Holly Osburn is an Indiana-based painter and illustrator exploring life, nature, and whimsy. Her work harkens back to the likes of fairytales and storybooks, emphasizing the senses of nostalgia and magic that were so prevalent in her childhood. Holly was interested in art from an early age, pouring over illustrations from artists such as Beatrix Potter, Edward Gorey, and Maurice Sendak. This fascination continued into college where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, with a double concentration in painting and photography, and a minor in art history at Ball State University.

Holly has exhibited her work throughout Indiana, including multiple solo shows at the Sugar Creek Art Center in Thorntown, Indiana, several student shows at Ball State University, The Frankfort Library, Nickel Plates Arts Center in Noblesville, Indiana, and at the Harrison Center of the Arts in Indianapolis. She was also a 2020 Aspire Grant recipient.

Holly continues to create and sell her art through her small-business, Holly Osburn Art, offering original paintings and prints on her website, as well as at various local festivals and art markets, including the Penrod Arts Fair in Indianapolis.

“I am fascinated by the magic found in a space between real life and make-believe—a crow clutching on to a glowing pendant, a fox dressed in her best among foxglove blooms, a trio of mice friends enjoying raspberries in the summer. My work explores both the everyday moments of nature and the whimsy of fantasy.  By creating narrative pieces, I wish to convey a sense of nostalgia and adventure—inviting viewers to reminisce about the tales that they grew up with and reconnect with nature.

In my childhood, I oftentimes found myself surrounded by the quiet beauty of the outdoors while growing up on an old farm in the middle of cornfields. My sister and I could have an entire adventure using only our backyard and our imaginations to run wild—the pines were our shelter, the bugs were our friends, and the wild plants and flowers were our materials. I aim to bring that same sense of wonder and imagination into my art.

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 myself and viewers through my art inspires me to continue painting.

To create my art, I utilize a variety of materials including oils, gouache, watercolor, and colored pencils. Using these materials allows the art-making process to remain engaging for me and gives me the ability to work on multiple projects at once. My idea making process is quite simple—I just let my mind wander. Taking a walk outside or reading about various plant and animal species will help me to form an idea for a new painting. While creating my compositions, I usually will focus on species that are native to the Midwestern United States, with a special interest in those that are endangered. I feel that this is a vital component to my work, as it helps to bring awareness to flora and fauna that are in need. Similarly, I enjoy painting species that are oftentimes misunderstood, such as snakes, bats, and so-called “creepy crawlies,” in order to bring a more positive light to these lovely creatures. My goal while developing my art is to create a narrative for the audience, one that evokes an emotion, memory, or connection between the viewer and the piece, all the while connecting my audience to nature and conservation. ”

Exhibitions include:

• Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival—Potter’s Bridge Park, Noblesville, IN, October 2022-2023

• Dull’s Christmas in July Vendor Market—Dull’s Tree Farm, Thorntown, IN, July 2022-2023

• Webo Alumni Show—Sugar Creek Art Center, Thorntown, IN, 2022

• Senior Thesis Student Show—Harrison Center for the Arts, Indianapolis, IN, 2020

• Sunrise, Sunset Thesis Show—Ball State University, 2019

• Savage’s Ale House, Muncie, IN, 2019

• 38th Annual Fine Art Exhibition and Sale—Frankfort Library, Frankfort, IN. 2018

• Fit to Print Exhibition—Nickel Plate Art Center, Noblesville, IN , 2018

• 83rd Annual Student Art Show—Ball State University, 2018                        

• Featured Artist Solo Show—Sugar Creek Art Center, Thorntown, IN, 2017     

• 82nd Annual Student Art Show—Ball State University, 2017