More old favorites - Coneflowers

Several more old favorites:
top: Coneflower, Front and Center, 8x8" Oil on canvas
bottom left - Central Flame, 7 x 5" Oil on canvas
bottom right - Coneflower, quartered 5x7" Oil on canvas
©2008, Helen Read

Please click on each title for more information on that painting
for information on the group of 3 with a discount, please click here.

email: studio_upstairs@hotmail.com

More of the Year in Review

One of the highlights of my year (2009) was the solo exhibit I did for my church's 50th anniversary. It focused on botanicals as its subject matter - but included artist's notes. The title of the exhibit was Lessons from Matthew 6, and my goal was to show how God, who cares for the lilies of the field, is also dependable to take care of his much greater creation - his children!

To see these paintings more individually, please visit my website!

Upcoming Exhibit!

For my local friends, this invitation is extended to you! On Sunday at 9:30 AM, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the church I attend, these works - and more - will be exhibited. Not only that, but there will also be presented that morning the world premier performance of a choral composition (Hosea 6:3) by a Wheaton area musician/composer! (Location: Evangel Baptist Church - 1900 Manchester Rd., Wheaton, IL)

I'm excited to present this exhibit because it is a sort of personal, visual journal of how - during tumultuous years in my life - the words of Matthew 6 have played out and proven true. Not only am I presenting the visual response in the form of paintings, but also many of my thoughts in the form of artist's notes.

Studio Friends Winner!

Two Sisters, 4x6" watercolor/acrylic on paper

A few weeks ago, I offered a little promotion for my Studio Friends group. The winner of the drawing would get a small floral painting. It was sort of like a commission - they got to pick the flower they wanted me to paint. So, the winner chose - Sunflowers. Here is the small painting done just for the winner! It will soon be on its way.

If you would like to join us as a Studio Friend, go to the box on the right side of this blog and enter your email address! Voila! That's it! This is the way I send out offers and opportunities!

Easter Lilies, final version

Easter Celebration, 5x7" Oil on canvas
$100
ready to frame

Here is the final version of this painting, which was posted a few days ago. I have added a bit more shadow and color to the flowers. All in all, I like the sense of color poetry!

Pink Gerbera Daisy, multiplied

Tall Daisies, triptych - total measurement 8 x 24" Oil on canvas

set of 3 - $300

For the artist's comments on this painting, please click here.

Please email me for more information on purchase.
studio_upstairs@hotmail.com

Hope emerges

Seed, 18x20" Oil on panel, 1999

I'm posting an older painting today - one that was completed almost 10 yrs ago - but for the 1st day of March, it seemed appropriate. It is an abstraction of a seed pod. I am truly anxious for spring to begin to make things green again! It has been a long winter.

Winter in nature - but in a way - a sense of winter has descended on us nationally, it seems. There is much uncertainty, and a great deal of doom and gloom being preached from our highest national office. It is so easy to succumb to a spirit of fear. And fear inspires paralysis, lack of motivation, a tendency to pull in and close up. The spirit of "change" that so many people embraced just a few months ago, now appears to be rather empty. The changes that have been thrust upon us are ones that are hard to swallow. They fly in the face of our traditional values of independence and hard work and honoring life.

Its good, I think, to remember that in spite of the economic fear we can't deny, and the fact that "change" is altering the face of who we know ourselves to be, elected leaders and officials certainly do not have the last word. And "springtime within" seems nearer to me - within grasp even - when I remember in whose hands this world, the political scene, and my very life are held. In the hands and heart of God - our creator - we have all the essentials of hope.

"Yet, I dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the Lord never ends.... great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day." Lamentations 3:21,22

Morning Dew Drops

copyright 2009, Helen Read

Dill Weed, 6x6" acrylic on canvas
Features dew drops on dill weed in morning light.
$100.00

Rewinding the year ...

Sunflower Triptych - oil on canvases - total measurment 14 x 48"

Join me.....

This afternoon/evening for
Hollyhock Floral and Gift Shop's Grand Opening
Wine Tasting and Appetizers
4:30 - 7:00 pm
203 S. Hale St., Wheaton, IL

Red Poppies, 8x8" Oil on canvas

Hibiscus, 14" Hand Painted Wooden Platter

I plan to be there, my work will be displayed, and who knows what the owners Angela and Andrea have planned!? It is a great little place, full of beautiful holiday spirit! Pictured above are a few things I've created that are on display there.

You can see more at my website. Check out my
online Christmas catalog, where you can
find many ideas in lots of price ranges, with holiday discounts available!

The Nest once full ~

Nest Eggs, 10 x 12" Oil on canvas - unframed

$250.00

Green Grapes

Green Grapes, 5x7" Oil on canvas - $100.00

To see more of my art, please visit my website.

Once again...

Cat Nap, 4.25 x 5.5" watercolor and ink on paper

A new addition to the other cat paintings.
For information on a set of 8 notecards (4 images), please click here.

A Ray of Hope

Snowscape - Dawn, 8x8" Oil on Canvas

For information on the availability or purchase of this painting, please click here.

Cleaning the studio! Great offer!

In an effort to clean out the studio and make room for new work in 2008,
I'm offering a tiered discount on the above 5 paintings,
for the week of January 7 - 13th.

The year in retrospect, part 4

The conclusion of Fall 2007 paintings in retrospect

Click here for more information or availability of any of these paintings

The year in retrospect, part 1

Daily Painting Project from July 2007

for information on availability of these paintings, please click here

The year in review, month by month.