About Holt McLean

Some Thoughts from the Artists:

I want my artwork to pull people in and make them feel what they see is familiar. The more they look, the more they feel like they have been there.

I want to capture their attention from a distance and pull them into the painting. I know most people will not study the individual brush strokes, try to figure out how many layers went into the painting, or even think about how long it took to bring the image to life. I just want people to like what they see and feel comfortable with my work for many years.

People should feel they are walking down a path or passing by the market, but mostly I want them to connect with the piece every time they walk by it.

I thought I needed exotic places and iconic images to grab attention, but now I understand it’s more about the emotion, brush work, texture, and layering that draws people. I want my work to bring the audience pleasant thoughts and memories for a lifetime.

Affiliated Galleries:

Alamance Arts Council, The Picasso Shop, Graham, NC
All About Art, Bald Head Island, NC
ArtSource, Raleigh, NC
Carlton Art Gallery, Banner Elk, NC
River to Sea Gallery, Wilmington, NC

Current/Upcoming Exhibits:

New Works delivered year round throughout North Carolina

Past Exhibits:

March 2014, Joined as an exhibiting artist with River to Sea Gallery, Wilmington, NC
November 4, 2011, Opening Reception, Green Rice Gallery, Group Landscape Exhibit, Charlotte, NC

May 7, 2010, Green Rice Gallery, Solo Exhibit, Charlotte, NC
January 23, 2010, Guest Judge for Junior Woman's High School local competition, Charlotte, NC
December 2009, Carlton Gallery, ArtSource, S. Burke, and Green Rice Gallery, Holiday Exhibitions

October 4 - November 15, 2009, Opening Reception October 4, 2 to 6 p.m., Autumn Group Show, Banner Elk, NC
August 31, 2009, Holt School of Fine Art Opening, Green Rice Gallery, Charlotte NC

July 25, 2009, Artist Wine Dinner Series, Mimosa Grill,Charlotte, NC
July 2009, Green Rice Gallery, “Through the Looking Glass” Group Exhibit, Charlotte NC

June 13, 2009, Meet the Artist Reception 4 - 6, Small Painting Demomstration, Woods Gallery, Bald Head Island, NC
May 2009, Green Rice Gallery, “Femfest” Group Exhibit, Charlotte, NC
March 7, 2009, North Ridge Country Club Art Gala, Raleigh, NC
Feb. 7, 2009, Art with Heart Auction, Painted Live during event - Charlotte, NC
December 2008 & January 2009, Green Rice Gallery, “Small Works” Group Exhibit, Charlotte, NC
December 11, 2008, S. Burke Trunk Show, Burlington, NC
November 7 - 29, 2008, Green Rice Gallery, “Natural Surroundings” Solo Exhibit, Charlotte, NC
August 23, 2008, Laze Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Town of Cary, NC
July 31 - August 31, 2008, The Residence at SouthPark, Charlotte, NC
May 2008, S. Burke Trunk Show, Burlington, NC
March 13-15 2008, Ravenscroft Market, Raleigh, NC
Nov 2007, S. Burke Trunk Show, Burlington, NC
May 2007, Alamance County Arts Council, “New Works” Solo Exhibit, Graham, NC
Oct. 2006, Green Rice Gallery, “Scenery” Solo Exhibit, Charlotte, NC
Summer 2005, 2006 Beneath the Palms, Morehead City, NC
Summer 2003, International School of Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture, Umbria, Italy

Work Experience:

Holt School of Fine Art - Owner / Art Instructor for children, teens, and adults - 2009 - current

Green Rice Gallery Exclusive Artist Rep. - 2008

Green Rice Gallery, gallery director 2005-2008

Milkweed Collection/Boulevard at NoDa, assistant manager 2006-2007

Braitman Studios, taught beginning art classes, assisted artist Andy Braitman 2005-2006

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Charlotte, NC, Pennies for Patients Campaign 2005

NoDa School of Arts, taught urban youth, summer - fall 2005,

International School of Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Umbria, Italy, summer 2003

Mission Renaissance Fine Art Classes, taught teens and adults, Pasadena, CA, 2002-2004

Lowe’s, Packaging Design Department, Wilkesboro, NC, 2002

SAS, Inc, Summer Internships photographer’s assistant, Cary, NC, 2000, 2001

Appalachian State University, BFA in Graphic Design, Boone, NC, 2001

Press:

Alamance News, October 2006 click here for copy of article
Carolina Arts, October 2006 www.carolinaarts.com/1006greenricegal.html