The Fire Within

The Fire Within, 11.5 x 9" Colored Pencil on Paper

© Helen Read 

Ready to mat and frame

A magnified view of the intricacies of an orchid.  As I worked on this, it seemed that tongues of fire were spilling out of the center. 

Winter Wood

Winter Wood, 8x6" Oil on Canvas

©2013, Helen Read 

SOLD

The sunshine created such interesting shadows on the snow!  I was intrigued by that and also the way the small branches disappeared into the sunlight on the tops of the trees.  This scene, I hope, will intrigue the viewer's eye as well. Amazing! Light and shadow, dark and light!  Winter lends itself to seeing this stark beauty.

Abstract in its final form

As yet, this painting is untitled, and it is the first of a "Picture Story" series that I have in mind.  I've included some of my process steps, too, below the final image above.  My inspiration for this is Genesis 1:1.  This verse speaks of the beginning of things - God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was dark and formless and void.   And yet, even in its darkness and shapelessness, God had an intention for the planet he was creating.  His Spirit is hovering over it in anticipation of what will be. 

I created this piece with many (countless) small circles and dots.  It (of course) started with sketches.  Then a large circular, spiraling shape was added.  To me, this represents shapelessness - things were holding together, but without form.  In art, form speaks of 3 dimensions, while shape implies a flatness.  My interpretation of this is that at this point, our earth was a swirling arrangement of elements and did not resemble anything known.  I used dark colors and values, yet if you look deeply, you will still see the remnants of the spiral which is part of the under painting.

I chose to depict the idea of the Spirit of God in luminous colors... but also with dots and circles. 
These colors are mixed with metallic and iridescent paints to give a shimmering glow to the colors.  And, the way I've expressed the Spirit is with encircling, enfolding bands of green, blue and rose colors.  The Spirit of God is part of the Trinity, possessing the character of God - which includes Joy, Love, and Wisdom.  The circles and dots are joyful in appearance - and that is exactly how I imagine the heart of God as He hovered over - protectively watching, waiting with anticipation as creation would unfold.  Nothing was haphazard here - God had a wonderful intention for his creation.  And yet, even at this earliest point - a time before time - as He looked forward with wisdom and knowledge, He also knew He would have to redeem his creation.  There is that hint within this painting.  If you look very closely, you will see small drops of red in the lower left third.  This represents the redeeming love of God, who would Himself become the means of our redemption. 

There is much to see in this painting - and even more to contemplate.  I hope that it speaks of something deeper than interesting shape,  texture and color.  I hope it's message speaks of beauty, yes, but also a sense of mystery as the viewer reflects upon its deeper story.

Snowy Wood

Snowy Wood, 9x6" Oil pastel on paper

© Helen Read 

Ready to mat and frame

Yesterday, while the northeastern part of our country was digging out of a major snowstorm, I took a walk in my area and noticed the beautiful shadows in blue on the inch or snow we've gotten this week.  Its been an unusually light year for snow (and I'm not complaining). 

The shadows were very blue and really quite lovely. The dark vertical lines of the woods were striking.  This oil pastel sketch may well become a larger oil painting! 

 

Special Offer ~ Strawberries for Valentines!

Berry Bowl, 6x6" Oil on canvas
©Helen Read, 

ready to frame

Be my Valentine!

Just through Valentine's Day - a Sweet Deal!

(Please add $10.00 shipping in the US, and IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax) 

SOLD

Nearing completion

Abstract - acrylic on paper - 22x30"

If you scroll backwards a bit, you'll see the way this has been taking shape. 

It is coming forth... but now, I need to stop and listen to what it is speaking to me. 

More is needed, but exactly what that will be - needs to be revealed. 

Maybe my next posting will be its final form! 

Continued work and progress

As yet untitled - 22 x 30" Acrylic on paper 

My work on this abstract continues!   As you can see it is made of multiple circles and dots.  It has been time consuming - but the effect is beginning to emerge. 

I'll continue to post my progress!  

Stay tuned!! 

Valentine's Day is approaching!

 

Mid-Winter Warmup ~ Auction!

7 Day Auction! Ends 1/28/13
Have either of these (or both!) sent to you!  The starting bids are very low! 

 

Click the link below each image to see the details on each.  

White Peony, 8x8" Oil on canvas

©Helen Read
(in the style of Georgia O'Keeffe)

Ready to Frame

 SOLD

Fence Line, 5x7" Oil on canvas 

©Helen Read

Ready to Frame 

Continuing Work...

As you can see - my work is continuing. I'm starting to add more color - and yet, for this painting, not a lot of color will be added.

Continuing the abstract

I had started this larger piece before the Christmas/New Year - then finals week at school - break. I'm now working on it again. It takes time, being made of many dots - it's larger (22x30"). Color is minimal at the moment. I'm just concentrating on value. It will be part of a series - building on an idea . I'll keep posting my progress!

Irish Coast

Irish Coast,  7x9" watercolor/ink on paper
© Helen Read 

A first painting for 2013!
Here, I wanted to capture a sense of place - somewhat sparse in environment, rugged, coastal mist just in the distance.  Using ink on a textured surface (140# watercolor paper) and muted tones of color help create that overall feel.

 

Looking back and looking ahead

I think its always good to look back just a little bit at the end of an endeavor, or in this case, a year. 

Its been quite a year here.   I've had many things to demand my attention:  work as a public school teacher, family -  with a son getting married and now, a daughter engaged and planning a wedding,  my own continuing education (15 graduate hours in the past year), and then, just the regular demands of life.  But, through it all, I've managed to continue painting and blogging.  The images above show some of my work that is now a part of other households.   

Selling is always an encouragement - and it gives some sense of hope about our difficult economy. 

So, the new year begins!   I will be continuing my painting and posting. 
I'm always looking to increase my email list - its FREE and I send only 1 or 2 emails a month, so you will not be inundated.  I never share your address, either!   If you already are on my list, please inform your friends, its always great to get to know those who love art!   

Please keep in touch this year!
And we shall see what this new year brings.  

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Happy New Year ~ with a special New Year's offer!

A new year has begun! Happy 2013!

May it be a wonderful year!
See special offer below

 A brief look back.... A year ago ~ January 2012 ~ this was new from my easel. 

Glade, 6x8" Oil Pastel on Paper
©2012, Helen Read

Secret Path, 8x10" Acrylic on canvas
©2012, Helen Read
Ready to frame

These 2 are still available, though many others painted in January and through the year of 2012 have been sent to their new homes.