Summer VonHolten is a Texas-based oil painter known for her emotionally rich and visually striking artwork.
Originally from Tomball, her surroundings deeply influence her art, as she draws inspiration from the region’s serene landscapes and wildlife. His paintings blend realism with layered textures and bold colors, creating pieces that resonate on an emotional level while celebrating the beauty of the natural world.
A graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Fine Arts, Summer has spent years honing her skills and developing a unique style. Inspired by the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and Vincent van Gogh, her art tells stories through dynamic compositions and expressive brushstrokes. He embraces imperfection in his work, believing that raw, unpolished elements lend authenticity and humanity to each piece.
In addition to his artistic activities, Summer Von Holten is committed to helping others find their creative voice. Through his workshops and mentorship programs, he encourages aspiring artists to explore new techniques and embrace their individuality. With a commitment to authenticity, Summer’s work and teaching inspire others to connect with nature, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection.
What inspired you to pursue oil painting as your primary medium?
It was the richness and versatility of oil paint that attracted me. I love how it allows for layering, creating almost tactile depth and texture. There’s something so satisfying about the way the colors blend and the time you’re given to experiment. Oils give me the freedom to adapt and evolve a piece as I work on it, which mirrors how I approach art in general, letting it unfold naturally.
How do you approach starting a new painting?
Summer VonHolten: Each painting begins with an idea or feeling that I want to capture. Sometimes it’s inspired by something I saw, like the way the light falls on a field at sunset, other times it’s a mood I want to express. I sketch out rough compositions first, then focus on choosing a color palette that matches the emotion I’m aiming for. Once I start applying oil paint, I let the process guide me: I remain open to changes and happy accidents.
What role does nature play in your art?
Nature is everything for my art. It’s where I find inspiration, peace and perspective. I’m fascinated by the way the light changes throughout the day, the textures of plants and landscapes, and even the unpredictability of the weather. Nature isn’t perfect, it’s wild, messy and constantly changing, and that’s something I try to reflect in my work. Being outdoors motivates me and helps me see the beauty in imperfection, which is a central theme in my art.
How do you decide when a painting is “finished”?
This is one of the hardest parts of being an artist! For me, a painting is finished when it feels emotionally and visually balanced. I don’t aim for perfection, but I look for a sense of harmony, as if everything fell into place. Sometimes it’s just a gut feeling. There’s a moment when I take a step back, look at the piece and feel like it’s saying what it needs to say. That’s when I know it’s done.
How do you stay creative when you feel uninspired?
I give myself space to recharge. Sometimes that means stepping away from the studio and taking a walk, reading a book, or even trying something completely unrelated to art, like cooking. I also experiment with small, low-pressure projects, simply playing with colors or sketching without any expectations. That freedom to create for fun often reignites my inspiration and brings new ideas.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
One of the most rewarding moments was hearing someone connect deeply with a painting of mine. They talked about how it reminded them of a place from their childhood and how it brought back memories they hadn’t thought about in years. Knowing that my work could evoke such personal emotions for someone else was incredibly fulfilling. It reinforced why I do what I do: to create art that resonates with people on a meaningful level.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists today?
I think one of the biggest challenges is finding your own unique voice in a world where we are constantly exposed to other people’s work through social media. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap or feel like you have to follow trends to be successful. I always encourage other artists to focus on what inspires them personally and create art that feels authentic, even if it doesn’t fit with what’s “popular” at the moment.
How do you incorporate storytelling into your art?
Storytelling happens naturally in my work because each piece is rooted in an emotion, memory, or experience. Sometimes the story is about a specific moment, like a sunset I saw on a walk, while other times it’s more abstract, about the feeling of being rooted or connected to the earth. I think every brushstroke, color choice and texture contributes to the narrative. It’s less about telling a literal story and more about inviting the viewer to feel something and connect in their own way.
What’s one piece of advice you wish more artists would take to heart?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Some of my favorite pieces came from what I initially thought were mistakes or failed attempts. Art is not about creating something perfect; it’s about exploring, experimenting and finding beauty in the unexpected. When you let go of the pressure to do it “right,” you open yourself up to incredible possibilities.
Where do you see your art evolving in the future?
I see myself continuing to experiment with new techniques and themes. I would like to explore large scale pieces and maybe even mixed media to give more dimension to my work. My passion is also to expand my mentorship programs to reach more people, especially those who may not have access to formal arts education. Ultimately, I want to continue to push my limits while staying true to my vision: capturing the beauty of the world around us and sharing it with others.