Sponsored Content | Photos provided by The Art Group Gallery
The Art Group was founded nearly two decades ago when several Little Rock artists came together to share an art studio. In 2013, the artists officially opened a gallery, The Art Group Gallery, in Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center. Follow along as At Home in Arkansas interviews each of the group’s 17 artists to find out more about their inspirations and processes for creating.
At Home: Tell us a little about yourself. Are you native to Arkansas?
Holly Tilley: I was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but have lived and worked in Arkansas most of my life. After a long career in marketing and advertising, I finally decided to pursue my passion for art full-time. I’m a managing partner at The Art Group Gallery and a member of the Arkansas Arts Center, where a piece of mine titled “Grateful” was recently included in the 61st annual Delta Exhibition. My husband, Jim, and I have two children, Christian and Hannah.
AH: What is your primary medium?
HT: Oil paints primarily, but this year I have explored watercolor, mixed media, and abstract. I believe you’ve always got to keep reaching! I paint pieces that are fun, colorful, and sentimental.
AH: Where do you create your art? Tell us about your process.
HT: We have a working studio in the back of the gallery where I paint almost every day. As manager, this helps me stay in touch with what’s happening with our collectors. I also like the energy when there are several of us there creating—the collaborative effect is inspiring! It’s so important in the painting process to show up and paint frequently—daily, if possible.
The process of making art for me is driven by the subject matter, and much is developed from my own photography. It starts with sketching, design development, underpainting, and then I add final layers and finishing touches.
AH: Are there any people or fellow artists who have inspired you during your career as an artist?
HT: I’ve worked with lots of fantastic artists, such as Jason Sacran, Bill Garrison, and Richard Stephens, and they all continue to push me forward. The interaction with our collectors, my art students, and fellow gallery artists energizes me and makes this job so much fun!
Learn more about Holly Tilley and The Art Group gallery at artgrouparkansas.com.
