Showing posts with label southwest landscape. Show all posts
Showing posts with label southwest landscape. Show all posts

Monday, December 22, 2014

Finally - its about finished!

Landscape Commission (title yet undecided) 
20 x 26" Oil on canvas
©2014 Helen Read

Its been awhile since I posted a painting - and this is why!  A larger work that was a commission.
That - plus the busy time of year - is why its been awhile! 
More to come in the new year!! 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

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

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

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

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.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Fence Line



Fence Line, 5x7" Oil on canvas
©2012, Helen Read 
Ready to Frame
(Please add $10.00 shipping in US, IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax)


Click here for details and a convenient purchase link.





Monday, February 22, 2010

Fields of Gold


Fields of Gold, 8 x 12" Oil pastel on paper
©2010, Helen Read
ready to mat and frame

For more information on this painting,
please click here

To find out more about the story behind this painting, please
click here.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

More of the Year in Review


Old Oak, 6x8" Oil on canvas
©2009, Helen Read
Ready to frame

Click here for more information on this painting.

Many times this year, I found myself exploring landscapes... sometimes more distant, as seen in some earlier works I've posted, and sometimes much more close up. Trees are always an interesting subject matter... because, I think, of their uniqueness and often their very sculptural qualities. Some of them just have very noticeable "personalities" which almost need a portraiture approach!

This particular tree is very indicative of my southwestern roots - roots that still grow very deep in my heart, even though I live in the northern mid-west at present!


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Southwest Landscape - Old Oak


Old Oak, 6x8" Oil on canvas
©2009, Helen Read
ready to frame

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

Another southwestern landscape! These are wonderful trees that grow in central Texas. They are old, and curve back to the ground, almost as if they have grown legs. With the right curvature, you can walk along the trunk!


Friday, February 20, 2009

A very special cause..... Benefit Auction


Twilight, 8x8" Oil on Canvas

Auction Complete! This painting will be shipped to Austin, TX!


I want to introduce you to a family that has inspired and blessed me as they battle through a tragedy, which struck their family last October. Their son, JD, who is 12, had a very sudden accident that nearly resulted in his drowning. His life was saved, though there was a time soon after the accident when it wasn’t certain he would live. He has been in various stages of coma since the accident, though he continues to progress toward recovery. The family lives in Austin, TX and JD was hospitalized for a time there in Austin. For the last several months he has been in a Dallas area rehabilitation facility. The distance between the 2 cities is about 4 ½ hours. So JD, his mother, and youngest sister have been in Dallas, while JD’s dad, and 2 school-aged sisters have been living in Austin, making many trips back and forth.

Through it all, their family has dared to trust in God’s goodness and walk this difficult walk by faith. Such an inspiration. They have shown all of us how precious life is. Now, JD is being released to return to his home in Austin. His progress continues, but he will return to his home with a very long road of recovery still ahead. Many, many changes to their normal family life have had and will have to be made. A handicapped ready home has meant many construction changes. A van to accommodate JD and his wheel chair has been another unforeseen expense. Anyone who has had a major medical situation knows that insurance never covers everything. And there are ongoing medications and medical procedures that continue.

Many hands have helped, but more help is needed. Though I do not live anywhere near Austin – we can help in a creative way! The above painting is being auctioned for JD’s many needs. The profits from this painting will be donated to the family for the medical and/or peripheral expenses they have and continue to incur. I hope you will place a bid. And I also hope that you will inform others so that they may participate! The auction winner will receive this small, southwestern scene – and JD’s family will be helped in the process!

To find out more about JD’s story and to get a snapshot of his wonderful family, you can visit his CaringBridge link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jdhartman

Also, you can visit his Facebook group - “Pray for JD Hartman”. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42732420571

Monday, December 15, 2008

Twilight


Twilight, 8x8" Oil on canvas, $120.00

For more information on this painting, please click here.

To find out about its availability, please email me:
studio_upstairs@hotmail.com