Biography

American Contemporary artist Paula Holtzclaw has gained a national reputation for her ability to capture the drama of nature on canvas. Widely known for her luminous landscapes, these works reflect a deep connection to unspoiled nature, capturing atmosphere, mood and light. Her still life paintings blend an impressionistic flair with classical realism influenced by her love of the Old Masters’ works. Growing up in the southeastern United States, Holtzclaw was surrounded by the natural beauty that would later inspire much of her artwork. She has carved a niche in the art world through her masterful use of color, light and composition.

From an early age, Holtzclaw exhibited a propensity toward the arts along with an appreciation for nature. Influenced by her artist Grandmothers, she was immediately captivated and introduced to the world of creating paintings on canvas. Holtzclaw remarks “To this day, that wonderful smell of oil paints and mediums take me back to early childhood memories. Memories that have become more cherished with the passing of time. Creating art seemed to always be a part of her life. During a career in Ophthalmology which spanned over two decades, Holtzclaw still carved out time to paint, putting miles of brushstrokes to the canvas. Following several successful years of gallery representation, she transitioned to full-time painting in 2002. Holtzclaw’s dedication to her craft and continuous pursuit of artistic growth have made her a respected figure among her peers.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Holtzclaw has enjoyed serving as entry and awards juror for regional and national exhibitions. She is passionate about mentoring emerging artists and believes in giving back to the art community at large. Actively involved in many art organizations, she is always ready to lend a helping hand. Holtzclaw served on the Executive Board of American Women Artists from 2012 – 2019, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to the advancement of women through the arts.

In addition to numerous solo shows, Holtzclaw’s paintings have been collected and exhibited nationally as well as internationally. Museum venues include the Bowers Museum, Haggin Museum, Gilcrease Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, and the Tucson Desert Museum. Paula has been the recipient of notable awards including: 2nd Place Award NOAPS Small Works Show 2025, Reys Gallery Award ARC Art Renewal Center 2025, Award of Excellence Oil Painters of America 2024 and 2023, Award of Excellence American Women Artists National 2024, 2023, 2019, Award of Excellence and Award of Merit NOAPS 2023, Fine Art Connoisseur Award Women Artists Of the West 2023, President’s Award Women Artists of the West 51st National Exhibition 2021.

Recent Publications
Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, Art Collecting, April/May 2025
Southern Exposure, The Art of Paula B. Holtzclaw 2024
PleinAir Magazine, PleinAir Salon, Feb/Mar 2023
Southwest Art Magazine, “A Soft Glow”, November 2020

Professional Memberships and Honors
Master Member of American Women Artists (AWA)
Master Member of the Women Artists of the West (WAOW)
Signature Member Oil Painters of America (OPA)
Signature member American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA)
Signature member American Impressionist Society (AIS)
Signature member National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society (NOAPS)
Out-of-State Artist Member of the prestigious California Art Club.
By invitation: Member of the Salmagundi Club of New York and the Plein Air Painters of the SouthEast
(PAPSE)

Gallery Representation
Anderson Fine Art Gallery St. Simons Island, GA
Floyd Fine Arts Pawleys Island, SC
Highlands Art Gallery Lambertville, NJ
Hughes Gallery Boca Grande, FL.
Illume Gallery West Phillipsburg, MT
Mary Williams Fine Arts Boulder, CO
Principle Gallery Alexandria, VA & Charleston, SC