Norma Holmes

Setting up the easel in nature, contemplating a painting, exploring the sights, sounds and scents, while getting into the “zone”. This is the painter Norma Holmes’ great escape. Will the focus be on the land escape, floral escape, water escape, or city escape? How does one interpret the silence of the High Desert, the sound of smooth water, the brilliance of Indian Paintbrush? It is all about painting on location, escaping into the “zone”. Back in the studio, the memories accompany Norma as the great escape into the painting is recreated.

“I was born in Carmel, California. I recall at a very young age, sleeping on a daybed in my Grandparents dining room.  I was surrounded by paintings hanging on the dark paneling. The paintings were all painted by my Grandpa, Augustus Pixley.

Click on any image below to see an enlarged view.

Later in life, my Mother related to me how her family spent their summers in Cascadia, Oregon. Grandpa would paint for the entire summer on the Santiam River. Upon returning to the Monterey Peninsula he would resume his successful trade as a painting contractor, well known for his creativity with color.

 In 1991, I too packed up my easel and headed for the Northwest, settling in Sisters, Oregon to paint the grandeur and beauty of the High Desert.”

Holmes is a Signature Member of the Northwest Pastel Society and a juried member of the Pastel Society of America. Other affiliations include the American Women Artists and the American Impressionist Society.

Her talent has been highlighted in many publications including American Art Collector 2013, Southwest Art 2011, and many times in The Pastel Journal. The Central Oregon media has published Norma’s story in the Arts and Entertainment Magazine, The Bend Bulletin, and the Sisters Nugget News.

To learn more about Norma, her work, and upcoming events, we encourage you to visit her website.