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!!

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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! 

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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!