Summer VonHolten is a talented oil painter from Tomball, Texas, known for her vibrant and emotive depictions of nature and wildlife. Raised in the wide-open landscapes of rural Texas, Summer’s deep connection to the natural world has profoundly influenced her artistic style. Specializing in richly layered oil paintings, her work captures the beauty of rural life, emphasizing the interplay of light, color, and texture to evoke emotion and movement.
Summer’s journey into art began in childhood, where she found inspiration in the countryside around her. After studying Fine Arts at the University of Houston, she honed her skills and developed her distinct style, drawing inspiration from masters like Georgia O’Keeffe and Vincent van Gogh. Her paintings often blend realism with emotional depth, inviting viewers to experience the serenity and complexity of nature.
In addition to exhibiting her work in galleries across Texas, Summer is passionate about fostering creativity in others. She regularly hosts workshops and mentorship programs, encouraging aspiring artists to explore their voice through oil painting. Summer continues to find inspiration in the world around her, using her art to bridge the gap between nature and emotion.
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? When did you first realize that oil painting was your calling?
My journey as an artist began when I was very young. I grew up in Tomball, Texas, surrounded by nature, and I was always drawn to how light changed the way things looked, especially in the wide-open Texas landscapes. I would spend hours sketching scenes from the countryside or wildlife I saw on family outings. That early connection to nature sparked my passion for visual art. It wasn’t until I started experimenting with different mediums in college that I realized oil painting was my true calling. Oil allows me to build texture, create depth, and really explore the richness of color, which are all central to my work. The process is slower and more intentional, which gives me the time to infuse my pieces with emotion and meaning.
How has growing up in Texas influenced your artistic style?
Texas has had a huge impact on my art. The landscapes here are so diverse, from rolling hills to dense woods, and the ever-changing skies are a constant source of inspiration. Growing up in Tomball, I was always surrounded by nature—the open fields, the wildlife, and the unique light that shifts throughout the day. That connection to the land comes through in my work. I try to capture the spirit of these landscapes, but I also aim to evoke the emotional weight of those spaces. There’s a certain nostalgia in my paintings, a reflection of how these natural settings hold personal stories for so many people, including myself.
Your use of color is very striking. How do you decide on your color palettes, and what role do they play in your work?
Color is incredibly important to me—it’s what sets the tone for the entire painting. I like to work with rich, layered colors to create a sense of movement and depth, especially in my landscapes. The palettes I choose are often inspired by nature, but I like to push them just beyond reality to evoke a mood or emotion. For example, a sunset in one of my paintings might have more intense oranges and purples than you’d see in real life, but that exaggeration is what conveys the feeling I’m after—whether it’s serenity, warmth, or even melancholy. I want viewers to not just see the scene but feel it.
Your pieces often feature landscapes and wildlife. What draws you to these subjects?
I’ve always felt a deep connection to the natural world, and that’s where I find the most peace and inspiration. Landscapes and wildlife are full of stories—they represent not just the beauty of nature, but also the cycles of life, growth, and change. When I paint a landscape, I’m not just capturing a place; I’m capturing a moment in time, the feeling of standing there and taking in the vastness of the world around you. Wildlife, too, has a quiet power that I love to explore in my work. There’s something deeply calming and yet raw about animals in their natural habitat, and that’s what I aim to convey through my paintings.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do your paintings evolve from concept to completion?
My process often starts with an idea sparked by something I’ve seen or felt—whether it’s a beautiful sunrise, a fleeting moment in nature, or even an emotion I can’t quite put into words. I’ll begin by sketching out rough ideas, just to get a sense of composition. Then I move on to selecting a color palette that matches the mood I want to convey. Once I start working with oil, the painting evolves over several layers. I love building up the texture slowly, creating a foundation with the underpainting, and then refining details as I go. The drying time with oils gives me the chance to step back and really think about what’s happening on the canvas. It’s a slow, meditative process, but that’s part of what I love about it—there’s room to breathe and reflect as the painting takes shape.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences as an artist?
One of my most memorable experiences was hosting my first solo exhibition at a local gallery in Tomball. It was a small, intimate space, but seeing all my work displayed together for the first time was incredibly powerful. I had put so much of myself into those pieces—hours of work, but also a lot of emotion and personal reflection. When people started coming up to me, sharing how a particular painting resonated with them or brought back a memory, it was humbling. It reminded me that art is not just about self-expression; it’s about connecting with others. That moment validated the direction I had chosen for my art and reinforced my belief that I was on the right path.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists, especially those interested in oil painting?
The best advice I can give is to be patient—both with the medium and with yourself. Oil painting takes time, and it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. But some of my favorite pieces came from mistakes or moments when I just let the paint lead me. Take the time to experiment, to learn the rules, and then don’t be afraid to break them. Also, find your voice. It’s great to be inspired by other artists, but the most powerful work comes when you’re true to your own experiences, feelings, and perspective. And finally, keep showing up. Art is about perseverance—no matter how many setbacks you face, just keep creating.
You offer workshops and mentorship programs for other artists. What do you enjoy most about teaching, and how has it impacted your own work?
Teaching has been such a rewarding experience. I love seeing the lightbulb moments when students discover a new technique or finally bring their vision to life on canvas. It reminds me of why I fell in love with art in the first place. Teaching also challenges me to articulate my own process and think critically about what I’m doing. It’s helped me refine my own techniques because I have to explain them clearly to others. Plus, being around other creative people, whether they’re just starting out or have been painting for years, is always inspiring. There’s a real sense of community and shared learning in these workshops, which I treasure.
Who are some of your biggest artistic influences, and how have they shaped your style?
Two of my biggest influences are Georgia O’Keeffe and Vincent van Gogh. O’Keeffe’s work, especially her focus on natural forms and her ability to make something simple like a flower feel monumental, has always resonated with me. She had such a bold and unapologetic way of seeing the world, and I try to bring that same intensity into my landscapes and wildlife paintings. Van Gogh, on the other hand, inspires me with his use of color and movement. His work feels alive, as if the world he painted is breathing and shifting right in front of you. That’s something I strive for in my own work—capturing not just a scene, but the energy of it.
What do you hope people take away from your art when they view your work?
More than anything, I want people to feel something when they look at my art. Whether it’s a sense of calm, nostalgia, or even just an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, I hope my paintings create an emotional response. My work is deeply personal, but I always leave room for the viewer to find their own meaning in it. Art is a conversation, and once a piece is out there, it belongs as much to the person viewing it as it does to me. If someone can connect with my work on a personal level, then I feel like I’ve done my job as an artist.