Holden Willard: Portland Art Gallery

Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Raised in Raymond, Maine, Holden Willard found himself significantly influenced by the work of artists from his home state while studying for his bachelor’s degree in fine arts at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts. Painters like American Modernist Marsden Hartley (born in Lewiston, Maine), and the state’s long history of plein air painting strengthened Holden’s desire to return to his roots. Holden describes his artistic style as reactive painting, which involves observing and reacting to subject matter through movement, color, and sound. He incorporates figures into his pieces in unique and non-traditional ways. These elements, and Holden’s intuitive use of color theory in his art, likely contributed to the distinct honor of his being selected for the 2023 Center for Maine Contemporary Art Biennial exhibition. Join our conversation with artist Holden Willard today on Radio Maine.