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!  

Abstract Fun

 Abstract art is intriguing...  I  like it's playfulness.  I like the way colors and shapes can dance across a canvas.  But...  it is also challenging.  Challenging that it doesn't become too chaotic.  Challenging to incorporate elements and principles of good design.  

I've done some abstract work in the past - and I enjoy it... but there are still many things I am learning about my own voice in abstraction.  

This painting has not title.  It is acrylic on cradled board.  It's given me more ideas to explore! 

Milkweed in Bloom

 Who doesn't love FREE?  Especially Free Art!  

If you love free and love art, you'll love this! 

Every month I send out one colorful, fun note to my special friends... and it's easy to subscribe!   In that note, I include something exclusively just for you! 
It could be free, downloadable and printable art for your personal use (like the original milkweed watercolor painting above).
After printing, its yours to frame and enjoy. 

OR

It could be a contest to win a free original painting!

OR

It could be a special, members first discount!  

There's always something I've created with you in mind! 

Staying in touch is tricky. Social media is not reliable ~ there's so much we never see.
But you'll always get a friendly note from me in your inbox in the first week of every month.

Subscribe here - and you'll get an immediate welcome email and free gift! 

Let's be friends ~ It'll be fun! 

 

Radiant! Sunflowers

 Radiant,   7x5" oil on panel
©Helen Read 

 Sunflowers are one of my favorites!  And at the end of the summer, they always make an appearance in my art.  Their colors are varied but vibrant, their shapes range from large to small.  Even their centers are different in size and color.  

This small painting is quite textured, and though the warm colors of gold and yellow green predominate, the undertones of blue and purple are also seen. 

More information on this painting is found here!

This painting is available either framed or unframed.
Domestic shipping is included! 

Dancing in the Wind ~ abstract

 Dancing in the Wind
(A garden inspired abstract painting)
12x9" oil on canvas
©Helen C Read 

This is the time of year when I find a lot of inspiration in the variety of colors and textures and shapes of the garden!  And it's fun (and challenging) to do an abstract work.  There are many design elements to keep in mind; balance, rhythm, motion, color harmony, directional flow.  This painting leads the viewer into a color rich, imaginative garden experience.  

For more information on this painting, click here.