Playing with color and with marks and with composition - you figure out possibilities with sketchbook explorations. Starting with no expectations, it's fun to see what just unfolds as you go! Who knows, this one may be the inspiration for a new painting!
This sketchbook painting (acrylic) measures 6x6". I think it would make a lovely large wall statement!
Some of the process is shown below of the stages.
Thundering Waves, 16x20" acrylic on canvas
©Helen C Read
If you love an oceanic theme and colors, that is what this painting evokes.
There is an implied sense of strength and power in the brush strokes and depth of blues and greens.
The textured canvas reminds us of terra firma.
Check out all the details up close at my website!
Take a look behind the scenes and see my process for the painting
Leave a comment! Are you intrigued by abstract work?
Amber in Blue - 12x6" acrylic on canvas
SOLD
This painting really was an experiment. It started on a gessoed canvas, painted with blues and magenta, sprayed with alcohol, dried and then loosely painted with acrylics. I'm not sure if it lived up to my imagination as I started the experiment, but I think it has become an interesting, very impressionistic painting.
This painting is a FEATURED PAINTING just for March 2025! It is priced at about 55% off - $180.95.
Domestic Shipping is included!
It's usual pricing is $329! See the details right here! Don't let this amazing pricing pass you by! It's a bright pop of color for that small wall!
Winter Wonder
watercolor on paper
This painting is my Free Download to my Artful Friends for the month of February.
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.
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, 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.
Shown in proportion within a room setting.
Please visit my website to see more art that may be perfect for your home!
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 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
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.
(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)
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel while you are there!
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!!
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!
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!
