinite skies are the hallmark of Paula Holtzclaw's art.  Paula is best known for her landscapes celebrating areas still untouched by industrialism.  Her depictions of its beauty, unspoiled by man show her inspired and studied approach, and her concern that these last wild places may soon vanish.  Her compositions, often large in scale, have a classic and universal appeal.  Paula's love of art began at an early age, passed on to her, she believes, by her grandmothers, both of whom were artists.  After time spent raising her twin sons, she returned to her original passion for painting.  In 2002, Paula left her 20+ year medical career to paint full time.  As most artists know and feel, she says, "the desire and need to paint is a deep inner calling and cannot be denied."  Paula credits her recent switch from acrylics to oils to her mentors, Linda Glover Gooch and Joni Falk.  "Together, they gave me much encouragement and the confidence to make this change, which has been instrumental in my growth."  Paula also credits Scott Christensen for monumental inspiration, just by the enormity of his talent, and for "showing me the necessity of painting outdoors."
     Paula Holtzclaw's paintings are included in private and corporate collections throughout the nation.  Her paintings have been displayed in many national juried and museum exhibitions, a few of which are the National Oil and Acrylic Painters' Society's "Best of America " 2007 and 2008,  Bosque Conservatory, Clifton, Texas , and  ASMA 's New England and West Coast  Exhibitions.  Paula received an "Award of Merit" at the American Women Artist's  National Exhibition in Scottsdale Arizona, Dec. 2007.  She also was awarded as a semi-finalist in the American Artist Magazines' 70th Anniversary Competition, 2007.   Her work has been featured in publications including: Southwest Art, American Artist Magazine Online, American Art Collector, and The Charlotte Observer.
      Paula resides in Waxhaw, N.C., a small horse farm community just south of Charlotte, with her husband and  constant companion "Timber", her Golden Retriever.

Artist Statement    
 "With each painting, my goal is to share with the viewer this special feeling of peace and tranquility that I experience while living and painting these scenes."


"The Artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without  work".                                                               Emile Zola