Overshadowed - Abstract Painting

 Overshadowed,  18x24" oil on canvas      

 

More experiments in the realm of abstract painting.   This one uses some metallic gold oil paint and is highly textured.  Colors of blues/violets and gold.  

This will be posted on my website as soon as it has dried.

 

Win this FREE original painting in January!

 Sparrow,  3x3" oil on canvas panel
with magnetic backing
©Helen C Read 

This bright-eyed little sparrow will wing its way to one of my Artful Friends in January!   Sometimes we think of sparrows as being small and ordinary - maybe even a little drab.  But, when we stop to look closely, we can see that they've been created with a lot of intricacy!   This little bird is a year-round friend, staying near even in the winter.  

How could YOU win this little painting?  Become an Artful Friend!   It's easy and it's fun... Once each month, you'll get a colorful note from me right in your inbox.  You'll find out what's happening in my studio and I always include something special that is exclusive to my Artful Friends;  like a give-away contest to win an original small painting, or downloadable art that you can print which I make just for my friends, or special discounts that are only available to you!  There's nothing to lose!  Sign up with my secure email platform is easy https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/3srWvuZ/ArtLoversNews

The details about entering to win this little painting will be in my January news note! 

Oh, and when you sign up, you'll get a welcome email with a gift right away!  Then, look for my newsy note during the first week of the month!   Being friends is fun - especially for Art Lovers!  

Windswept Tide

 Windswept Tide, 20x20" acrylic on canvas
©2024 Helen Read 

More information on this painting can be seen here

Delving into abstract painting is challenging, but it is also invigorating.  As this painting began to make itself seen, I began to imagine something aquatic and powerful.  The blues and greens, quite calming colors, are interrupted by metallic golds and coppers.  And the sweeping composition is less than calming, implying power and force.  

 

(a detail photographed in low lighting to show the metallic parts of the painting)

 

The sides of this painting are painted (as shown below) so framing is not needed.  But should it be desired, a floater frame is suggested so that the sides can be seen. 

Shown in proportion within a room setting. 

Please visit my website to see more art that may be perfect for your home!

Landscape Paintings in a Local Exhibit!

 Your invitation to a vibrant, colorful landscape painting exhibit

December 2 - 29th, 2024
at
Indian Prairie Library
401 Plainfield Rd., Darien, IL  

Ten paintings that mostly come from the geography of the Midwest.
All four seasons are represented. 

You can also see all of these paintings (and more) at my website!

Abstract Experimentation!

 Abstract art has many different "styles".
I'm not a fan of all of them, but some styles and textures and colors really draw me in and engage with my emotions and imagination.   I've been using my studio as a lab in these past weeks -
an opportunity to learn, to try new things, try different colors together. 

Who knows what might come of these ideas! 

Beside Still Waters

 Beside Still Waters
16x20" Oil on canvas
© Helen C Read 

The beauty of still water - even on this hot summer day - reminds me of the 23rd Psalm.
There's a sense of calm and peace... that all is well in the world. 

That's something we particularly need in our time! 

This painting can be seen at my gallery website. 
It is painted around the sides and would be perfect for a floater frame.

Take a Peek! Do you love seeing the artistic process?

 

(Unfinished - still on the easel.  Check out the YouTube video below to see my process so far!)

I always enjoy seeing the artistic process that other artists use.  There are things to learn, and new ideas to try.

This latest painting is still on my easel.  It measures 16x20" and is painted with oil on stretched canvas.  I took the reference picture at Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL on a hot summer day.

You can see the process I've used in this short 4 minute video that explains how I started and have proceeded so far.  It's not yet finished but when it is, I'll title it and it will be seen on my gallery website (https://HelenCRead.com)

See the Youtube video here!

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel while you are there!

Today is a Great Day to....

 

Become an Artful Friend!
JOIN HERE

 

When you do, you'll get a once a month colorful arty note from me with something fun I make just for you!   In October, I'll be having a drawing to win this original oil painting!  All the details about how to enter to win will be in that note.   I love sending these small paintings to friends.  They are a FREE gift ~ Over the years, I've mailed them coast to coast and overseas as well. 

 

The drawing for this bluejay painting will be the last Artful Friends drawing of 2024! 
I'd love to include you in the drawing that will occur in early October.

 

 

What else can my friends expect??   You'll see the new work I've been working on during the last few weeks and friendly news from my side of the easel. I frequently give lovely discounts on original art, downloadable and printable artwork that I make, and special offers that are only extended to those who receive my notes.

 

Don't worry, your inbox will not be crowded with email.... who likes that?   I'm busy painting rather than writing email after email!  But, this IS the best way to connect, have dialog, and stay in touch.  (I use a secure provider, so your information is never shared.)

 

You know, social media changes the algorithms and rules of engagement constantly, which makes it very unreliable for actually getting the latest so you don't miss out.   That's why being an Artful Friend is great!   It's FREE, of course, and I always try to make my notes worth opening!   When you click this link, you'll be able to subscribe.  You'll get a welcome email and then look for my note to come to at the first of every month!    Yay!  Let's be Artful Friends!! 

Great Memberships have great value - and are FREE!!

 Become a member of my Circle of Artful Friends! 

 

It's FREE to join!  Once each month, you'll get a colorful, artsy note right in your inbox.  Always included is something special and exclusive just for you!

*Drawings for original art give-aways
*Artful printable downloads

*Inside peeks at the artistic process and artist’s thinking

*Exclusive discounts on art and courses

 

It's a great way to connect and you'll have a personal look at the art process and art from my studio.  It's FREE and a fun way to get to know each other and stay in touch!  Let's be artful friends!

How to Commission a Personal Work of Art!

A commissioned painting is personal and special because it has been created just for  you according to your needs and wishes.  It doesn't have to feel out of reach! 

 

I love to create landscape, floral or still life paintings or drawings with themes from nature. I primarily work in oil paint, but I also create graphite drawings. 

 

To understand more about your commission ideas, I've created a form at this link to ask a few questions about what you envision for a commissioned piece.  Of course, there is no obligation to proceed beyond these general questions. But, I’ll be able to give a more informed email response when I know more about your wishes.

Here are some commonly asked questions about commissioning a work of art:

1. How is pricing calculated?
Pricing is figured according to the size of the project. Shipping is added and will be quoted for the location. For IL residents, IL sales tax will be added.

2. How long does it take to do a commissioned painting?
That depends on the size of the painting, as well as some of the details to be included in the painting. More specific information as discussion proceeds and more information is given. For oil paintings, drying time will also be estimated.

3. How will I know if I’m going to be happy with the artwork before it’s shipped?
As the artwork is progressing, I will be in contact. I’ll send a photo(s) when it is nearing completion for your input. And when it is completed, I will send final photos for approval. After approval and when dry, it will  be ready for shipment. I use USPS insured mail. It’s my goal to be sure that you love the final painting. I make every effort to stay in communication with you as it progresses.

4. Do you do portraits?
I do not do portraiture. Though I can include a figure in a composition, but this would usually be a generalized form which is not central to the idea of the artwork, such as a distant figure or a figure facing away.

5. Do you require a deposit to begin?
Yes. When we have decided to proceed with the commission (this occurs after we’ve had several discussions to be sure we have a complete understanding of what is desired), I will send a memo of understanding that outlines the details and time frame. Then a 50% deposit is required to begin. This is a non-refundable deposit. The final payment is made in order to ship the artwork.

When you decide to proceed with a commission, a memo of understanding will be sent with all the details that are agreed upon. 

Getting more specific information is easy!  Fill out the form at the above link, and I'll be in touch!

This little FREE oil painting has been delivered!

 

In July, this little oil painting was given away! 
One of my news note friends won it!
(She asked me to also frame it and I was able to do so very reasonably)

What a great way to display the gift she won!

Did you know that when you join my exclusive (FREE) email list, you have all kinds of benefits!  My colorful, newsy note comes right into your inbox once each month!  

[You won't be overwhelmed by email after email! Because that's annoying...also because as a studio artist, I don't have time to write a lot of emails! ]

Every month, I do something special just for you! Things like:

• A contest to win a free original painting  (I've sent little paintings from coast to coast and also overseas!)
• Downloadable and printable art that you can frame and hang 
• A special - just for friends - discount
• A first-look preview and first chance to purchase 
• And friendly news, all of which is a great way to stay in touch!
  

 If you love art - if you love a creative life - then I hope you'll join me!  There's nothing to lose and fun to be had!  It's super easy to sign up - and you'll get a welcome email right away :)  Then, look for my newsnote on the first Tuesday of the month in your inbox!  

Join in Here! 

 

Daisies and Lavender

 

Daisies and Lavender
3x3" oil on canvas board 
©2024 Helen Read 

This little original mini-painting is my give-away gift to one of my email friends this month!  Tis the season of flowers in bloom in my garden - and some of my favorites are daisies and lavender!  

Every few months I give away a small original painting!  All you need to do in order to enter to win is receive my once-a-month email which has the easy directions!  http://tinyurl.com/ArtLoverNews. 
I've given tiny paintings away from coast to coast - and even overseas!  You could be next - but you'll need to receive my email, which comes out the first Tuesday of the month.  

Don't delay - get signed up and watch for a welcome email right away, and then my news note on Tuesday! 

Deep Calls to Deep ~ a new abstract painting

 

Deep Calls to Deep
18x24" acrylic on canvas
©2024 Helen Read 

Abstract painting is challenging!  I've heard it said something to the effect that "my 3 year old could do that!"  Well, maybe.... but abstract painting takes a careful consideration of the elements and principles of design into the planning and execution of a work of art - whether representational or abstract. 

That makes it challenging... because there are a number of things to consider.  Harmony of color.  The use of values.  Shapes and lines that work together in a coordinated way. The placement of various lines, shapes, and values to keep the eye interested and moving through the picture.... to name a few.  

This painting came together, as the video shows, stroke by stroke.  I don't often work in acrylic and found that I learned a lot as I went.  This painting speaks to me of things that are not representational in nature.  It references Psalm 42, which speaks of depth of feeling and emotion, particularly in the waiting & expectation of the presence and goodness of God.  

It is currently part of a local exhibit, and has been awarded a Special Merit award. You can see more about this painting:  https://www.helencread.com/workszoom/5691274/deep-calls-to-deep#/   

If you love landscapes and works of art with themes from nature, please visit me there! 

A Giclee Print Sale!

 Giclee Prints are a GREAT WAY to add beautiful art to your home at a very affordable price!  They are professionally printed with archival papers and inks and sent to you matted and framed or ready to frame if you prefer to use your own frame!  

NOW through Saturday 6/15/24 -  Take 15% off all prints!  And, if you order 2 (mix and match) that are sent to the same address (framed or unframed) - I'll send you a beautiful small giclee print as a FREE GIFT!  

You can't go wrong!  But... Now is the time to make the order!  See all the prints here and the details about your FREE GIFT!  https://www.helencread.com/collections/69150 

Prints are a lovely way to add art to your home - or to give as a gift!