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.

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Beach Scene

Stillness,  11x14 acrylic on paper

©1995,Helen Read

Private Collection 

Something from the distant archives! 

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Crab Apple Bloom

Crab Apples in Bloom,  9x12" Oil pastel on paper 

©2008, Helen Read 

Ready to mat and frame 

For more information and a purchase link, please click here.

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Happy Mother's Day!

Nest Series, oil on canvas

©2008, Helen Read 

In honor of Mother's Day, I'm reposting this series - which is in a private collection.
I painted this showing the progression of my experience as a mother - a full nest, which was just wonderful!  I have three great kids ... I couldn't have been blessed with more wonderful kids, either. 
I loved each day being a mom with a full nest! 
And then... they began to fly from the nest.
They left behind a reminders of themselves - and now all three are flying (mostly) on their own.
Its a difficult transition in some ways... and yet, its what we raise them to be - productive, independent adults who are contributing to their world in unique and valuable ways.
Of course, they do come back to visit - they do keep in touch - we continue to have a wonderful relationship over a huge stretch of miles .... and yet, sometimes the nest feels quite empty.

So, when the nest feels empty - I try to remember that they are following their callings.  They are doing well.  They are using their unique gifts.  They are having a positive influence in the world. 

And that was the goal.

New Abstract

Untitled Abstract,  22x15" Acrylic on paper 

©2011, Helen Read 

Good Friday ~ the depths of its meaning

Darkness Descends, approx 4x12" graphite on mylar

©2009, Helen Read

This song, an old hymn, now sung so movingly by Casting Crowns, has been much on my mind these last weeks.  They speak the whole story of Christmas and Easter.  They speak a story of Love that held nothing back and gave its all... for me!  For you.   May this Easter season be a deep and eternal blessing to you!  

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
My Savior, Jesus, is mine

Japanese Iris

Japanese Iris,  Ink on paper 

©Helen Read 

In honor of spring, which seems to be taking 2 steps forward and 1 step backward, I'm posting this flower drawing.  Its actually pen and ink, with colored inks.   This is available as one of 4 flower designs in a set of notecards. 

8 cards, 4 designs - $10.00 (plus shipping and IL tax)

See the set here. 

What a great mother's day gift! 

Thank you ~ for the successful auction!

Great news! 

Thank you to those who participated in one way or another in the auction, 5 paintings - 5 days. 

4 of the 5 have new homes, 

They'll be living in

Washington,

Virginia

New York,

and in Austria! 

But most importantly, it is wonderful to be able to send 

something tangible to help with the relief work in Japan.

The proceeds of these sales will be given for that purpose.

5 Paintings for auction - proceeds from sales to Relief efforts in Japan

Please click the image for each to see the progress of the auction. 

All auctions are finished on Thursday, March 24th. 

Each auction starts at $25.00 + shipping.
(IL residents add 8.25% sales tax.)

The proceeds of these auctions will be donated to the relief efforts in the
wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Snowscape, 8x8" Oil on canvas ©2008, Helen Read

Hollyhock Stalks, 8x8" Oil on canvas ©2008, Helen Read

Marigolds in Cobalt, 7x5" Oil on canvas ©2010, Helen Read

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

Woods Edge, 6 x 8" Oil on canvas, ©2009, Helen Read

It has been with great sadness that we have watched from afar the tragedy that has occurred in Japan during the past week.  My heart goes out to the people who are struggling to make sense of the lives that they are now living.  Many have lost everything from homes, livelihoods, communities, to families.  Some is replaceable, but some is not.   Not only do they need the basics of life right now, they need the support of those who are really too far away to take personal action.  In order to try to do that, I am hoping to sell several of the works I've created in the past few years and send the proceeds of those sales to a relief agency that is helping to provide the most essential needs of daily life to those affected, and also provide some hope for their souls. 

I hope you will participate in this effort.  Perhaps one of these small oil paintings is waiting to grace your walls.  And you will also know that your participation is benefiting someone who is living through disaster. 

Its easy to bid.  Click on the image of each painting and you'll be taken to the auction site.  

Iridescent Flight

Iridescent Flight, 6 x 13" acrylic on canvases 

©2011, Helen Read 

Click here for more information on this painting

This painting was an experiment working with metallics and interference paints to produce iridescence.  It consists of 2 canvases of staggered sizes.

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