Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Oberholtzer.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am an Austin, Texas–based artist creating candy-colored oil paintings that celebrate my delight in places, people, and florals. Rendered in an expressive representational style and finished with glossy varnish, my paintings are meant to emanate joy.
The darkness of the pandemic—followed by losing my wonderful mother to a brutal cancer—left me determined to seek out the light. Rather than sinking into despair, I turned to painting as a way to honor and amplify the delights this world has to offer.
For my first solo show, Studies on Delight” at Llano Art Gallery, I gave myself complete freedom in subject matter: florals, travel scenes, pool paintings—anything that sparked joy. The only rule was that each piece would be an oil painting on wood panel. That practice of chasing delight became a form of healing and a reminder that joy is worth pursuing.
This year, I’ve been exploring what “Electric Feminine” means to me as a woman and artist. To me, it feels like blasting David Bowie, or the collective bliss of singing along with the all-girl band The Last Dinner Party. It’s checking into Hotel Saint Cecilia and lounging poolside beneath the neon glow. It’s ordering yourself flowers or wrapping a gift with an extravagant ribbon.
These extra special moments of beauty and pleasure don’t come around often – but when they do, I believe they’re worth celebrating in paint.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Making art hasn’t always come naturally to me. For years, I avoided it, believing I needed long, luxurious days to create. On the rare occasions those days appeared, I still couldn’t begin – too afraid the work wouldn’t be good enough.
Everything shifted in 2020 during a therapy session when my therapist asked what I would do with my life if I could choose anything. The answer came instantly: make art. With her encouragement, I started – irregularly at first, but it was enough to change my life.
In 2021, I joined “The Mystery School” through Father Bronques of the Make Art Not Content podcast. His lessons on daily practice inspired me to try just 15 minutes a day. That small, consistent commitment grew into longer evening sessions of 2–3 hours. Over time, I’ve created far more art than I ever imagined possible – while still being a mom, wife, and full-time employee.
Of course, I still fall off. Sometimes a month or two passes without painting. But I’ve learned that the way back is always the same: start again with 15 minutes, simple materials, and gentle momentum. For me, pushing through the discomfort of beginning is its own daily practice.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m releasing a 2026 floral calendar, available now for pre-order at www.ashleyoart.com. Calendars will ship in September 2025.
From January to July, I painted a series of 14 “Electric Feminine” florals inspired by arrangements from Austin’s House of Margot Blair. I subscribed to a biweekly delivery of 12 arrangements and spent time with each one – lighting them creatively, photographing them, and selecting a favorite image to paint. Each 11” x 14” oil painting experiments with backgrounds, colors, and compositions while staying cohesive as a series. For July, I collaborated with Flowersmith ATX, incorporating their hand-marbled orchid stems into an arrangement that became one of my favorites.
To celebrate, I’m hosting an art show and calendar launch party on September 13, 2025, at the House of Margot Blair showroom in Austin (10am – 1pm, with coffee and pastries). Both calendars and original paintings will be available for purchase at the event and online.
In addition, my work can be found at Marfa Mood Mercantile in Marfa, Texas, and locally at Anahata Yoga Sanctuary in Northwest Austin.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I believe we must dedicate time to what truly fulfills us – especially in this noisy digital age. For me, that’s painting. When I make art, I feel grounded and content. When I don’t, it’s easy to slip into doomscrolling or worrying, which leaves me feeling empty.
Deadlines help: a show, a project, a goal. They give me motivation to keep creating. Sometimes I question myself – is a calendar or art show really important? — but then I remember: this is what I want to do with my life. Sharing my work is not only for me, but also for others who might need permission to follow their own passions.
If my calendar or show inspires even one person to make time for what they love, then it’s worth it.
I invite you to spend just a little time each day doing the thing that matters most to you. Don’t wait for the perfect day or the perfect conditions. Wedge it in, even for 15 minutes. See what happens!
Pricing:
- 2026 Floral Calendar *with stand* $25.oo
- 2026 Floral Calendar *no stand* $20.00
- Original Oil Paintings starting at $350.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyoart.com
- Instagram: @ashley_o_art
Image Credits
Portrait of Ashley by Chris Oberholtzer @thesquirrelsarewatching
Paintings and images of paintings by Ashley Oberholtzer @ashley_o_art
