About the Artist: Leli Holmes

August 2024 Issue
About the Cover Artist — Leli Holmes
by Lindsay Gifford

Beauty abounds in our little slice of paradise, and local Bluffton artist and designer Leli Holmes (pronounced Leh-li) is here to capture it. From extraordinary oysters and vintage boat paddles to majestic octopi and graceful Roseate spoonbills, her artwork embodies the Lowcountry’s soul; that being nature.

After majoring in Fine Arts, Leli started her career as a graphic designer and spent decades creating behind a computer screen. “As much as I enjoyed design work, I dreamed of creating something that was mine and not dictated by design clients,” Leli said. She began her journey of creative independence with small watercolor notecards she sold in local stores and at outdoor pop-up markets, squeezing her artwork between homeschooling her three children during the pandemic years. Over time, she began painting larger pieces, selling prints, and eventually took on commissions. Her background as a designer came with years of turning people’s thoughts into pictures; a valuable asset as she began to listen to clients’ ideas and turn them into custom pieces for their homes. “I love doing commission work, bringing people’s visions to life in my unique style. I felt I had found myself when I began working on a larger scale,” said Leli.

Leli works in a variety of media types—India ink, watercolor on paper, acrylic on canvas. “I believe my design background has heavily influenced my painting style. I love to work in nature and find unique, natural motifs I can highlight in my work. The colors and textures of the Lowcountry are inspiring to me. The green of the spartina grass, the blues of the sky, the pinks of a spoonbill’s wings. I love that the colors in the water and the sky change throughout the day. It’s eye candy for artists.” Patterns, fine details, and vibrant colors are all staples in her work. 

Originally from the Seattle, WA, an area with abundant sea life and beautiful water views, Leli comes by her love of all things water naturally. When she arrived in the Lowcountry, there was an immediate connection. “I really love being near the water. With generally mild temperatures, the Lowcountry is a perfect setting for working outside. When people ask to see my studio, I tell them to meet me in my backyard because that is generally where I paint. My children and a Golden Doodle puppy are both my studio companions and greatest critics.” When she’s not at the easel, you can find her with her family on hikes, runs, or trips to the beach. And she adores a hot cup of coffee and a great read!

This month’s cover art, “Sea Spirit”, began when Leli was given an idea to paint a woman in a dress made from oyster shells (by our publisher Elizabeth Millen). “I had an immediate vision for a woman dancing on the beach. The pattern of the waves offsetting the oyster motif. To me it just communicates that wonder when you arrive at a pretty spot on the water. I wanted to make it to celebrate its beauty,” said Leli. The painting’s dreamy, graceful beauty is an enchanted tribute to the end of summer. Thank you Leli! We love it.

Leli’s generous nature shines in her announcement to donate “Sea Spirit” to Pockets Full of Sunshine, a local non-profit that provides inclusive vocational and social opportunities for intellectually and physically disabled adults in Beaufort County. The original artwork will be for sale; interested buyers can inquire at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You can find Leli’s artwork, notecards, tea towels, stickers and pillows at the Bluffton General Store, along with her new line of totes and prints at pop-up markets, local gift shops and her website www leliholmes.com. To see her newest work, follow her on Facebook @leliholmesart or Instagram @leliholmes. For more information or commissions, email Leli at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..