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.

Snowing again!

Icy River Bank, 11 x 14" Oil on canvas
©2009, Helen Read
Ready to frame
$695.00
(shipping determined by distance. IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax)

Please email me for more information on purchasing this painting:

studio_upstairs@hotmail.com

Snowscape, 8x8" Oil on canvas
©2008, Helen Read
$120 - deep wrapped canvas - painted on sides - framing optional
($12.00 shipping in US - IL Residents please add 8.25% sales tax)

Click here for a convenient purchase link.

Orchid in Green

Orchid in Green, 7 x 10" watercolor on paper
©2010, Helen Read
ready to mat and frame
$60.00


For more information on this painting and a
convenient purchase link,
please click here

Sunlit Leaf

Sunlit Leaf, 8x8" Oil on canvas
©2010, Helen Read
$120.00

My work on this canvas seems to be complete. It is painted around the sides and so framing is not necessary. However, it may not be in its final form. I'm interested in mounting it to a panel behind it and continuing the painting of the leaves all pushed back into shadow... leaving this one protruding both physically and visually. That, of course, will require a little more work and some construction as well!

For now, here it is .... I really like the back lit effect, even though it really was just how the sun penetrated this leaf. It wasn't really back lit!

Valentines Day is Coming!!

Strawberry/Valentine Note cards
Set of 10 cards (2 designs) with envelopes - blank inside
$12.50/set
Click here for more information

Strawberry Bowl, 6x6" Oil on canvas
©2008, Helen Read
$100.00
Ready to frame
Click here for more information

Just in time for Valentine's Day - note cards, which make a great gift as a set, or to send a special note! Or - as a year round reminder a small painting of luscious red strawberries in a heart shaped bowl! A memorable reminder of a happy day!

Auction for Relief in Haiti - Red Poppies

Red Poppies, 8x8" Oil on canvas w/Gold Leaf
©2008, Helen Rea d
Gallery Wrapped, painted around the sides

SOLD!
This painting has helped raise money to help with the relief efforts in
Haiti.

All profits from the sale of this painting will be donated for
Relief in Haiti - through World Vision.
Now is a great time to help our neighbors who are suffering injury, homelessness,
and devastating personal loss from the earthquake a few days ago.
This auction is a wonderful way to acquire an original painting for your home,
and to know that you've contributed to the care of those who are deeply in need!

Green Ribbons

Ribbons of Green, 11.5 x 8.5 colored pencil on black drawing paper
©2010, Helen Read

Ribbons of Blue

Ribbons of Blue, approx 9 x 11.5" Colored Pencil on Black Paper
©2010, Helen Read

A look at other media

From time to time, I depart from my typical oil paintings and
work with watercolor and/or acrylic used as watercolor.
Its a different experience from start to finish, but the results are quite nice!

Yellow Halo, 7.5 x 11" watercolor on paper
©2008, Helen C Read
Click here for more information.

White Hosta - 7 x 8" watercolor on paper
©2008, Helen C Read
Click here for more information.

Purple Kale, 7 x 10" watercolor on paper
©2008, Helen C Read
Click here for more information

Working in new ways is good for the artistic spirit! 2010 will be a year to try new things and to see what kinds of new creativity occurs!

Happy New Year to you! May it be a year of new experiences and new kinds of creativity!

Pink Poinsettia

Pink Poinsettias, 8 5/8 x 12 3/4" Watercolor/acrylic on 300# paper
©2009, Helen Read
Ready to mat and frame

SOLD

It is hard to believe that 2009 is on its way out today! It has been a year of continued artistic growth for me.... That's a good thing. No growth equals stagnation. Stagnation has no place in the life of an artist. This year I've focused a little more on landscapes than in previous years, which has been enjoyable. Of course, I've continued working with botanical subjects as well.
The one above is such an example.

What lies in the year ahead? We can only guess. But for me - continued artistic growth is important as well as reaching out to those who stumble across my work and those who watch it regularly. I hope, if you haven't done so yet - you will join my mailing list! There you receive monthly (or so) updates from me with interesting tidbits about the world of art. And when I offer freebies you are the first to know! The sign up box is on the right side of my blog!
(your information is kept perfectly secure!)

On a personal level in 2010 there is much I want to press on toward. Of highest importance, really, is my ability to see the hand of God working in my life more clearly, depend on him more fully, and learn to communicate with him more deeply. That, however, is not a 1 year goal... it is a goal for a lifetime. I have learned (and continue to learn) that He is our only and real source of security! I hope in the year ahead, you may find this to be true as well!
Happy New Year, friends near and far! May 2010 be a year you take great happiness in!