Acrylic Painting
Holly Kendall
Holly is a Sydney-based artist whose emotionally layered, large-scale abstract paintings explore themes of connection – to memory, to self, to the earth, and to lineage. Her work invites viewers into rich, immersive environments through textured surfaces, instinctive colour, and bold, gestural mark-making. Deeply personal yet universally resonant, Holly’s abstracts are a meditation on what we carry, what we inherit, and what we choose to let go.
Artist Profile
Holly is a Sydney-based artist whose emotionally layered, large-scale abstract paintings explore themes of connection – to memory, to self, to the earth, and to lineage. Her work invites viewers into rich, immersive environments through textured surfaces, instinctive colour, and bold, gestural mark-making. Deeply personal yet universally resonant, Holly’s abstracts are a meditation on what we carry, what we inherit, and what we choose to let go.
Holly’s recent series, Motherline, continues this exploration, delving into motherhood, emotional legacy, and the grounding presence of the natural world. These works evoke both vulnerability and strength, offering a tactile sense of place and belonging. While Holly first gained recognition for her intricate and evocative paintings of Australian birdlife. It is her contemporary abstract work that now defines her artistic voice. Her ability to move between detailed realism and intuitive abstraction has earned her a loyal following of collectors worldwide.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I primarily work in acrylic because I love the flexibility it offers and the richness of its colours. Acrylic allows me to work intuitively and responsively—its quick drying time means I can build up layers, add glazes, and experiment with texture without losing momentum. I often mix it with gels and mediums to create depth and movement within the surface. I also love incorporating materials like rice paper and marble dust into my process. Rice paper adds a delicate, organic element that interacts beautifully with paint, while marble dust brings a soft, chalky texture that enhances the earthy, layered feel of my work. These materials help me express the emotional depth and grounded connection that are central to my abstract practice.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
When a new idea comes to me, I fixate on it and it becomes all-encompassing. I even dream about it. Inspiration for me is emotional and often rooted in nature. Colour is a huge trigger – certain palettes can spark a whole body of work. I use my sketchbook to play with composition and experiment with colour palettes. From there, I move onto larger surfaces and begin building the layers. Music plays a big role in my painting journey. It shapes the mood and energy of the work and helps me stay in flow. Bringing the work to a wider audience takes just as much energy. It’s about pushing past my comfort zone, saying yes to opportunities, and trusting the process. I’ve learned to stay open – meeting new people, forming connections, and embracing the steps. Sharing the work is part of the creative journey too, and it’s so rewarding to see it resonate with others.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
My studio is based in my home, and I feel grateful every day to be creating in such a beautiful part of Sydney, near Balmoral Beach. I often keep the windows and doors open. That connection to nature is a constant source of inspiration and grounding in my work. My space can get quite chaotic at times, especially when I'm deep in a series, with colour palettes, materials, and sketches everywhere but this is where I am most happy.
Career Highlights
- Finalist NBG Art Prize
- Artists of Mosman 2088 Exhibition
- 'Uniquely Us' Exhibition, Curl Curl Creative Space
