What's going on at school right now

Husky -  9x12" Graphite on paper 

©2012, Helen Read 

We have hit the point in the semester where my students are learning to do a shaded drawing in Drawing Class.  So here's my example of what we are doing.  They went to the computer lab and chose a photo (something up close and with good values).  It had to be a photo of a large enough file size.  Then they put it into photoshop and cropped it and resized it to be a full page in size.  That became their reference photo.  Then we put a 1" grid on it and they used the same sized grid on a piece of drawing paper. 

Using that grid, they learned to transfer their image square by square.  

And finally, after erasing the grid, they began to shade, learning to adjust their values and be accurate in even that part of the "transfer".   

Not only is it an exercise in drawing realistically, its also an exercise in learning to observe carefully, which really is the main ingredient in drawing well.
For 14 yr old - 18 yr old eyes, it takes a lot of concentration and diligence to pull this off!  

So far, they are doing a pretty good job!   I'm proud of them.  :) 

Spring Robin

Spring Robin,  8x6" Watercolor on paper

©2012, Helen Read 

ready to mat and frame 

Sold

This was a little experiment today.  I was using a new paper for watercolor.  Actually, I've used it before, but just not for a watercolor painting.  Its paper meant for markers.  Its very smooth, and it is not very heavy.   I really like the way it accepted the media - a very free-flowing effect with color merging into color.   So, while this is a simple little painting, it has some
pretty cool effects of quite a variety of color.  

Celebration!!

Celebration,  8x12" watercolor and mixed media on paper

© Helen Read 

ready to mat and frame 

A couple months ago, in the dead of winter, I visited a conservatory which was in full bloom with tropical plants.  It was like walking into a little piece of the tropics when we had snow on the ground outside!  One of the first plants that caught my attention was this one.  It was in full bloom with these starbursts of tiny flowers, some of which had not yet opened.  They reminded me of fireworks!  They seemed to a small celebration unto themselves!  

This painting harkens back to a more abstract approach, and one that uses the contrasts of darks and lights.  It also features some metallic paints to further enhance its color. 

The Front Garden ~ Featured Painting for March!

Featured Painting for March

The Front Garden,  5x7" Oil on canvas 

©2012, Helen Read
Ready to Frame

SOLD

There's something very intriguing about an older home nearly obscured by an overgrown setting.  This small painting depicts that mystery.    This was done as part of a Virtual Paint out challenge, where we are given a general location and then go by Google maps to find a "spot to paint".   

This is painted from a (virtual) location near St. Petersburg, Russia.  

As I looked at that area, I found this scene very intriguing and mysterious!  It seems like there should be a very interesting story to accompany it!  That's part of the mystery, I guess!  

Spring cleaning! Paintings at auction! Now through Mar.3rd

Points North,  5x7" Acrylic on Canvas,  ©2011, Helen Read

SOLD

Easter Lilies,  7x5" Oil on canvas, ©2009, Helen Read

SOLD

Flowers in Pink and Blue, 8x8" Oil on canvas ©2010, Helen Read

 auction ended

___________________________________________________

Just a few days left on this small painting - Featured for the month of February! 

Featured for $30.00then it returns to its usual price. 

SOLD

Robin's Nest,  5x5" oil on canvas

©2012, Helen Read

working on something new.....

Just so you know - its not that I am not doing anything in my studio!   Life is quite hectic, that's true... but I am working on a larger painting as well.  This is a flower I recently saw and photographed... much like fireworks going off!  Quite beautiful!!   I'm working with some abstract ideas to create an interesting composition.  Keep watching ... I'll post its finished version soon! 

February's Featured Painting - Robin's Nest!

Robin's Nest,  5x5" Oil on canvas 

© Helen Read 

SOLD

This is the month when winter seems to drone on and on.... and then, a robin shows itself as a messenger of hope that spring is on its way!   The robin's nest when it contains its lovely blue eggs is like a small colorfully wrapped gift - waiting for its unveiling!

Last Chance for this special price!

Winter Bandit, 5x5" acrylic on canvas

©2012, Helen Read

Ready to Frame  

SOLD

A Secret Path

Secret Path, 8x10" acrylic on canvas

© Helen Read 

ready to frame

This one may look somewhat familiar to the post below, Glade, which is done with a different media and technique.  The basic landscape is the same, but I've used some of my abstraction ideas of circles and dots to create a less than abstract landscape!   I love the chance to mix colors by juxtaposing them right on the canvas.   To me, though a tedious application method, really does give a somewhat joyous and carefree outcome! 

Glade

Green Glade, 6x8" Oil pastel on paper

© Helen Read    

There's something very mysterious about the deep shadows of the woods, and the bright light of a clearing.  Here I've tried to capture with color the depth of shadow contrasted with the beauty of sunlight!   Maybe its wishful thinking here in the middle of January!  

January Featured Painting!

January's Featured Painting! 

Winter Bandit,  5x5" acrylic on canvas

© Helen Read 

Ready to frame 

 

This is a little different approach for me.  Its a highly stylized cedar waxwing ... with an abstract background.  The colors are bright, which is just what is needed in the long stretches of winter grayness!  

This little painting has been listed at its "featured" price just for the month of January.  Its a great opportunity to own an original work of art for a great price.  After January, if it hasn't sold, it will go to its regular price.  

Happy New Year! 

I hope you have a wonderful beginning to 2012!  

More of 2011 in Review

Miscellaneous drawings and paintings of 2011

Scroll down for a look at abstracts and landscapes of 2011

Light and Reflections, 8 x 12" Colored pencil on black paper

House Wren, 6x6" Colored pencil on gray paper

Wren in Grass, 6x6" Acrylic on canvas 

Sold

Agave, 6x6" Acrylic on Clayboard 

 SOLD

The Edge of Shadow,  9x12" colored pencil on black paper 

Blossom,  8x8" colored pencil on clayboard 

 

Spiraling Leaf, 6x6" Graphite on Clayboard 

 

Winter Resident, 6x6" Oil on canvas 

Sold 

Ship, 9x11" Pen and Ink on Paper

 

Sold 

Its been a busy year!   But not entirely busy with art.... I've continued to teach high school, full time and take a rather full load of graduate classes.   In between these things and keeping relationships alive with children, family and friends,  I paint!!   And, thankfully, I have sold more this year than in recent years with our slow economy.   Maybe this is a hopeful sign that recovery is on its way!?   I hope so.

As I look back over the year in terms of art, its been a good year - with new and different kinds of work, larger sizes for many of the works, and new ideas!  

Happy New Year!

May we enjoy the blessings of 2012 as we look back with gratitude on 2011.

2011 in Review - Landscapes

Looking back, its been a year of quite a few landscapes!  Most of these have sold, but several remain available...

Coastal Road,  5x7" Acrylic on canvas

SOLD

Dusty Landscape,  5.25 x 7.5" Acrylic on paper 

SOLD

Points North, 5x7" Acrylic on canvas

SOLD

Sardinian Sunshine, 6x6" Oil on canvas 

SOLD

Maroon Bells,  11x16" Oil on canvas
SOLD - Commissioned

Rosie's Pond, 5x7" Watercolor on Paper

SOLD - Commissioned

Merry Christmas!

Wrapped, 9x12" colored pencil on black paper

©2010, Helen Read

Merry Christmas!  It is a wonderful time of year to stop and celebrate with family and friends. 

This year, may I take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas. 

I wish you a warm and wonderful celebration, and I wish for you "the best gift of all" 

the Gift of our Savior, Jesus.  A gift equally open to all who will receive it.