Spring Peonies - creating a new painting

One of the flowers in my late spring garden that I love are  

Peonies!

They are large, colorful, and have such a delightful scent.  (Ants love them too!)

I wish they lasted longer - just about a week from start to finish - and then we have to wait another year.
Just as school was finishing and I was making my way through giving finals, my peonies were in full bloom.  I did manage to pick some and bring them inside to enjoy. 

From some photos I took, this little painting came about!
It's small - 5x7" - but bursting with color!  

 The final version is here, still drying of course.  I'll post the completed image
as soon as it is dry and ready to photograph.  

Meanwhile - the video shows the process I used to create this small gem!  

A new FREE mini painting contest - coming soon!!

House Finch,  3x3" oil on canvas 

©2019 Helen Read 

It's almost that time again!!!

I've been giving away a little original painting every few months for the last year and a half!
They've landed all across the US.
(Yes - the winner receives a little original painting completely free!  Even shipping is free!!)

These little mini paintings measure 3x3" and they are painted around the sides, that way they don't have to be framed.... and they also come with a small display easel! 

Perfect for a book case or desk top!  

It's a lot of fun to give these little gifts to special friends! 

How do you become a friend and how do you enter to win?   

Super simple! 

Sign up to receive my once-a-month news note. 

You can text the word  HELEN to 22828 

or use the button below. 

Then,  when the next newsletter is sent to your inbox, all the details about how to enter the contest will be right there!   Take a second and sign up now... and you are all set!  

My newsletter comes out during the first part of the month... also included besides cool news and a peek at my new work, is a download of an original small painting for you to enjoy, discounts that support a great cause, and other fun things I send you!  

Yes Please, sign me up!

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Yay!  I'm excited to connect with you!  Look for my July note in a few weeks!
In the meantime, I'd love for you to visit my website!    

A new solo exhibit - 26 paintings

Getting a personal exhibit off the ground is always a labor of love! 
There's a lot that goes into the preparation for it, 

and then actually setting up the display. 

For the last 6 months, I've been preparing: 

Painting

Framing

Organizing

Writing & Printing Supporting Materials

Pricing
Compiling everything

Packaging for Transport 

Transporting

And then, hanging the exhibit: 

(I'm thankful I had some great help) 

Organizing for balance of color and size

Physically attaching art & tags
Adjusting 

This exhibit will hang for 2 months and can be seen
at Windsor Park, lobby,

Carol Stream, IL 

It is a great feeling to stand back and see everything in one place, and know that the effort was worth the time invested!