Painting is my life. I painted for many years by brush but since then my style has evolved, and now the palette knife is my tool of choice. When I paint and create I am lost to all the outside distractions. I have lived in warmer climates my whole adult life, and I believe this shows through in my paintings. The atmosphere in my studio is also very important to me—I love painting on warm sunny days with soft music in the background that matches with my subject I am about to paint. I begin with an idea and a composition in mind. My desired palette consists of cool and warm primary colors and a few special colors depending on the subject, then I relax and let my knife start the journey.
Late Afternoon Walk, oil on wood panel, 24 x 30" (61 x 76 cm) I loved the feeling of the gentle late afternoon light touching the cherry blossoms, creating deeper pinks and a beautiful reflection on the lake. I started painting with a photograph, then I finished from the impression of my memory, remembering what I loved most about this scene.
Spirit Of Pacific, oil on wood panel, 36 x 36" ( 91 x 91 cm) The first time I saw the flame tree in Guam, where I spent many years, the intense bright red blooms left a big impression on me—just like the Pacific Islanders’ beautiful and exotic personality. The energy is powerful. I love painting these red blooms every time I miss the Pacific Island. I extended the impasto blooms out of the panel and continued on both sides to feel as if I am part of the scene.
My first few marks are light and loose, always evaluating but at this point not being too critical to my original guidelines, as I believe it is important to let the painting evolve organically. The underpainting is essentially my sketch, then I go about building layer upon layer of impasto oil paint. The bold and rhythmical knife strokes create my signature sculptural textures, showing off the vibrant colors of the paint surface. Every stroke and flick of my wrist creates harmonious patterns in the paint, taking me closer and closer to completion.
Sakura, oil on wood panel, 48 x 60" (122 x152 cm) When this Japanese spring landscape piece was commissioned, I first wanted to frame a landscape full of cherry blossom trees. Then I filled the scene with the lake and mountains. The big cherry tree in the foreground was inspired by the shapes of trees as depicted in old Japanese art to give a more “old Japan” feel. Using a palette knife, I layered the pink blossoms gently, wet-on-wet to form a fully bloomed effect.
Bohemian Rhapsody, oil on wood panel, 30 x 30” (76 x 76) This painting was inspired by the 17th-century Dutch Masters. It was exciting to put my modern twist on the arrangements, but stay true to the style of opulent floral arrangement and the dark background that emphasized the colors of the flowers. I wanted all the flowers to sing loudly to the viewers.
Although I had some classical training at a young age, I am self-taught and created my own style over the time. I wish my viewers to place themselves in my paintings and enjoy the warm light through trees and colorful blooms. —
About the artist
Misun Holdorf
Korean-born Misun Holdorf knew at a very young age that she was destined to be an artist. Early on, her parents encouraged her early to explore her creative expression. “I cannot remember a time I was not sketching or painting, even as a child. I was fortunate in Seoul, art is taken very seriously and my early art classes quite disciplined,” says Holdorf.
In her early adult life she moved to the beautiful Pacific Island of Guam. It was here in the tropical island breezes that Holdorf disocovered her signature style and palette. “In Guam I was exposed to a pure fresh way of life. The many shades of blues in water, bright colors of exotic flowers, dramatic clouds and sunset excited me endlessly.”
She has lived in the United States since 2001. Finding herself drawn to the warmer climates, she currently lives on the West Coast.
In her first year of living in San Diego, California, she was named #1 out of the top 100 artists by the Southwestern Artist Association. She enjoys premier gallery representation in the United States and Canada. Her work is now enjoyed in private collections in every corner of the globe.
Represented by
Adelman Fine Art, California, USA, adelmanfineart.com
Firebox Art Studios, Pennsylvania, USA, fireboxartstudios.com
Contact at
misunholdorf.com