Ashleigh Holmes: A Journey Through Colour, Emotion, and NatureHajra Salinas

Ashleigh Holmes: Crafting Emotion Through Colour and Light

Ashleigh Holmes is a Sydney-based, self-taught artist whose work weaves together an intuitive understanding of colour psychology with the serene landscapes of Guringai Land. As a fourth-generation artist, creativity is in her lineage, but Holmes has forged a distinct path in the world of abstract art. With her studio based in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, she creates large-scale canvases, employing acrylic and oil paints. Her gestural mark-making technique and considered colour choices allow her to evoke a strong sense of time and place, capturing the essence of nature through her unique lens. The tranquil and harmonious tones that fill her works draw from the natural environment, forging a deep connection with her audience.

Holmes’ art is rooted in a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of colours. Through her research, she channels the sensory effects of hues to create pieces that resonate with viewers, often evoking a feeling of calm and connection to the landscapes she draws inspiration from. Her works, such as Dawn Float and Wharf Woke, are reflective of her surroundings, blending the soft pastels of sunrises and cloudscapes into layered textures. By manipulating these elements, Holmes transforms her canvases into immersive experiences, inviting viewers into the tranquil environments she cherishes.

Holmes’ work has garnered significant attention within the Australian art scene, and her participation in prestigious events further underscores her talent. She has been a finalist in the Mosman Prize and Lloyd Rees Memorial Award, and her 2021 residency at the Harboard Hotel cemented her status as an artist to watch. Holmes’ ability to balance both creativity and career momentum speaks to her dedication and the growing admiration for her unique artistic vision.

Ashleigh Holmes: A Journey of Inspiration and Process

Holmes’ creative journey is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and the places she has explored. Natural landscapes, particularly those she encounters while traveling, serve as a significant source of inspiration for her. Whether it’s the delicate hues of a Sydney sunrise or the striking beauty of a distant island like Mallorca or Japan, Holmes is continually captivated by the colours of nature. These landscapes have a profound effect on her palette, often dictating the muted tones and soft transitions that define her abstract compositions.

Her process begins in the studio, where the environment plays an integral role. Holmes thrives in spaces filled with natural light, often accompanied by the sound of music and the scent of palo santo. For her, this ritualized setting fosters creativity and aligns with her superstitions, ensuring the energy in her workspace is conducive to producing art that feels both intuitive and grounded. From sketching out initial ideas to developing layers of texture and colour, her process mirrors the organic evolution of the landscapes she loves.

Holmes is also influenced by the Japanese philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” a concept that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. This approach is reflected in her practice of layering paints, embracing the accidental and the ephemeral to create a visual depth that invites prolonged contemplation. Her exploration of textures in recent works, often experimenting with larger canvases and unconventional materials, reveals a growing interest in tactile sensations and a shift towards more intricate compositions.

Harmonious Tones: A Deep Connection to Colour

For Holmes, colour is far more than a visual element—it’s a powerful tool for eliciting emotions and sensations. Her palette is defined by soft, grounding tones that move away from primary colours, offering a soothing effect that mirrors the natural world. Whether inspired by the subtle transitions of the seasons or the fleeting light of early morning, her colours work to calm and connect the viewer to the spaces she portrays. This intentional use of tonal variations is evident in collections such as IMMERSE and THIS MUST BE THE PLACE, where Holmes masterfully conveys the ambiance of specific times and places through a carefully curated array of hues.

Holmes’ affinity for colour stems from her fascination with its psychological impact. She believes that certain tones can trigger feelings of peace or nostalgia, much in the way natural landscapes can leave one breathless. Her admiration for artists like Mark Rothko, whose colour field paintings also explore the emotional weight of colour, has significantly influenced her approach. Holmes’ interpretation, however, is softer and more meditative, allowing viewers to ease into her world of subtle transitions and calming environments.

Her philosophy on light complements her views on colour. A fundamental theme in her work, light plays both a practical and symbolic role in her creative process. She is particularly drawn to the moments before dawn, when the sky is painted with rare and transient colours. This fascination with the fleeting qualities of light not only informs her use of photography—often capturing these moments on a 35mm camera—but also translates into her paintings. Holmes deliberately plays with light and shadow to enhance the emotional depth of her pieces, lending them a quiet intensity that lingers long after the initial viewing.

Ashleigh Holmes: From Tradition to Modern Mastery

As a fourth-generation artist, Holmes carries with her a rich legacy of creativity. However, her work stands apart from tradition, drawing from a contemporary understanding of abstraction and a personal connection to her environment. Growing up in the artistic atmosphere of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Holmes was encouraged from an early age to embrace creativity in all its forms. This support laid the foundation for her eventual transition from a hobbyist to a full-time professional artist, with Studio Four becoming the epicenter of her practice.

Holmes’ journey as an artist has been marked by significant milestones, including her early solo exhibitions like CLOUDS at Studio Four and BATEAU at Smithmade Balgowlah. These sell-out shows were instrumental in solidifying her reputation as a rising talent in Australia’s art scene. Her ability to balance commercial success with artistic integrity is a testament to her drive and vision. With upcoming exhibitions at prominent venues like Studio Gallery in Melbourne, Holmes continues to expand her reach both nationally and internationally.

Despite her rapid success, Holmes remains deeply connected to the process of creation. Her work is an ongoing exploration of texture, form, and the emotional resonance of abstract expression. Inspired by artists such as Otis Hope Carey, she is constantly seeking new ways to push the boundaries of her practice, whether through larger canvases or more complex layering techniques. As her career continues to evolve, Ashleigh Holmes’ dedication to her craft and her passion for natural beauty ensure that she will remain a compelling force in the world of contemporary art.