Garden Guardian

 Garden Guardian
8x10" oil on gessoed panel 
©HelenCRead 

This painting comes from the same reference picture as the previous posting.  I wanted to do a visual comparison of the same reference photo, done in watercolor and now in oil paint. 

The reference photo comes from a photo I took at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. 
The sweeping limb of the tree seemed, in the moment, to be standing guard.  A gate keeper for the garden beyond!  

It will soon be ready to send to it's new home, to grace it's walls with the peace and beauty of summer woodlands. 

Find out more about this painting at my website 

 

Emerald Archway Watercolor

This painting, Emerald Archway, comes from a reference photo I took at the Chicago Botanical Gardens.   I was intrigued by the wide sweeping branch and the beautiful hues of green.    It measure 5.5 x 7.5" watercolor on watercolor paper.  Below see it matted in white matting - ready to drop into a 8x10" frame.  

See more details about this work at this link. 

 

A Mini Painting Give Away for July!

 Summer Delphiniums
3x3" oil on canvas

It's true!  About once each quarter I paint a mini painting to give away!    So far, these little paintings have made their way across the US and to Australia and to the Philippines!  I've been doing this for years, and it's fun to be able to send some joy to one of my friends!  

You can find out how to put your name in the hat for the drawing by becoming one of my Artful Friends.  You'll get a colorful artsy note in your inbox once each month.  (No chance of your inbox being overrun.  I don't have time for more than 1 email a month!). Each month, I let you know about news and give a peek behind the easel, and I include something with you in mind.  A give away painting, or downloadable art that I've created, or a special discount just for my friends.  It's easy to sign up and when you do, you'll get a welcome email with a little gift right away.  
sign up here:  https://artfulfriends.subscribepage.io    

Let's Be Friends!  

Petite Painting Sale! Autumn Joy

 

It's still happening! Autumn Joy is being featured just for a few days as it seeks to find its new home. There's never been a better time to start or add to your art collection. This size painting usually sells for $207, but for the next few days (Until April 29th) claim it at $99! It is sold unframed, and ready to drop into your standard 5x7" frame. ($12 domestic shipping is added). Just email me:  Helen@HelenCRead.com  and I'll send the purchase information. This lovely is ready to send to someone who loves it!

 

Lavender Fields - A Spring Petite Painting Sale

 

 

Ahhh - the calm beauty of lavender! This lovely is part of my Spring Petite Painting Sale! Lavender Fields is aptly named! It measures 5x7" and is painted on a gessoed panel. It is ready to drop into your 5x7" standard frame. At about 1/2 price for a limited time, this is a great offer! $99 (unframed) + $12 domestic shipping. Just comment "SOLD" or message me and I'll send you purchase information. Act quickly, this offer only lasts until 4/26 (or until it's claimed!).

Let it Begin! Spring Petite Painting Sale

 

I've been doing some spring studio cleaning and am making way for new work to be done.  I have some lovely petite paintings that are looking for their new home!   My Spring Petite Painting Sale begins today.  I'll be releasing paintings day by day at about 50% of their usual pricing.  

The first to be featured is Ballarinas,  5x7" Oil on Gessoed panel.  It is sold unframed at $99.00 (usual pricing is $207.00)  $12 is added for domestic shipping.   

Claim it quickly if it is one of your favorites!  Email me:  Helen@HelenCRead.com  and I'll send purchase information so it can be on it's way to brighten your space!  

Amber Afternoon

 

Amber Afternoon

14x11" oil on gessoed panel

©  Helen Read 

 

There's beauty to be found in the marsh along the edge of the lake.  And in the late autumn, there's a magic moment when the afternoon sunlight lends a warm glow to the landscape.  Serenity to the soul!  The meandering waterway caught my attention as it winds its way forward changing its color from almost colorless to clear blue and then to deep violet peeking between the glowing grasses.  It's an invitation to breathe deeply, enjoy the peace and enter the wonder of God's Creation.  

 

See all the information on this painting here.  

 

Winter Cardinal! a January give-away!

 It is time for a give-away painting!  This little Winter Cardinal (3x3") is an original oil painting on canvas, with a magnetic backing.  It will find it's way to it's new home in just a few weeks!  

 Every few months, I paint a little painting and I give it away!  My Artful Friends will get an inbox message in the coming week and all the details about how to enter to win it will be there!   But, you'll need to get that inbox message!   

Becoming an Artful Friend is easy, free and fun!   You'll get a colorful, artsy note from me about once a month so we can stay in touch.  It's a friendly note with news and new work, and something fun each month just for you (like a give away contest, or free art to download, or a special discount on my website)!  Sign up here and you'll get a welcome message with something fun to download and print!    Then watch your inbox in the first full week of January!   

UPDATE!  This little painting is finding it's new home in the Philippines!