Chris and Anna Holmes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Chris and Anna, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that because we love what we do, it shouldn’t cost much — or anything at all. We hear things like “I could get that at a big box store” or “this feels too expensive,” and while we get it — mass-produced art can be very affordable — it’s not the same thing.
What people don’t always see is what goes into this work. It’s not just canvas and paint. It’s years of training — both artistic and business — plus the cost of supplies, tech, advertising, and the time it takes to create something meaningful. When you buy from an artist, you’re not just buying a product. You’re supporting a person’s creative work, their energy, their story.
We feel incredibly lucky to do what we love. But like any job, it’s still a job. And artists, like plumbers or dentists or anyone offering a skill, deserve to be paid fairly for their work. Every piece we make is personal. It’s not meant to compete with factory-made prints — and honestly, we don’t want it to. Art with heart costs more, and it should.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We’re Chris and Anna Holmes, the husband-and-wife artist duo behind Serenity in Color.
We’re full-time oil painters, Certified Bob Ross Instructors®, and small business owners based in Henderson, Tennessee — where we create original art inspired by the quiet beauty of the natural world and host joyful, beginner-friendly painting classes.
Our work blends technique with heart. Every mountain, wave, or tree we paint holds a bit of our story — our love for nature, our belief that art should feel approachable, and our joy in helping people surprise themselves with what they can create.
This year, we released our first collection of fine art prints, called A Place to Breathe — six calming nature scenes designed to bring a sense of pause, peace, and quiet beauty into your home. Each one is based on an original piece we’ve poured a lot of soul into, and we’re so excited to make these moments of serenity more accessible.
We also teach in-person painting classes throughout the year here in West Tennessee, where we help folks reconnect with their creativity — even if it’s been a while, or they’ve never tried before. Most students come in saying “I’m not an artist,” and leave with a finished painting and a big smile. That’s the magic we try to create: a space where people feel encouraged, not judged.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Our parents, without question. They’re some of the hardest working people we’ve ever known — people with deep integrity and an incredible work ethic. Nothing was ever handed to them, and they never expected it to be. If you wanted something, you rolled up your sleeves and got to work.
That mindset stuck with us. Now, as artists and small business owners, when things get overwhelming or discouraging (and they do sometimes), we look back at the example they set. Their quiet perseverance reminds us to keep showing up — to keep going, especially when it’s hard. That steady, no-nonsense kind of work ethic is what keeps us grounded, even on the tough days.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That things get better. They really do — but sometimes it’s one day at a time, or even one hour at a time. You just have to keep going.
Suffering also showed us how important it is to have people you can turn to. The support of family and friends is one of God’s greatest blessings — and it’s easy to underestimate how much it matters until you really need it. Sometimes the help shows up in quiet, unexpected ways. And sometimes, just talking things through with someone brings clarity you didn’t know you needed. That kind of steady support — and the resilience it builds — is something success alone could never teach.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Probably learning. We’re always taking a class, watching a tutorial, reading a book, or signing up for some kind of workshop — we just really love discovering new things. Whether it’s painting techniques, business strategy, or just a new way to organize the pantry, we’re into it.
Creativity matters too — not just in art, but in everyday life. We like finding little ways to add a spark, whether it’s in the studio, in how we run our business, or around the house.
And books. So many books. We read like they’re going out of fashion — it’s one of our favorite ways to recharge and stay inspired.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
Usually fear is the first clue — that little wave of doubt, or the classic imposter syndrome voice that says, “You’re not ready for this.” It feels like having some of the dots, but not the whole path to connect them yet.
When that happens, we try not to panic. We sit with it for a bit, get curious, and start gathering information — whether that’s reading, researching, or asking someone who’s been there before. And then, once we’ve got a little more clarity, we tackle it one step at a time and keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://serenityincolor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenityincolorart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Serenity-in-Color-100095710025157/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SerenityinColor-lt9be
Image Credits
Chris and Anna Holmes
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
