Capturing the Charm of The Holly Inn
- Pat McBride
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Painting The Holly Inn in Pinehurst was a joy from start to finish. There is something deeply special about working on location at a place with so much history, beauty, and quiet elegance. As the first hotel built in Pinehurst, The Holly Inn carries a sense of legacy that feels present in every line, window, and corner of the property.
What I love about plein air painting is the immediacy of it. I get to respond directly to the light, the atmosphere, and the feeling of the place in real time. On this day, the soft Southern light, the gracious architecture, and the lush surroundings created a scene that felt both timeless and alive.
The Holly Inn has welcomed guests since 1895 and remains one of Pinehurst’s most cherished landmarks. That history adds a certain weight and warmth to the painting experience, because I am not only capturing a building, but also a story that has unfolded for generations. Painting it outdoors allowed me to slow down and really observe how the inn sits so naturally within the landscape.
My goal was to preserve that sense of elegance while keeping the brushwork fresh and expressive. I wanted the painting to reflect the charm of the inn, the texture of the gardens, and the quiet energy of a place that has long been part of the life of the village. Plein air painting invites a kind of honesty, and that is what I hope comes through here.
The Holly Inn is more than a subject to paint; it is a landmark with a soul. I feel fortunate to have spent time painting it, and even more fortunate to share a glimpse of that experience with others.
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