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!  

 

Magenta Mum

 Magenta Mum,  7x5" oil on gesso panel
© 2024  Helen Read 

Shown framed in a contemporary black frame (solid wood)
 

I love the beautiful vibrant color of chrysanthemums!  And magenta is a color that sings!
This painting is offset with a supporting cast of less intense colors.
Visit my website to find out more about this colorful painting! 

The video below shows how this painting was made! 

 

Mountain Blooms

 Just Finished!

 

Mountain Blooms
9x12" watercolor on Yupo
©2024 Helen Read 

Once again, working on Yupo paper with its interesting characteristics.
Being a synthetic paper that does not absorb water, the paint naturally pools and dries in beautiful and unusual patterns. 
There are many surprises, and as the artist there is minimal control over how things will dry.
I'm inspired to begin a series of watercolor landscapes, which are imaginative and a little abstracted.
The series name that comes to mind is Magical Vistas

Watch for more to come!

This one will be matted and framed for a 16x20" frame. 

Working on Yupo paper! Watercolor landscape.

 

Watercolor on Yupo paper is so interesting!
Yupo is a synthetic paper and does not absorb water.  Therefore, the colors pool and dry in unusual patterns.  In places they may run together a bit - wet into wet. 
The outcome is definitely watery, and a little mysterious. 

There are really no end to the possibilities!  

A smaller rendition!

 SOLD 

Toward the Horizon
7x5" oil on canvas
©2024 HelenRead 

Planning for a larger commissioned work, I painted a small version - mostly just the figure.
But it is charming in its own right!
I'm happy to say this one sold very quickly!
It was framed in a walnut floating frames - seen below!
It is now in it's new Pennsylvania home! 

Commissioned Painting Finished

 March has been a busy month of studio work!  This painting was a commission.  It measures 12x12" and is painted with oil on canvas.  

It is commissioned to be both a painting to hang and will be used as a CD cover.
It's exciting to be contacted to work on a project with someone; to move through the vision with them, to contribute additional thoughts,  and then to bring about what they had hoped for! 

Toward the Horizon

 Toward the Horizon
7x5" oil on canvas 

SOLD

This little painting was painting in preparation for a larger commission work.
It has had many comments - I think there's a contemplative charm that resonates.

So happy that this one has been sold and will be sent as a birthday gift!

Harmony in Blue

 Harmony in Blue
10x8" oil on gessoed panel
©2024 Helen Read 

Harmony!  Colors that sing a spring symphony in blues, lavenders, and deeper colors of magenta. 
Floral beauty speaks a story of beauty and grace, created not just for their function in nature,
but for our delight.

Bring the fresh beauty of spring flowers in bright, cheerful colors to your home!

 This painting is available for just a few days (until March 9th, 2024) at "new painting pricing"  ~ a special celebratory offer of $60 off it's usual pricing for this size painting.  

Visit this link for all the information, including a framing option! 

(Domestic shipping is included in the pricing, 
IL residents please add 8% sales tax)

Anticipation! February 2024 Flower Sale!

 

Beginning February 1st -
a 1 Painting a Day, 1 Day only Sale on beautiful flowers for Valentines Day!

 

30% off - Just for 1 day!

Make it a memorable Valentine's Day with flowers that never fade!  Each oil painting is an original work of art that brings the color and beauty of nature indoors, brightening your space and your state of mind!  

To receive notification in your inbox each day of the sale, it's easy to sign up!!  

http://tinyurl.com/ArtLoverNews

What a great opportunity and great value!  Don't miss the notifications!

40% OFF is Amazing!

But only through Monday 11/27!

 

Only once in awhile do I offer a deep discount on a collection of works...

Why?  

~ Because I am not a production studio where pieces are turned out in mass.  I am just me - painting in my studio and each of my artworks is original and one of a kind. 

~ Because I have not inflated my pricing to cover gallery commissions (which are usually around 50% of the price of art) I sell off of my website... this keep my pricing in an affordable range 

But - I have curated a collection of 28 beautiful, original works of art in both oil and watercolor that I've priced at 40% off - just for a few days!  My pricing includes domestic shipping!  So ... 

NOW is the Time to Buy Art!!

And it's a great time to think of gift giving!  Art is a one of a kind gift!  

Check out my website  - and go to the November Discount section!  Each of these is ready to ship!
But this special offer is only given through Monday 11/27!!

Autumn Radiance Landscape Painting

 

Autumn Radiance, 24x18" oil on canvas
©2023 Helen Read

Autumn is alive with color! As the sunlight filters through the leaves
the warm colors glow.  There's a crispness in the air and
the spirit is revived!  This painting captures the essence of autumn and invites the
viewer to walk the dappled road ~ more color, more breath taking beauty. 

See all the details at this link

A Pay-Over-Time option is available for any of my paintings over
$150.00.  Please email me:  Helen@HelenCRead.com
for how that works.  (No obligation, just information!)

And to see how this painting was created, check out the video that shows the whole process.

How to Draw Birds with Confidence!

 Love birds?   I do! And I love to draw them! 

My 11 minute video will show you, step by step, how to draw birds using a reference photo and graphite pencils to get an accurate likeness!  It's FREE!  because drawing is fun - and drawing with confidence is the best kind of drawing!  When you go to this link, you'll be able to access the video and learn the simple methods for drawing birds of all sorts.   You'll also receive encouraging email  from me so we can stay in touch! (Don't worry, you won't be overwhelmed by email - you'll only get a couple a month from me ... and you won't be pressured to buy anything at all!)  But you will enjoy a free tutorial and new skills!