Redesigned website

For the last few days, I've been working on a total website redesign.  Its nearly complete, and ready for some feedback.  My previous design had gotten rather difficult to use.  This is more streamlined, but I'm still not completely sure if it will serve the purpose.  I hope you'll take a look and let me know what you think!  

http://HelenCRead.com

Now!  Back to the studio! 

Fence Line - Featured Painting

Fence Line, 5x7" Oil on canvas

© Helen Read 

This little landscape is a monthly featured painting.   I painted it in recognition of the several severe storms we've faced in the mid west this summer.  They've been severe when they've arrived, but then a rather lengthy drought between.   

This is a very typical fence line of the southwest, often made of sturdy tree branches with barbed wire strung between them. If you look closely, you will see small flowers embedded in the fence line as well. Also quite typical!  This evokes many memories of my childhood, growing up on ranch land. 

 

Orange Flower II

Orange Flower II,  7x7" Watercolor/acrylic on Yupo

© Helen Read 

 

 

The reference picture for this is the same one as the orange flower directly below this one, but my techniques and especially the paper on which it is painted were different.  Yupo is a synthetic paper - which is extremely smooth.  It is thick, however.  Because of its smoothness, and the fact that it does not absorb the paint, the effect is entirely different.  
This one has a very painterly feel, and in the way the paint pools and rests while it dries, it leans a bit toward abstraction.  All in all, I like the effect! 

Spots of Orange

Spots of Orange, 8.5 x 7" Watercolor/acrylic on #150 watercolor paper
© Helen Read

 

 

I was intrigued by this small spot of orange in a field of green leaves as I recently walked along a wooded road.   I think it is some variety of a pitcher plant, though I don't know for sure. The spots of color on the petals were beautiful, but the entire flower - really quite small - was the surprise to the eye!   It made a very nice watercolor with the orange against the greens and darker values under the leaves.

Small Plein Aire in Ink

This small piece was a quick study using ink from my view point in the park. It measures about 3 x 5", and took about 15 min. Doing a quick study is a great exercise! It forces the artist to be observant and record details quickly. Working in ink forces the artist not to be concerned with mistakes, and figure out how to incorporate them into the work! All in all, it's helpful - and fun to do.

A look at work from the last 5 years of July!

I thought it would be interesting to look back in time to see what I've worked on during the past 5 years in this mid-summer month of July. Scroll down for a year by year look! 

 

Coastal Road, 5x7" Oil on canvas ©2011, Helen Read
This one sold last year.

Knee Deep - Snowy Egret, 7 x 11.5" watercolor/acrylic on paper
©2010, Helen Read, ready to mat and frame

Pasture, Rainclouds Gathering - 6x8" Oil pastel on paper
©2009, Helen Read

Grape Bunch - 5x7" Oil on canvas
©2008, Helen Read, ready to frame

4 Fellows, 5x5" Oil on canvas
©2007, Helen Read, ready to frame

Blue Lagoon

Featured Painting for July!

Blue Lagoon and Palm Trees, 5x7" Oil on canvas, 

© Helen Read 

 
SOLD

This view is taken from a view off the western coast of Thailand.  The color and light of the water was particularly interesting to me!  What a lush and beautiful land!  I'm reminded of 
the beauty of God's artistry in creation no matter where it may be found.  

 

Distinguishing Lines - Purple Petunia

Distinguishing Lines,  5x5" Oil on canvas

© Helen Read

The beautiful veining in this painting, as well as the folding and undulating petals and interesting shadows all made this irresistible to me as an artist!   This one and the one posted before this one use the same reference picture - but are done in two very different styles of painting
(also different media).   It would make a very nice addition to the decor of any space - either framed on a small wall space, or framed and on a small easel on a book shelf!  

Petunia in Shadows

Petunia in Shadows,  6x6.5" mixed media (ink and acrylic) on illustration board 

© Helen Read
 

This was yet another take on creating color and effect with broken color.
I loved the shadows and the subtle color on this flower.
Its been a very busy few weeks - but I'm working in the few minutes here and there.  School is almost out now, and I look forward to having more time to spend in the studio. Hopefully, you'll soon see the results of additional time!  

Ovis - watercolor painting

Ovis, 12x12" Watercolor on paper

©2012, Wendolyn Nelson

I don't think I've ever posted art by another artist on my blog before, but I am very happy to introduce an artist near and dear to my heart, my daughter - Wendolyn Nelson.   She is an art major in her last year of college.  I always enjoy the freedom of her work!   So, I'm sharing it with you!    I hope you enjoy!  

Snowy Egret once again

Knee Deep - Snowy Egret, 7 x 11.5" watercolor/acrylic on paper

© Helen Read

 

Well, this month is just flying by - and its always one of the busiest months of the year. 
As a high school teacher - there is the semester to bring to a close, final projects to grade, students to prod, graduation and year end activities, and year end stuff which must be done. 

I have not had enough time to work in my studio, so... 

I'm reposting some older posts!    

This one is an interesting use of color in a very broken style of application, which gives a textural feel and allows the eye to blend color!   

This one is ready to mat and frame.  

 

 

Morning Market

Morning Market - Jerusalem Bazaar, 8x10" watercolor/ink on paper

© Helen Read

 

SOLD

This painting is somewhat different than a my typical subject matter, but I was challenged by the Virtual Paintout blog to go w/Google street view to Jerusalem and paint something from that area.
I was attracted to the colorful textiles and items in the marketplace!  I also like the shapes and geometry of the street.   I hope you'll enjoy this view of the market place!

May's Featured Painting!

May's Featured Painting! 

Wooded Road, 5x7" oil on canvas

©2012, Helen Read

ready to frame

SOLD

This scene has some very strong connections for me.  I was raised in an area where dirt roads and deep woods were the common rather than the unusual.  I've studied countless dirt roads where the sun filters through, leaving a dappled pattern of light!   If you "listen" well, you will hear the sounds of the woods as you look down the roadway!  

Last few days at this price!! Goldfinch.

Hiding in Gold, 5x5" oil on canvas 

SOLD