Hello there!

I’m sticking my head out after our winter, just like the gophers in my garden. I’ve got flowers bloomin’ and botanicals bursting all over the place. As I write this, the sun is shining after the rain, my garden is happy and I am back in the studio at last.

Let me tell you what is blooming in my corner of the world.

#1.

I am teaching a cyanotype workshop with White Buffalo Land Trust. Get your creative energy flowing with hands-on Cyanotype printing at the breathtaking Jalama Canyon Ranch! Join us and immerse yourself in the art of sun printing as you create stunning botanical prints using delicate grasses and vibrant wildflowers. Plus, savor a delicious lunch while soaking in the beauty of the season.

Blueprints of Nature

This Saturday March 22, 2025. 9-2 pm.

Space is limited - a few spots left!

Sign Up Here

An “in process” view of a cyanotype developing in the sun!

2.

StoryTellers Exhibit

Dont miss it! Up through March 24th.

Sullivan Goss 11 East Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

A day was spent scouting out the flower fields in Lompoc. We were greeted by a crew of women yelling "gritos" while blasting Mexican Folk music. I thought of the history of the many women who had worked in the fields of California. I found my Califia muse in the flower fields.

30x30”, oil and cold wax by Holli Harmon

#3.

Spring Salon 2025 Sullivan Goss

More is blooming ! March 25- May 26th, 2025.

Matillija Poppies, 20x20, oil and cold wax by Holli Harmon

And on a final note, I have my first grandbabies! Identical twin girls born on Valentines Day.

Charlie ( Charlotte) and Frankie ( Francesca) Harmon, 1 week old….

As always, I’d love to hear about what is blooming in your world. Your replies are cherished!

Holli

Celebrating a Century: A Grand Story in a Little Pocket Show

This little pocket show will actually tell a big story. Inspired by the 100-year anniversary of Santa Barbara’s Fiesta, this exhibition weaves together both traditional and contemporary painting. At the heart of this body of work is the grand dame, the "Four Nations, One Spirit" painting. This artwork encapsulates California's rich history and serves as the image for Santa Barbara’s Centennial Fiesta poster.

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Be sure to add your name to the list for a first come, first serve sneak preview.

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Four Nations, One Spirit, oil on canvas, 48x36”. Painting for the 100 Year Anniversary Poster for Santa Barbara’s Fiesta. By Holli Harmon.

On view at Sullivan Goss, July 26-August 26, 2024.

Don’t miss it!  It opens July 26th and is gone August 26th!  Drop in while you are enjoying Fiesta. 

Opening Reception

First Thursday, August 1st, 5-8pm. 

Bring your poster for signing!

Traditional Style with a Modern Twist

The large painting for the anniversary Fiesta poster is crafted in a style that is both traditional and reminiscent of the famous illustrators from the early 1920s. From this central piece, all other paintings in the show play with the historic influences that shape our current culture. These little narratives are often tongue-in-cheek and invite viewers to take a second look to uncover deeper meanings. The Four Nations Botanical Garden, creates a landscape where each national flower merges and entwines through pattern, paint and line on 4 panels rimmed with copper.

Four Nations Botanical Garden, oil on (4) 12x36” panels rimmed with copper. By Holli Harmon

The Art of Storytelling Through Sketches

Creating a cohesive narrative involves pulling together many ideas. I start with small sketches of places and subjects to define themes. These sketches, loosely painted in the alla prima style, are little gems that form the foundation for the larger "Four Nations, One Spirit" painting. Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla referred to such sketches as "apuntes," meaning jottings or notes. These were the building blocks for the final narrative for the poster.

Apunte- Flamenco Manilla Shawl, oil on 6x8 panel with stenciled border by Holli Harmon

Read more about it! A sweet write up by Leslie Dinaberg in the Santa Barbara Independent.

I’m looking forward to seeing you during the festivities! Viva la Fiesta! Holli