Off to Florida!

Congratulations! 

Ann, who lives in Florida, is the winner of this little December give away!  

 

It's fun to paint these little mini paintings ...  and send them off. 

 

 

 What may be coming in the next months!?   Keep watching!  

Winter's Rest

Winter's Rest,  6x9" oil on gesso board 

©  Helen Read 

Not far from where I live, miles and miles of farmland stretch toward the horizon in every direction. 
In winter, the corn stalks, still visible in rows, are shorn off, stubby, bent by the wind - and a quiet snow falls as if a large white blanket; the land tucked in for a winter's rest.   In those magical moments of sunrise or sunset, a golden light reflects off the snow juxtaposed with the cast shadows in a cooler tone.  There's a stark and quiet beauty in this wintery scene as the land takes part in the cycle of the seasons.

A Little Bird ... a little December gift!

This month I'll be giving this little bluebird mini painting away!

Little Bluebird, 3x3" oil on canvas + a small easel
©2017 Helen Read

 That's right!   For those who are subscribed to my monthly newsletter, all the details will be given in a few days when my newsletter is sent!  You'll want to be signed up (see below) so you receive my email and can take part! 

It's easy and fun to join my circle of friends... every month I send special offers, hold a contest, give away a freebie, and give some discounts!   If you love art, and if you like gifts... this is for you!!  

All you need to do is click the button below, it will take you to a form  and you'll be signed up.  I'll be sending my next newsletter (and the information about this little bird) within the first few days of December!  

Sign Up Now

For Email Marketing you can trust.

The Joy of Beautiful and Affordable Art

Now available in Fine Art Giclee Prints!

Please scroll down for more information about archival giclee prints, which can be printed on either canvas or paper. Giclee prints are beautifully printed with archival inks and papers and available at a very affordable price!

PLEASE NOTE: 
Shipping more than 1 item to the same address allows me to discount shipping.  However, it isn't possible to have that happen until after check out, when I will refund the discounted amount through paypal.  I'm sorry for that inconvenience; I tried multiple options to avoid it. 

Lovely Lavender -  fine art giclee print
©Helen Read

Lovely Lavender, (originally oil on gessoboard) is now available as a fine art print
in 2 sizes: 8x10" or 11x14" and on either stretched canvas or as a matted print or mounted on a rigid support. 
And the original is still available, as well at this link! 

 

Descanso Iris -  fine art giclee print
©Helen Read

Descanso Iris (originally a watercolor painting) was purchased for the set of the TV show, Chicago Fire.
It boasts a beautiful array of colors in pinks and greens.  

It is now available as a giclee print on watercolor paper.  

Nest Eggs -  fine art giclee print
©Helen Read

Nest Eggs, (originally oil on canvas) features a robin's nest - containing the promise of new life and varied colors of turquoise in light and shadow.  It is available as an 8x10" print
on stretched canvas or as a matted print or mounted on a rigid surface and ready to frame.
available with 3 options:

Two of a Feather -  fine art giclee print
©Helen Read


 Two of a Feather  (originally oil on gessoboard) is available as a fine art print
8x8" and with several options

 

 

 

 

Callas at Sunrise -  fine art giclee print
©Helen Read

Callas at Sunrise (originally oil on canvas) is now available as a fine art print

in 2 sizes: 8x10" or 11x14" and on either stretched canvas or as a matted print or mounted on a rigid support. 

And the original is still available, as well at this link! 

  What is Giclee Printing? 

Giclee is a printing process that uses archival papers or other supports and inks.  Because of this, these prints do not fade, discolor or deteriorate over time.  I use a printing company that focuses on fine art prints done to high standards.  I know you'll be pleased with your purchase.  However, if for some reason it does not meet your needs, you may make a return within 14 days.

   When you make an order, I am notified and your order will be printed and shipped.  I ask that you allow approximately 10 days for receipt, although for most domestic addresses, your prints will arrive sooner!    Prints can be sent to international addresses as well, although shipping costs are higher.  Please email me for an estimate on shipping outside the US.   

I'm excited to be able to offer this option!  It is a great way to hang beautiful art in your home or to give fine art as a gift.  The affordability of fine art prints adds another way to bring beauty into our lives!  

Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather, 6x6" oil on gesso board 

©2017 Helen Read 

SOLD 

These 2!  Captured with a bit of personality showing!  (Perhaps a little mischief!?) 

You can almost hear what they are thinking!   

Watch this painting unfold in a few seconds (of course, it took longer than a few seconds to paint!)  Its always fascinating to see how it begins and how it comes to its final form.
You can also see it on YouTube here:   https://youtu.be/wkMlFiq_nxY

 

Some Student Work - Fall Drawing 1 Class

Every year I like to post some of the work my students
in High School are doing.  This is a Drawing 1 class at Wheaton North High Schoo - so though they may have had some background in drawing, it is not a background of instruction. 
Most of my students come to class first thing in the semester liking to draw but not really experienced.  

This work shows so well what students are capable of achieving in the first 10 weeks or so of class!   I'm proud of them - they have worked hard and it shows!  

These drawings are a small representation of student work where they've taken the instruction and really applied what we've learned in the unit on value and shading techniques.  

They picked their own subjects, transferred the images, and shaded with graphite. 

As a teacher, it's very exciting to see this kind of growth!

The Joys of Autumn

"Autumn, the year's last loveliest smile." ~William Cullen Bryant

A blaze of color, the quiet settling of leaves, the flocks of birds on a yearly pilgrimage, 

there's a rhythm and constancy about the seasons, and autumn - a preparation for rest - is one of the most beautiful. 

Even in the midst of all this beauty,  I look ahead to the long siege of winter with some trepidation. 

Here, where I live, it seems to last forever under a chilled white blanket.  

So Autumn, for me, is a time to soak it up and to take joy in the small beauties it presents...

To Give Thanks

...not just because we celebrate Thanksgiving in the Autumn, but because each day has its own small gifts. 

 The glorious "hello" of the morning as the sun rises

 The intricate tracing of color in fallen leaves 

Gifts can be found in the most ordinary of life's experiences... if we choose to see them as gifts.  

This is what I'm training my eye and my heart to see - God, the Creator of the cosmos, is presenting beautiful small gifts day by day as a way of saying,  "It all matters!  Beauty matters.  My creation matters. Small things matter."  and most importantly,
"YOU matter!"

These gifts of beauty are His love notes to each of us - but we must take time to see.  We must take time to see the blaze of red lit up by the sun and reflected in the water... only lasting a few minutes to the seeing eye before it's gone, but nevertheless, a whisper of colorful love. 

or 

the dawning of golden light with it's band of glowing clouds - a gracious good morning and the promise of a new day of opportunities.  Scriptures tells us that His mercies are new each morning  - here is a visual reminder of that promise.

or 

an array of color from purple through reds and oranges and yellows, 

gently traced throughout the veins of leaves...Why? 
For beauty's sake; for the delight of it. 

Taking joy in these small ordinary things trains the heart to watch for the gifts that God gives and to 

live with gratitude. 

Watch with me! 
Take joy in the small gifts of the day.
Give thanks to a good God who whispers love and promises of mercy and who takes delight in His creation.... and most especially takes delight in You! 

 

Completed Commission

Untitled, © 2017, Helen Read

This painting was commissioned as part of a series of paintings that will be used in the services and will hang at church.  The requirements were loosely given and it will relate to paintings around it. 
I decided to do this with a bit of abstraction behind the bird and let the bird remain more realistically presented. 

The painting which will be on the left of this one has a darker theme, and the one that will be on the right of this one, is bright and light-filled.  The tree connects to the paintings on the right and left and also below. 

This one measures 24" x 24" and is gallery wrapped - about 2" deep, painted around the sides. 
I used acrylic paint for all of it, and the edges of the bird where it is catching light from the source on the right have been given some iridescence to the paint. 
The use of many circles and dots portrays a sense of energy to the piece, and the bold use of color is also energetic and joyful.  I'm excited to see exactly how it will be used in the coming months. 
To see it in person (starting in mid-December) come by Wellspring Alliance Church in Wheaton.

Autumn Joy

Autumn Joy, 7x5" oil on gesso board
©Helen Read 

 

Well,  fall is finally here in the Midwest.  We've had a lovely prolonged summery start to it, with flowers continuing to bloom during warm sunny days.  So, these last blooms of fall are fading now... except not in this little painting!  How about a some beautiful color to brighten up that corner that needs some color!?   This painting is highly textured and full of luscious jewel tone colors.   All the colors of a beautiful fall day, right here!  

Birches in Autumn

Swedish Birches,  7x10" Oil pastel on illustration board

©Helen Read 

matted in white to fit 11x14" frame

This last month has been filled with work requirements and a larger commission... time has been fleeting!
As a repost, I'm "remembering" this pastel painting which is matted in white.   It is still available - and a variety of my other works at great prices are also available in my Etsy Shop (click the link below) 

I'm giving gifts and surprises!!

Don't you love to get gifts? 

It's always fun to receive a gift ~ and I also enjoy giving gifts!  

For my newsletter friends - every month I create something fun just for you ... I really try to give you a reason to look forward to opening my email when it comes.  

In the last few months, I had a contest to win a free mini painting, and now it lives with one of my friends in Georgia.
On another month,  I offered a free print - anyone could download it, print it, and enjoy it! 

What's coming up next month???  

 Sign up and find out!!

Freebies, give-aways, contests, discounts, news  - and other surprises!!

All you need to do is fill out the form below and you'll be added to my list.
Then watch for my next newsletter which comes near the beginning of each month. 

So easy!

Sign up now!

Thanks for signing up!

Join the fun!

Sign up with your email address for updates, offers, inspiration & give-aways! Becoming my Studio Friend is easy and full of great benefits!

Email Address

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Last Name

Birthday /

By submitting this form, you are granting: The Studio Upstairs, PO Box 251, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187, United States, http://HelenCRead.com permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

The Edge of the Marsh

The Edge of the Marsh, 8x10" oil on gesso board 

©Helen Read 

 

Autumn is full of color; expected color and surprising color hiding in shadows and in the undertones that we so easily miss seeing.  Along the edge of the marsh, there is color everywhere! 

In Comes October!

Golden October, 12 x 9" Oil on Linen Panel

© Helen Read

 

A year or so ago, the colors of our fall leaves (here in the midwest) were lovely.  This year, after a summer of almost no rain, it's mostly just brown.  So, I'm posting this painting that is a still available to celebrate the beauty of October yellows against the beautiful clear blue sky! 

Geraniums in Full Bloom

September Geranium, 8x8" graphite on clayboard
© Helen Read 

Sunlight and shadow - beautiful detail.  These things are so easily depicted in graphite on a smooth surface.  In this case, I've used the ultra smooth surface of clayboard with a variety of pencils.
These are some of the last blooms of summer time.  I always feel a little sad at the end of summer, even though I truly enjoy the beauty of the fall colors.  Nevertheless, summer flowers are fading and on their way out.
I've tried to capture the full life of the geranium with this drawing.... holding on a little longer, perhaps, to summer!  

Goodbye Summer!

Evening Embers, 10x8" oil on linen panel 

©Helen Read

What a busy end to summer it has been!
I've been working on a few new things in the studio, but have had many interruptions.  So - I'm reposting this lovely sunset painting from almost exactly 1 year ago.  Don't you love the last burning rays of a summer sunset?
THIS summer, I have witnessed almost nothing of the sunsets we enjoyed last summer... it has been a much more cloudless summer, and dry.  So, I'm glad I captured the beautiful drama of the skies last summer!

I'll be posting new work soon!
Enjoy this one as a farewell to summer on this first day of fall! 

And the winner is.....

American Goldfinch, 3x3" oil on canvas

on wooden easel 

This little painting will be making it's new home in Georgia! 

Congratulations to the contest winner,
who is one of my wonderful Newsletter Friends! 

I will be offering contests such as this one to my newsletter friends every few months. 

Newsletters should be fun!  They should have news, of course (to go along with their title), but they should offer a lot more.  And that's exactly what I've been trying to do... offer something interesting, something fun, and something you will think is valuable!  

If you aren't sure about adding your name - maybe worried about getting flooded with lots and lots of emails? - worry no longer! 

I'm just me ... I don't have a huge company with a whole lot of marketing strategies. 

Actually, I work full time as a high school art teacher and I keep regular studio hours when I'm not at work! 

As you can probably tell, I don't have time to write more than about 1x a month - and when I do, I want it to be something you'll really enjoy. 

So, I'm adding fun things each month.  The opportunity to receive discounts, participate in contests, give aways, etc come to you month by month.  And I hope we can develop some dialog so I know what is important to you and what kind of art you most enjoy. 

Scroll down to the previous blog post and you will find a sign up form. 

When you sign up for my newsletter, your name will be added to my list.  My emails come to you about the first of each month and I use a secure safe email service.  Please don't worry about your info being shared elsewhere - it never is. 

Also, when you sign up, you will get a special "thank you" email.  

So what's holding you back? 

Join the fun!

You can never have too many friends! 

Don't Let This Pass You By!

That's right!  Last month, my special offer included a "member discount" for one of my newest 

paintings AND a contest to pick a winner for a free original painting! 

There's just 1 catch....

 I only make this offer available on my newsletter list.  

It's actually a win-win, because you will get: 

• About 1 email a month with lots of visuals and news from my studio (and sometimes other news!)
• Special monthly discounts, give-aways, and contests 
• A chance to give me input about future projects and work. (Your opinion counts!)
• Also, you will often see things first or hear about new ideas before anyone else does. 
• If you send me your birthday month, I'll send you a little something special
• New members get a little gift for signing up!
• Being a newsletter member is  FREE!  (Not much in our world is free, when you think about it)
• And your information is safe - I use a secure service and I never share your information 

It's so easy to sign up.  Just fill out the information below and you'll be signed up and will receive the next newsletter which will come out around the first part of October!  

So, why not? 
There's nothing to lose and lots that you'll enjoy receiving from me!
And while I'm thinking of it, maybe you have friends whom you know would be interested in joining too.  
So please share my information with them.
(And let me know by email if you referred a friend.  If they become a member, I'll send you a thank you!)

Thanks for signing up!

Join the fun!

Sign up with your email address for updates, offers, inspiration & give-aways! Becoming my Studio Friend is easy and full of great benefits!

Email Address

First Name

Last Name

Birthday /

By submitting this form, you are granting: The Studio Upstairs, PO Box 251, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187, United States, http://HelenCRead.com permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

By Any Other Name....

Unfolding, 8x8" graphite on clayboard

©Helen Read 

Every day at school,  I teach students the art of drawing.  Now that

school has started this fall, I'm back in my classroom teaching students to see and draw

Line

Shape and Space

Texture

To shade for light and shadow (Value)

Yes, it can be pains taking.  It can take a long while to accomplish what the eye sees.

It takes time and perseverance to achieve the sense of 3 dimensions rising from a 2 dimensional surface. 

But, the results are so pleasing.  Even black, white, and gray comes alive! 

While I do love color - I also love the simple beauty of graphite drawing! 

Autumn Approaches

Withered Beauty - sunflower, 15 x 15" Watercolor/mixed media on paper

© Helen Read 

matted in white to fit 20x20" frame
ready to frame 

There is a beauty - even in the withering - the paper thin drying of the petals, still retaining a bit of their color.
Autumn is approaching... you can feel it in the air.
Yet, even in this transition from full bloom into dormancy, there is a certain beauty.

Let's Help!! Hurricane Relief Auction

You cannot watch the news without a heavy heart~
Here's a way to offer some support for those affected by Hurricane Harvey
I've started an auction of these 2 original oil paintings.
All proceeds will be donated for disaster relief in SE Texas and Louisiana. Auction ends Wednesday 9/6/17 approx 5pm - CST

 

Star of Bethlehem (Chicago Flower Market), 8x10" oil on gesso board

©2017 Helen Read
(ready to frame) 

This auction starts at $120 bid with free domestic shipping! 

SOLD!

Sunflower Basket, 10x8" oil on gesso board
©2017 Helen Read 

(ready to frame)

This auction starts at $120.00 bid with free domestic shipping! 

SOLD!

I was born and raised in Texas, so this disaster seems a little close to home, even though I do not currently live in that area.  This auction is a way that I can turn a surface, paint, and my vision into practical help.  And, it is a way that someone (like you) can own lovely original artwork! 

I hope you will participate.  Time is limited to just a few days.  Click the links to see how the auction is progressing, lend a hand and make a bid!  I'd love to package these paintings and send one of them to your house! 

Update - Post Auction

Both of these paintings have found their new homes and over  $300 was raised for hurricane relief in Texas. 
Thank you for your interest!   May we all continue to keep these people and those of Florida in our prayers.   

Original MiniPainting Giveaway!

This MiniPainting Could Alight at Your House!

Little Finch, 3x3" oil on canvas
©2017 Helen Read

As tiny as a little finch itself, this small painting is textured and detailed and
it will be sent to a lucky winner in September!  

My September newsletter will be sent in another few days with the full information about how to enter the contest and win this original painting (with it's small easel).  It is the perfect size to sit in a book case or a table top.   If you have not already joined my fun email group, it's easy to do!   You'll get to participate in give-aways and contests, get freebies and gifts, and receive news and discounts.  Just enter your information in the form below and you'll be added to my list and get my newsy newsletter!  

MiniPainting with it's easel.

Don't miss out!   Join the fun and enter to win this little original painting! 

Here's the sign up!
Oh, and if you include your birthday I'll send you something special that month! 
(Your year remains your secret!)

Join the fun!

Sign up with your email address for updates, offers, inspiration & give-aways! Becoming my Studio Friend is easy and full of great benefits!

Thanks for signing up!

Join the fun!

Sign up with your email address for updates, offers, inspiration & give-aways! Becoming my Studio Friend is easy and full of great benefits!

Email Address

First Name

Last Name

Birthday /

By submitting this form, you are granting: The Studio Upstairs, PO Box 251, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187, United States, http://HelenCRead.com permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Garden Surprise

Garden Surprise, 7x5" oil on gesso board

© Helen Read 

 

Small treasures - small surprises.  The world of God's creation is full of life, and color, and abundant growth!
Look at all the various shades of green, punctuated with pink and browns and finally a small goldfinch.
Such beauty to be found!

Let's Be Friends!

In another week or so, I'll be sending out my September mailing

and Guess What!  

There's going to be a little contest for an original little painting give away!
You never know... you might be the winner!

So, all you have to do is sign up below.  Not only will you be included in all the future fun stuff I send  (about once a month), but you will be able to participate in the September contest and you'll get a "welcome gift" that I think you'll enjoy. 

 Its completely free.... so you have nothing to lose, but its only available to my friends who receive my email news. 

Here's the sign up!
Oh, and if you include your birthday I'll send you something special that month! 
(Your year remains your secret!)

Thanks for signing up!

Join the fun!

Sign up with your email address for updates, offers, inspiration & give-aways! Becoming my Studio Friend is easy and full of great benefits!

Email Address

First Name

Last Name

Birthday /

By submitting this form, you are granting: The Studio Upstairs, PO Box 251, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187, United States, http://HelenCRead.com permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Finches and Flowers

Finch on a Flower, 6x6" oil on gesso board 

©Helen Read

Just a few days ago, as I stood in my kitchen looking out the window, this is what I saw!
From my little finch feeder, a small finch darted down to a coneflower and sat perched on top.

It was not much bigger than the flower itself
and apparently was weightless 
because the flower didn't seem to even notice it was there; still standing tall, graceful and unwavering.
Such colorful beauty - all framed in the deep greenery of the rest of the garden.
 It deserved, I thought as I watched, to become a little composition to share!
 

Brushstrokes, etc. is 10 years old!

Kolrabi, 7x5" oil on canvas  2007

In 2007,  I began working on a much more consistent basis.   My effort was to paint a little bit every day, which I believed was possible even with a family and working full time as a high school teacher. 

Knee High, Snowy Egret, 7x11.5" watercolor and acrylic on paper  2010

What a valuable exercise and commitment!   My work has been varied and has led me down roads of new explorations.  Often I've brought my travels into my work 

Coastal Road, 5x7" oil on canvas   2011

 Painting became another voice.... a way of bringing delightful things into the realm of the visual to share with others.  I've always loved landscapes - which is a reflection of my love of the natural world.  And I've always loved looking deeply into the "ordinary" to find what surprises might be seen!

Jewel Weed,  8.5x7" watercolor/acrylic on paper   2012

Herrick Lake,  8x10" oil on gesso board   2015

As I devoted more time and effort - the results of my commitment have taken flight.  I've been able to communicate the beauty of creation all the more clearly.   And one enduring truth has come clear:  We never stop learning...
there is always more to learn, new ways to grow, and new ways to express that inner voice.

Tall Oaks, 20x16" oil on canvas   2016

 I've had the wonderful opportunity to paint the beauty I see and share my work in local exhibits.  And, it's a wonderful honor to send original work to customers across the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia. 

Lovely Lavender,  6x9" oil on gesso board   2017

Yes, a lot has happened in the last 10 years.  I hope a succession of growth is obvious from top to bottom of these paintings.  Now, I anticipate the next years!   I am excited to think how this journey of visual
expression will develop!   This endeavor is not always easy.  I still work full time, I still have a family (though they are no longer young and in my home, they are nearby and time with them is a high priority - helping, loving, nurturing a new generation),  and of course, just the daily tasks of life!  But, my calling as an artist cannot be ignored, so I follow the path - into joyful color, beautiful shape and form, textures and values. 

What I have learned through these last years is
• Perseverance is vital

• Committing myself to growth is necessary ~ learning is a life long journey

• I must commit to spending the necessary time to see, to be intrigued, to enjoy, and
then to express visually 

• I have little to say if I do not share my work!

• I need the accountability of friends (you!) which motivates me to persevere!