Abstract in greens, golds, and reds

Structure I,  10.5 x 16.5" Acrylic on paper 

©2014 Helen Read 

 

email Helen for more information

Changing Seasons

Changing Seasons,  22x15" acrylic on paper
©Helen Read, 2014

Ready to mat and frame

For more information on the purchase of this piece, please email me.

Benefit Auction ~ 3 great paintings for a good cause!

From time to time, a need comes to my attention to which I want to give help ~

and yet, my own financial ability to help is very limited.
So, with this auction of 3 paintings, all the profits will go to help this family that is struggling with some very profound needs.

(read more of their story below)

Please click the link below each image to be taken to the auction site -
Each painting is started at a great starting price of $30 + shipping.
Please bid on one of these original paintings to be sent to your house, and know that the purchase has
been for the benefit of a family in need.

 Hollyhock Stocks,  8x8" Oil on canvas -
gallery wrapped and painted around sides - no need to frame

©Helen Read
Click here to go to the auction site for this painting.

 Dusty Landscape, 5x7" Acrylic on textured paper
matted in an off white mat to fit a 8x10" frame

©Helen Read
Click here to go to the auction site for this painting.

Bird and Berries, 7x5" oil on canvas
ready to frame

©Helen Read
Click here to go to the auction site for this painting. 

Please click the link under each image to be taken to the auction site! 

Some information about the family in need: 

This family lives half way across the country from where I live.  The mother, after her husband's numerous affairs and drug arrests, removed herself and her 4 children from the marriage.  Shockingly, when they married, this kind of scenario was impossible to imagine, he did not give any evidence of choosing such a path.  After they divorced, she has struggled to raise the 4 children on limited income and to also remain a close and connected mother, raising her children to be strong and productive young people.  Her struggle has been magnified by the father who moved to the other side of the country and is now residing out of country, and has shown very little responsibility for the financial care of his 4 kids.  The mom has been able to find work, but in this economy, not enough work to fully support her family.   

To add to the situation, a major plumbing problem at her house has resulted in the need to cut off the water.  For almost 6 weeks, she's been relying on rainwater for washing water, an old (undrinkable) well for water to flush toilets, and the kindness of neighbors who have provided drinking water.  Its almost unthinkable that this could be happening in our country.  She does not qualify for social services in her area because she does own her home.  Even buying food is often in question.  She has many burdens to keep her family functioning each and every day, as she continues to seek additional employment and yet be present to provide love and care for her children. 

Perhaps you've been or know someone who is also struggling.  Its hard to imagine this kind of daily struggle if you haven't experienced it in any way.  My heart goes out to her, because I too have had a period of time in my life with my three children, when things were very uncertain. 

If you bid and win one of the 3 paintings above, all profits will help this family in a very immediate way.  And, if you think of saying a prayer for this family, that would be very much appreciated. I've come to know in my own life that prayer is a very effective and powerful resource.   The family I've told you about is one of strong spirit and faith, and would also appreciate your prayers.

Abstract finally finished!

As yet untitled abstract  22x30" acrylic on #140 paper

©2013 Helen Read 

This has been my studio work for the past month or so!

To find out more about this - my thoughts and process - please click here. 

2012's final painting

Cooperstown Lake, 5x7" Acrylic on paper

©2012 Helen Read 

private collection

May I wish you a wonderful 2013!  

Acrylic on paper - Dusty Landscape

Dusty Landscape,  5.25 x 7.5" acrylic on suede pastel paper

©2011, Helen Read 

matted in an 8x10" off white matting, ready to frame 

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

A new abstract ~ New Pathways

New Pathways, 14x8" Acrylic on paper
(attached to foam core)

©2011, Helen Read 

Ready to frame 

To find out more about this painting and my thoughts behind it, please click here.

Prototype - abstract

Untitled,  3.5 x 5.5" acrylic/watercolor on paper 

©2011, Helen Read 

This one is a small prototype, planning for a larger work.  I really like the sense of color that it exudes, and what you can't see is that it is also quite iridescent.  Stay tuned!  More will come.

email Helen

Beach Scene

Stillness,  11x14 acrylic on paper

©1995,Helen Read

Private Collection 

Something from the distant archives! 

email Helen

New Abstract

Untitled Abstract,  22x15" Acrylic on paper 

©2011, Helen Read 

New abstract

Untitled (yet),  21x14" Acrylic on paper 

©2011, Helen Read 

This painting has been a few weeks in process. As you can see there are many layers and therefore, lots of time, both in the painting and in the analysis of what more needed to be done.  Though I haven't really planned it this way, I believe I've started working through some ideas in an abstract way, and I also believe I have more that is still yet to be!    

The idea behind this, though it is not yet titled, is the creative, playful, joyful presence and activity of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit who with his poetry and art gave his creativity to the forming of all we see in nature.  The Spirit who inspires art and beauty in our culture.  The Spirit who seeks the hearts of all who would be intrigued, and open, and desiring to know him.  

How can one portray these thoughts?  Certainly abstraction is the only vehicle.  And yet - the Spirit is not abstract, in the sense of the unknowable.  Unseen, yes ... but the works of his creativity are evidenced in every part of our existence!  And he makes his presence known within us.