ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Painter & Illustrator, Holly Osburn, continues to be Inspired by Nature and the Whimsy of Beatrix Potter

"More Please" by Holly Osburn in watercolor and ink. Scroll down to view more of Holly's art...

Growing up with a three-acre backyard in rural Indiana helped Holly Osburn develop into an "outdoor girl" as she likes to describe herself. While playing outside, she engrossed herself in the natural world burgeoning all around her. From the bats roosting in her family's barn to beetles, spiders, possums, squirrels, mice and even snakes, she places creatures of all kinds in her whimsical nature scenes showing them in a positive light.

"So many times people view these creepy crawlies in a negative way which is why I like to make them more palatable and can be enjoyed more," Holly explains.

Interested in art from early childhood, she poured over illustrations from artists such as Beatrix Potter, Edward Gorey and Maurice Sendak. Later she studied art formally at Ball State University receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a double concentration in painting and photography along with a minor in art history.

Working in photography, oil, watercolor and gouache, she is a full-time artist with her own online business selling fine art originals, prints, and taking commissions. Additionally, she has even illustrated children's books such as the recent, NOISES OF THE NIGHT by Abby Tharp.

Because she is especially interested in endangered species of both plants and animals, she values her sister's input who is a landscape architect and knowledgeable about plant species.

When it comes to which animal drawings are her most popular, chipmunks and rabbits take the top spot. She takes her plant and animal portrayals seriously with a lot of research first to add authenticity to her work.

"While creating my work, I often will paint subjects that interest me--in other words, I make art for myself. My paintings are an extension of myself, in the sense that I incorporate my humor, interests, and personal memories into every piece. In doing so, it is always so exciting to see how others react to my art. Oftentimes, viewers will share with me how my work reminds them of an aspect of their lives, or they will laugh, smile and connect with my art. The joy that is brought to both me and viewers through my art inspires me to continue painting."

And this is why Holly especially enjoys interacting with art patrons while participating in art shows and festivals. Feedback is often the lifeblood of continued inspiration.

Holly primarily works small -- usually no larger than 11 x 14. Prices range from $60-70 upwards to $5,000. For more information, click here: Holly Osburn Art

Instagram: @holly_elaine_art

Email: artbyhollyo@gmail.com

"Adventure Awaits"

"Family Portrait"

"Crawfish Frog"

"Catbird"

"Spring in Twilight"