WAYNESBORO – After opening his art gallery last May, Seth Holmes has settled into his new creative space. With a bright yellow door that welcomes art-loving patrons, his gallery on the Square is an enticing new art destination in an already charming downtown shopping district.
After entering that sun-colored portal, the gallery’s interior is lit by a large north-facing window. That exposure offers even natural lighting that showcases Holmes’s collection of artwork, which is sometimes whimsical, but with other newer pieces possessing an impressionistic flair. A separate room off the main entry is painted a rich green hue and offers an intimate atmosphere. Since some of Holmes’ work is created on a smaller scale, this gallery area encourages up-close viewing and compliments the space’s layout.
Now that the setup is complete, Holmes yearns to take his art to greater heights by following multiple pathways.
Holmes grew up in Frederick, Md., and later moved to Los Angeles to explore a career in the film industry. Living out West for more than four years, he worked in set design and within art departments. He returned East a few years ago and eventually chose to live in Waynesboro. “The arts community was a huge appeal when I moved here. For a small town, it surprised me,” Holmes said.
After becoming a resident, Holmes began a steady process of building interest as he explored Waynesboro and noticed its impressive architecture. At first, he showed his work at local galleries and made limited-edition prints. He also won a few artistic awards. Holmes posted his work on Instagram, then with his easy-going manner, he connected with art-oriented people and small businesses in town. Holmes quickly became a creative force in the Waynesboro art community.
A turning point came when Holmes painted the Postmasters Coffee Shop building in Rouzerville. That particular watercolor artwork was the kickstart to a new style. The owners loved the unique finished piece and wanted to purchase and display it. “Then things started happening with my art,” Holmes said. “I started to replicate that style. It was totally unexpected.”
As his momentum surged, Holmes considered opening a gallery. “I’ve always wanted to build something of my own,” he said. He found this space in Waynesboro’s Square and went to work. “I had no idea I’d do five months of renovations.” Holmes restored hardwood floors, set up shelving and painted walls. “I wanted to make this a gathering space.”
Holmes also included other artists and exhibited some of their work, including one painter who uses alcohol inks, giving her pieces a magical appearance. Seth also drew on his love of the Far East to promote his new venture. “I love Japanese culture, so I based my logo on that to maintain that feel.”
Now that the initial excitement of opening a gallery has passed, Holmes has infinite possibilities as an artist and teacher. “I just did 30 illustrations for a children’s book,” he said. Holmes also paints murals and does commissions for private collectors. “I like to include story and elements of personality in my commissions. I want to bring something unique to each scene.”
As a teacher, Holmes guides emerging artists with a gentle hand. “I encourage freedom and flexibility in my teaching.” Holmes shows people how to create one step at a time. For example, the forms of buildings are simply recreated through a series of rectangles. Then, by adding shadows, colors and details, a unique piece can emerge. Holmes seeks to inspire artists and help them reveal hidden strengths with his classes.
Reflecting on his personal work, Holmes has explored new techniques since he moved into his gallery. “I wanted to paint on a larger scale.” Works with bigger dimensions were finished recently, and with their different applications, Holmes is excited about another direction for his art. “I love the texture and feel of acrylics, so I want to do more of that. I started stippling it, and played around and found a more impressionistic style.”
While previous watercolors centered on architecture, Holmes’s newer acrylics are predominantly landscapes and natural objects. With constant exploration on local roads, he’s become familiar with the rolling fields and rounded hills featured in his newer creations. Holmes grew fond of the Cumberland Valley’s scenic beauty. “You appreciate subjects more when you paint them.”
With different pathways to success through painting original works, teaching, accepting commissions, and hosting other artists, Holmes is set to thrive. His imagination and talent will influence where those artistic roads take him next.
Seth Holmes’ gallery is on Waynesboro’s Square at 8 E. Main St. Interested people may call 717-208-2849 or go online (holmeswatercolors.com) for information about classes, commissions, hours and upcoming events.
