31st Placer artists Tour

Holly Clark grew up in downtown Rocklin, always helping her family businesses throughout the years. While attending Sierra College she did roofing estimates and was involved in many community service organizations. When she decided to join the college newspaper she had no idea she would fall in love with photography.

After graduating she began to operate her own photography business, taking thousands of photos of weddings, events, portraits, pets and places. Her passions then took her to the Bay Area for a few years, where she grew a career at Peet’s Coffee and Tea. Family eventually brought her back to Rocklin. Over the last decade she has managed many stores, traveled to accounts all over, learning how to train and inspire large teams. 

Like many others, the Clark Family continues to pivot through strokes, pandemics, death and whatever else is thrown their way. She is now getting back into photography and is enjoying exploring the "Bob Ross" method of oil painting along with learning watercolors.

I was born with a pencil in my hand. No seriously, at 14 months old I was drawing circles and creating little characters on sketch paper.

My grandmother, Grace E. Griep, an incredible photo realist artist, saw my deep desire to create and never restricted me from expressing myself. I was constantly drawing on anything but the walls; my skin, clothing, dolls bodies and paper- all the paper- and I have never stopped. I continue to paint on shoes, bags, acrylics on anything canvas, paper with watercolor, pen, and face painting.

More recently, I’ve been trying to step out and do art before it’s requested. It’s a little scary because there’s no guarantee someone will like it or want it. And then I feel like I could regret “wasting” my time making it. But that negative voice has been silenced.

 I typically focus on the subjects that bring the most nostalgia and sentiment. That could be a family portrait, a still life, a beautiful place, or a favorite character. It’s my greatest desire to create pieces that take you back to a certain moment and bring those feelings to the forefront. Mostly, a happy time with less responsibilities.

Speaking of responsibilities, I stay at home with my graphic designer husband, and I am a mother of three homeschooled children. I have called Rocklin home since 2004 and I am proud to be a new member of the Rocklin Fine Arts group! I hope you find a sense of wonder, peace and joy in my original and commissioned pieces.

In 2024 I wish to participate in the Placer Artists Tour, not only to promote my work, but to support and

communicate with other local artists and the art community, because I can identify with them and find

both inspirational.

My work reflects my past upbringing and life-long experiences. I grew up in northern Pennsylvania

overlooking the purple blue Appalachian Mountains and viewed by an abundance of nature. My father,

also an artist, inspired me at an early age when I watched him paint. My mother, an artful sewist and

gardener, unknowingly taught me to love all that nature provided.

After moving to Philadelphia and taking art classes, I had my first solo show at the University of

Pennsylvania Faculty Club. It inspired me to enter the University of the Arts full time; and that decision

was a major steppingstone to my art career.

Today the mediums I use are acrylics, oils, watercolor pencils, and photography. While painting, I receive

immeasurable joy and indescribable peace regardless of the subject matter. Although my style reflects

Impressionism, sometimes an art piece is an abstract expression of the moment.

I love painting landscapes and ocean scenes and taking floral photographs, as they are memories of my

past. Having been an avid boater along the East coast and living the summer months on the New Jersey

shore, I enjoy bringing those images to my work.

My passion for art constantly grows as I daily view, photograph, and paint so many beautiful things in

nature around me, in the hope that my art will continue to bring joy to others and make them happier in

our complex world.     

Karen Camara said she couldn't remember when she wasn't drawing or painting. Her mother was an artist herself, a great influence on her, and always encouraging. Karen has exhibited in the past 24 years both regionally and nationally, including "one man exhibitions", and invitational group exhibitions. Her paintings are here locally, and in private homes all over the country and in Europe.

        Although she paints in acrylic and oils, her first love is watercolor. Her control of washes and transparent color harmonies make her watercolors some of the very best. She produces paintings that are remarkable for their freshness, spontaneity and originality, they are infused with color and movement of sunlight. The most striking aspect of Karen's style is adaptation to the demands of painting "en plein air" where the light and weather can change at a moment's notice. Karen's art reflects her joyful outlook on life, a theme running through many of her paintings. As she says, "when I paint, my aim is to communicate my vision in hopes that the viewer will see something new and exciting as well."