Oil and acrylic artist Holly Van Hart paints colorful, abstract representations of scenes in nature in her studio in Silicon Valley, California.

I had a great conversation with Holly about her artwork and her career as a full-time artist.

Jason: When did you first become interested in art?

Holly Van Hart: I’ve always loved art and making things. As a girl I painted and did ceramics, crocheting, and calligraphy. Later, as an adult, I pursued painting passionately as a hobby – taking many classes, reading hundreds of books, forming an art critique group, and painting every spare minute. That led me down the path to where I am today . . . a professional full-time artist.

J: Are there other artists in your family?

HV: My mom is a painter and for many years taught painting workshops in New York.