still working on this one ...

Floral watercolor/acrylic - 22x15" 

I have made progress on this ... but I know it is not at its final stage right now. There are certain parts that really are "working" in the overall plan and some parts that are not.  So, I will continue to think about this and make adjustments.   

My main idea in this piece was to try to depict the beauty of colorful new life blooming amidst the debris.  It seemed a metaphor for so many things we encounter.     As I continue to work this one out, I hope to come up with the right title too.    I'll post more soon!

Spring Cleaning!

I'm cleaning out my studio! 

I have a few paintings who have been completed for a while and really need to find their permanent home!   So, for a limited time (now until April 15th), I'm offering them at a very special price to celebrate spring's arrival (and help me clean up and get ready for more painting)! 

Now is a great time to pick up a great deal! 

Secret Path, 8x10" Oil on canvas

 

 

 Green on Blue,  7x5" Oil on canvas

SOLD

 Hollyhocks,  8x8" oil on canvas, gallery wrapped

SOLD

 What Remains - Vanishing landscape,  9x12" oil on canvas

 

Agave, 6x6" acrylic on clayboard 

 SOLD

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Spring Offering ~ Final Version

Spring Offering, 11x14" Oil on canvas

©2015 Helen Read

Tranquility.  Serenity.  And yes, a beautiful surprise among the leaves of various greens ~ a Redbud blooms!  This is a "snapshot" of springtime in the Midwest.  Winter gives way to springtime with a burst of unexpected color.  Often in the early morning, a soft mist accompanies the early hours. 

This painting captures that surprise and yet, also captures a sense of tranquility in the quiet water which reflects the environment that overhangs it.  The colors range from subtle gray tones that have blues and greens in the composition - to brighter greens in the foreground and the visual interest of the pink blooms.  For woodsy areas near my home, this is the essence of springtime! 

What I'm working on right now

11x14" Oil on canvas 

It has been a busy week, but I have found time to be at work in my studio.  I'm working on this landscape.  I'm exploring the idea of subtle value shifts, depth of space using atmospheric effect and how that affects edges and values - and colors.  I took this reference picture on a rather bright day - making the effect less bright, more overcast has been the challenge.  It's not finished yet - but I will finish it soon and post its final version! 

Looking Back - Lily Watercolor

3 Sisters - Descanso Lilies,  7.5 x 9.5" Watercolor on Yupo
©Helen Read
 

Almost a year ago, I had the opportunity to visit Descanso Gardens near Los Angeles.  I found these three lilies and their beautiful foliage.  What a delightful visit!   This little watercolor is done on Yupo paper, which is a smooth synthetic paper that does not absorb any water.  The interesting patterns of paint that you see are what happens as the paint pools and puddles before it dries.  It all happens in somewhat random patterns, and are beautiful in and of themselves.  

 

Continuing the progress - floral watercolor

I put this one aside for a few weeks while working on other paintings - and now have picked this up to move forward with it again.  I've been working with the panel to the left --- and decided to paint in dried twigs and leaves, as one would find fallen on the ground.  That idea began to speak to me as I thought of a metaphor in my own life --- out of what is dried and dead spring new life and color and beauty.  More is still needed on this - its not finished.   I hope to continue moving it along and will post its final rendition soon!