Summer VonHolten is a Texas-based oil painter known for her emotionally rich and visually striking artwork.
Hailing from Tomball, her surroundings deeply influence her craft, as she draws inspiration from the region’s serene landscapes and wildlife. Her paintings blend realism with layered textures and bold colors, creating pieces that resonate on an emotional level while celebrating the beauty of the natural world.
A Fine Arts graduate from the University of Houston, Summer has spent years refining her skills and developing a unique style. Inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and Vincent van Gogh, her art tells stories through dynamic compositions and expressive brushstrokes. She embraces imperfection in her work, believing that the raw, unpolished elements bring authenticity and humanity to each piece.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Summer VonHolten is dedicated to helping others find their creative voice. Through her workshops and mentorship programs, she encourages aspiring artists to explore new techniques and embrace their individuality. With a commitment to authenticity, Summer’s work and teaching inspire others to connect with nature, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection.
What first inspired you to pursue oil painting as your primary medium?
It was the richness and versatility of oil paint that drew me in. I love how it allows for layering, creating depth and texture that feels almost tactile. There’s something so satisfying about the way the colors blend and the time it gives you to experiment. Oils give me the freedom to adjust and evolve a piece as I work on it, which mirrors how I approach art in general—letting it unfold naturally.
How do you approach starting a new painting?
Summer VonHolten: Every painting starts with an idea or a feeling I want to capture. Sometimes it’s inspired by something I’ve seen, like the way light falls on a field at sunset, and other times it’s a mood I want to express. I sketch out rough compositions first, then focus on choosing a color palette that matches the emotion I’m aiming for. Once I start applying the oil paint, I let the process guide me—I stay open to changes and happy accidents.
What role does nature play in your art?
Nature is everything to my art. It’s where I find inspiration, peace, and perspective. I’m fascinated by how light shifts throughout the day, the textures of plants and landscapes, and even the unpredictability of weather. Nature isn’t perfect—it’s wild, messy, and constantly changing—and that’s something I try to reflect in my work. Being outdoors grounds me and helps me see the beauty in imperfection, which is a central theme in my art.
How do you decide when a painting is “finished”?
That’s one of the hardest parts of being an artist! For me, a painting is finished when it feels balanced emotionally and visually. I don’t aim for perfection, but I look for a sense of harmony—like everything has fallen into place. Sometimes, it’s just a gut feeling. There’s a moment when I step back, look at the piece, and feel like it’s saying what it needs to say. That’s when I know it’s done.
How do you stay creative when you’re feeling uninspired?
I give myself space to recharge. Sometimes that means stepping away from the studio and taking a walk, reading a book, or even trying something completely unrelated to art, like cooking. I also experiment with small, low-pressure projects—just playing with colors or sketching without any expectations. That freedom to create for fun often reignites my inspiration and brings fresh ideas.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
One of the most rewarding moments was hearing from someone who connected deeply with a painting of mine. They shared how it reminded them of a place from their childhood and brought back memories they hadn’t thought about in years. Knowing that my work could evoke such personal emotions for someone else was incredibly fulfilling. It reinforced why I do what I do—to create art that resonates with people on a meaningful level.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists today?
I think one of the biggest challenges is finding your unique voice in a world where we’re constantly exposed to other people’s work through social media. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison or feel like you have to follow trends to be successful. I always encourage other artists to focus on what inspires them personally and to create art that feels authentic, even if it doesn’t fit into what’s “popular” at the moment.
How do you incorporate storytelling into your art?
Storytelling happens naturally in my work because every piece is rooted in an emotion, memory, or experience. Sometimes the story is about a specific moment, like a sunset I saw on a walk, while other times it’s more abstract—about the feeling of being grounded or connected to the earth. I think every brushstroke, color choice, and texture contributes to the narrative. It’s less about telling a literal story and more about inviting the viewer to feel something and connect in their own way.
What’s one piece of advice you wish more artists would take to heart?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Some of my favorite pieces came out of what I initially thought were mistakes or failed attempts. Art isn’t about creating something perfect; it’s about exploring, experimenting, and finding beauty in the unexpected. When you let go of the pressure to get it “right,” you open yourself up to incredible possibilities.
Where do you see your art evolving in the future?
I see myself continuing to experiment with new techniques and themes. I’d love to explore larger-scale pieces and maybe even mixed media to bring more dimension to my work. I’m also passionate about expanding my mentorship programs to reach more people, especially those who might not have access to formal art education. Ultimately, I want to keep pushing my boundaries while staying true to my vision—capturing the beauty of the world around us and sharing it with others.
