brushstrokes - gallery of daily paintings

Robin's Nest - February featured painting!

2012-02-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Robin's Nest, 5x5" Oil on canvas

ready to frame

$30.00
(Please add $10.00 shipping, IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax)

(until it sells - through the end of February 2012, then it returns to its usual price)

Please click here for a convenient purchase link!

Last Chance for this special price!

2012-01-30T18:53:00.003-08:00

Winter Bandit, 5x5" acrylic on canvas

Ready to Frame

Just 1 more day till this painting is no longer available for its

Featured Price of $30.00

Price in effect until Feb. 1st.

SOLD

A Secret Path

2012-01-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

Secret Path, 8x10" acrylic on canvas

ready to frame

Please click here for full details on price and purchase!

Sunlit Glade

2012-01-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Glade, 6x8" Oil pastel on paper

ready to mat and frame $25.00

For a convenient purchase link, please click here.

Winter Bandit - January Featured Painting!

2012-01-02T16:51:00.001-08:00

January's Featured Painting!

$30.00

Winter Bandit, 5x5" acrylic on canvas

Ready to frame

Please click here to find out how this little painting can be yours at its featured price!

This is a little different approach for me. Its a highly stylized cedar waxwing ... with an abstract background. The colors are bright, which is just what is needed in the long stretches of winter grayness!

This little painting has been listed at its "featured" price just for the month of January. Its a great opportunity to own an original work of art for a great price. After January, if it hasn't sold, it will go to its regular price.

Happy New Year!

I hope you have a wonderful beginning to 2012!

More of 2011 in Review

2011-12-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

Miscellaneous drawings and paintings of 2011

Scroll down for a look at abstracts and landscapes of 2011


Light and Reflections, 8 x 12" Colored pencil on black paper

House Wren, 6x6" Colored pencil on gray paper


Wren in Grass, 6x6" Acrylic on canvas

Sold


Agave, 6x6" Acrylic on Clayboard

Please click here for more information on this painting.


The Edge of Shadow, 9x12" colored pencil on black paper

Please click here for more information on this drawing


Blossom, 8x8" colored pencil on clayboard

Please click here for more information on this drawing


Spiraling Leaf, 6x6" Graphite on Clayboard

Please click here for more information on this drawing.


Winter Resident, 6x6" Oil on canvas

Sold


Ship, 9x11" Pen and Ink on Paper

Sold

Its been a busy year! But not entirely busy with art.... I've continued to teach high school, full time and take a rather full load of graduate classes. In between these things and keeping relationships alive with children, family and friends, I paint!! And, thankfully, I have sold more this year than in recent years with our slow economy. Maybe this is a hopeful sign that recovery is on its way!? I hope so.

As I look back over the year in terms of art, its been a good year - with new and different kinds of work, larger sizes for many of the works, and new ideas!

Happy New Year!

May we enjoy the blessings of 2012 as we look back with gratitude on 2011.

2011 in Review - Landscapes

2011-12-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

Looking back, its been a year of quite a few landscapes! Most of these have sold, but several remain available...

Coastal Road, 5x7" Acrylic on canvas

SOLD

Dusty Landscape, 5.25 x 7.5" Acrylic on paper
This comes matted in a 8x10" off white matting. Ready to frame.

Please click here to find out how to have this beautiful, highly textured

painting come to your house!

Points North, 5x7" Acrylic on canvas

Please click here to find out how to have this beautiful landscape come to your house!

Sardinian Sunshine, 6x6" Oil on canvas

SOLD

Maroon Bells, 11x16" Oil on canvas
SOLD - Commissioned

Rosie's Pond, 5x7" Watercolor on Paper

SOLD - Commissioned

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

Wrapped, 9x12" colored pencil on black paper

Merry Christmas! It is a wonderful time of year to stop and celebrate with family and friends.

This year, may I take a moment to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

I wish you a warm and wonderful celebration, and I wish for you "the best gift of all"

the Gift of our Savior, Jesus. A gift equally open to all who will receive it.

Psalms on Note Cards

2011-12-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

A new set of note cards? I'm not sure yet if I will produce these.

They use some of my abstract works with words from the Psalms.

I'm open for comments!

Pond Reflections

2011-12-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

Rosie's Pond, 5x7" watercolor on paper

SOLD

Winter Resident

2011-11-30T19:05:00.001-08:00

December Featured Painting!
$30.00
Through 12-31-2011

Winter Resident, 6x6" Oil on canvas

Spiraling Leaf

2011-11-09T15:06:00.001-08:00

Spiraling Leaf, 6x6" graphite on clayboard

Ready to Frame

For more information about the purchase of this drawing, please click here.

November Featured Painting - Sardinian Sunshine

2011-10-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sardinian Sunshine, 6x6" Oil on canvas

ready to frame

For the month of November only, this painting is featured for

$30.00

SOLD

This painting is one that I did for Virtual Paintout. One uses Google Street View to find a spot worthy of painting - and then a painting is done (thus the name - Virtual Paintout)

I really liked this view particularly for the dramatic shadows on the side of the white wall.

The whole thing gave the feeling of being in sun drenched Sardinia!

For the month of November only, this painting is featured at $30. If it doesn't sell, it will revert to its usual price of $100. Maybe it would make a nice gift! Or maybe it would be perfect for that small space or shelf that needs some original art! Either way, its ready to be shipped to its new home!

LAST CALL!

2011-10-28T04:06:00.001-07:00

October's Featured Painting is almost over!
$30.00
through the end of October.

Green Agave, 6x6" Watercolor and Acrylic on clayboard

(ready to frame. Shipping $10.00 in US, IL residents, please add 8.25% sales tax.)

October Featured Painting! Agave

2011-09-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Agave, 6x6" Acrylic and watercolor on clayboard

For the month of October - $30.00

after 10/31 - $100.00

Ready to frame

(Shipping $10.00 in US, IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax)

The latest from my studio is offered at the very low "featured price" of $30, just for this month or until it has sold! This one is done on clayboard, using acrylic and watercolor.

I love the shadows and jagged edges that show up on the leaves and in the shadows.

Please click here to find out how to have this shipped to you right away!

Points North Landscape

2011-09-26T18:42:00.001-07:00

Points North, 5x7" Acrylic on canvas
©2011, Helen Read
Ready to frame

Please click here for full information.

The edge of shadow ~ Agave

2011-09-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Edge of Shadows, 9x12" Colored Pencil on black paper

Please click here to find out more about this colored pencil painting

with its 2 options - one matted and one unmatted.

Blossom

2011-09-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Blossom, 8x8" Colored Pencil on Clayboard

Ready to frame

To find out more about how to purchase this original art work, please click here.

Featured Painting for September! Points North

2011-08-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

Featured for the month of September

$30.00 thru 9/30/11

Points North, 5x7" Acrylic on canvas

ready to frame

Please click here for a convenient purchase link with complete details.

As a feature each month, I've been offering a small painting at a fraction of its normal selling price. In the past 2 months since I've started this practice, its seemed to be a very popular idea with everyone! These small paintings have sold quickly and those who have purchased them got a great price on a small original.

This painting was one I did with Virtual Paintout. A place somewhere on earth is given each month and using Google Maps, we find a place and paint! This one comes from the area of Fairbanks, AK,

a beautiful wooded country road with a few small flowers in bloom along the roadside.

After the end of September, if this hasn't sold, it will be available for its full price of $100. I hope it will go at its "featured price" ~ its ready to send! And I'd love to ship it out!

Give-Away painting - August 15th!

2011-08-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

All you have to do to be eligible to win is be a member of my mailing list!!

I will have a random drawing on 8/15, and this small painting will be going to its new home. Maybe it will be yours!?!

If you are not a member of my email list, click the link below.

Don't worry! You will not be inundated by email from me, and I never share my list!

You will get an email from me about once a month or so (depending on how busy my life is), where you will find out about the latest from my studio, special offers I may have, or contests I sometimes conduct. All in all, its a fun way to stay in touch.


	Join My Email List

For Email Marketing you can trust

Or, now you can also join by text message!
Text HELEN to 22828
You will be prompted to send your email address.

Acrylic on paper - Dusty Landscape

2011-08-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

August Featured Painting - Little Wren!

2011-07-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

NEW! FEATURED PAINTING
SOLD
$30.00

Little Wren, 6x6" Acrylic on canvas
©2011, Helen Read

Ready to frame

Once again this month, I'm offering a small painting at a deep discount as a featured painting! Last month, it sold within 2 days and was shipped across the country to live on the west coast! This is an exciting way to put a small original painting in a special place in your home. These small paintings look great framed on a small wall or sitting on a book shelf! There are many possibilities! Of course, they make a wonderful and unique gift as well!

Only for the month of August, this small painting is being offered at its special featured cost. It is just off the easel and ready to be shipped to you! If it is unsold at the end of August, it will be available for its regular price of $100.00.
(Please add shipping in the US - $10.00, IL residents, please add 8.25% sales tax.)

Please click here for a convenient purchase link.

Now through Thurs., July 28th - Summer Studio Sale!!

2011-07-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

4 paintings have just gone up for auction! (I'm cleaning out my studio - and these just came out of the vault, so to speak!) The starting bids are very low! I'm hoping to make room for more paintings.

Please click each title below to find out all the details and see the progress of the auction:

Pineapple Top

Four Amigos - Okra

Oddfellows - Eggplant

Water Lily

Now is a great time to acquire an original oil painting for your kitchen, dining room or any other room. All are ready to frame.... or put on a small free standing easel.

Win this free painting! Drawing on August 15th!

2011-07-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

Mini Mum, 3x3" Acrylic on canvas

This small painting will be given away! How could YOU win it?

Simply being a member of my mailing list.

On August 15th, I will randomly pick a name from my mailing list to be the

winner of this small work.

Send Helen an email

If you are not already on my list, please sign up below. Its very easy and it is a secure list, where your information will not be shared! By being a member of my list, you will hear from me once in awhile with news, updates, and notices of free gifts, etc. Your inbox will NOT be inundated; I don't have time to write too often! But when I do, I try to make it interesting and visual, with an occasional fun thing that may relate to the season or to some kind of an offer or give away! Please inform your friends ~ in this economy, its nice to do some things just for fun!

A new abstract ~ New Pathways

2011-07-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

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

Ready to frame

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

Coastal Road ~ new landscape

2011-07-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

JULY FEATURED PAINTING

$30.00 during month of July

Sold

Coastal Road, 5x7" Acrylic on canvas

ready to frame

To find out more about the unusual location and how it was painted, please click here:

Facing West - Sunflower

2011-05-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Facing West - Sunflower, approx 6 x 8" colored pencil on black paper

email Helen

Prototype - abstract

2011-05-16T15:09:00.001-07:00

Untitled, 3.5 x 5.5" acrylic/watercolor on paper

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

2011-05-15T06:16:00.001-07:00

Stillness, 11x14 acrylic on paper

Private Collection

Something from the distant archives!

email Helen

Crab Apple Bloom

2011-05-13T18:25:00.001-07:00

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

Ready to mat and frame

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

email Helen

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T17:15:00.001-07:00

Nest Series, oil on canvas

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

2011-05-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Untitled Abstract, 22x15" Acrylic on paper

Good Friday ~ the depths of its meaning

2011-04-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Darkness Descends, approx 4x12" graphite on mylar

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

2011-04-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-03-24T15:23:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-19T13:37:00.001-07:00

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.

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

2011-03-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

Iridescent Flight, 6 x 13" acrylic on canvases

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.

Helen's email

3 Long Necked Pears ~ repost

2011-02-26T06:23:00.001-08:00

Three Longnecked Pears, 8 x 10" Oil on canvas
©2010, Helen Read

For more information on this painting, please click here.

I know, its been a little while since I posted last. I'm actually working on several larger paintings in m studio right now - that, interspersed with some winter colds that have been a drain on my energy ... and continuing to work all day, have contributed to a longer stretch of silence on my blog .... so, I'm posting a favorite from about June of 2010. I'm thinking about entering this one into a competition for still life paintings. Meanwhile, I'm painting and will be posting some completely new work very soon!

Helen's email

New abstract

2011-02-05T08:20:00.001-08:00

Untitled (yet), 21x14" Acrylic on paper

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.

January Trees

2011-01-30T15:02:00.001-08:00

January Trees, 8x6" Oil Pastel on paper

ready to frame

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Think ahead!!

2011-01-17T11:55:00.001-08:00

Set of 10 Note cards - Strawberries and Valentines

Each set has 10 note cards (5 designs) with envelopes
$12.50/set + $3.00 shipping in US

For an easy purchase link, please click here.

To purchase individual note cards, please email me! $1.75 each + shipping .75 in US

Send someone special a note of love!

Grape Leaf ~ pen and ink.

2011-01-13T18:46:00.001-08:00

Grape Leaf, approx. 6 x 4" Pen and Ink on illustration board
© Helen Read

January Specials - Snow landscapes!

2011-01-10T14:32:00.001-08:00

Snowscape, 8x8" Oil on canvas

January Special!

~~$120.00~~ $75.00 through January 2011

No need to frame - painted on sides

($12.00 shipping in US, IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax.)

Its COLD outside! In order to create some winter excitement, I'm offering these "snow paintings" just for the month of January with some very BIG DISCOUNTS!

Celebrate winter with me - take advantage of these great savings and own an original, one-of-a-kind oil painting!

Icy Riverbank, 11 x 14" Oil on canvas

(ready to frame)

January Special!

~~$695.00~~ $325.00 Through January 2011
($15.00 shipping in US, IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax.)

Spirit ~ A painting is born! Watch the process by video...

2011-01-02T05:21:00.000-08:00

Spirit, 22 x 30" Acrylic on paper
©2010, Helen Read

I thought it would be interesting to try something I've never done before!

I took many photos of the painting, Spirit, which you see above - and have now created a video of its creation. Its set to music by Albinoni, and is not quite 3 min. long.

I hope you enjoy seeing it unfold from concept to finished painting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1heITwEAvk

2010 In Review!

2010-12-29T06:49:00.001-08:00

Here are just a few of the year's studio works .... some of my personal favorites! 2010, in spite of the economic down turn, has really been a good year! Not necessarily in the way we think of "good" - but in the bigger picture, it has been. I've continued to work in my studio. I've continued to post to my blog .... all of this while taking 11 hours of graduate work, working full time as a high school teacher, and finding time to be a parent, friend, daughter, etc.

There have certainly been difficult moments in 2010. My dad passed away about 8 months ago. My family is in a state of change with children becoming more independent. Changes in the world of public school teaching have also altered a lot in the work place. The economy has impacted every artist I know. And of course, life can just be demanding!

However - in spite of that - there has been much good as well! I've completed 33 works of art and worked on a few more that are still in process. I've had time to consider my goals and plans and purposes in what I'm doing. I've spent quality time with family and close friends across the country. I've seen new places and been inspired by new ideas. And most importantly, I've been held securely in God's good hands. That's been a huge comfort in uncertain times!

So, here's to a good 2010 .... and looking ahead to new and exciting adventures in 2011! In this new year, may we choose to walk in closeness to the God who loves each of us dearly.

Southern Exposure

2010-12-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Boone Hall Lawn, 8 x 10" Acrylic on canvas

Private Collection

Wrapped

2010-12-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

Wrapped, 9 x 12" colored pencil on black paper
©2010, Helen Read

Merry Christmas! As I've been working along on this one, the idea of being wrapped and Christmas and gifts has all come together in a few Christmas-y thoughts! The very best gift of all time came "wrapped" in the form of a tiny newborn. The wrapping was lovely, no doubt, as all newborns are in their newness of life! However, this particular gift - given a little more than 2000 years ago, was delivered into this world, a gift from our heavenly Father - Almighty God. In this wrapping was his own son! Out of the unspeakable beauty of heaven, Jesus came in humility to this world for the purpose of rescuing us from the grip of darkness! A gift freely given. A gift for all who would simply believe that His ultimate sacrifice was enough to shatter the grip of the spiritual and eternal death that has stalked each one of us and holds us captive.

What motivated this kind of entry into our history and into our realm? His love. Pure and simple, it was the immeasurable love of God and the same love of Jesus that brought him to us, to live among us, to make a way for us to live with him forever.... if we so choose!

What a gift! Our rescuer came for us before we even knew we needed to be rescued! That gift came wrapped as a newborn baby, was announced to shepherds by angels, and worshiped by wise men who followed an unusual star miles and miles. This same Jesus is still worshiped today - King of all kings. Lord of all lords. Mighty God. Our Immanuel ~ God living among us!

Apples on Damask

2010-12-11T13:22:00.001-08:00

Apples on Damask, 6 x 12" Oil on canvas

Ready to Frame

For more information on this painting please click here.

Current Auction - Flowers in Pink and Blue

2010-12-06T05:00:00.001-08:00

Flowers in Pink and Blue, 8x8" Oil on Canvas

Please click here to bid or check the progress!

Auction now through Friday, Dec. 10th!
Great Gift Idea!!

Whimsical Cat Note Cards ~ great gift idea!

2010-12-01T14:15:00.001-08:00

Cat Note Cards - A great gift idea!

Set of 8 (4 designs) w/envelopes

blank inside

$10.00/set

($3.00 shipping in US - IL Residents please add 8.25% sales tax)

Please note - for multiple prints going to the same address,
shipping cost adjustments will be made in the form of a refund based on actual costs of shipping.

Great idea for a stocking stuffer, or for that person on your list who enjoys the craziness of cats!

Helen's email

To see other note cards from my studio, please click here.

Candy Drawings

2010-11-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

These are actually examples for my high school students

as they begin to use colored pencil to do a still life drawing.

These are colored pencil on black paper.

November Tree

2010-11-16T20:34:00.000-08:00

November Tree, 8 x 6" Oil pastel on paper

$25.00
ready to mat and frame

For more info and a convenient purchase link on this small pastel
please click here.

Fruits of the Spirit Note Cards

2010-11-08T14:40:00.001-08:00

Set of 8 (4 designs) note cards with envelopes

©Helen Read
___________________
A Great Gift Idea!

These cards measure 5.5 x 4.25" and feature the
Fruits of the Spirit from Scripture with the
message: A Tree is Known by its Fruit.
The fruit paintings are Helen's original art work.

$10.00/set

($3.00 shipping in US - IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax)

Please note - for multiple prints going to the same address,
shipping cost adjustments will be made in the form of a refund based on actual costs of shipping.

email Helen

Please click here to see other notecards featuring my artwork,
including whimsical cats, whimsical birds, strawberries and hearts,
sea shells, and flowers!

For more information on my work, please visit my blog:

Brushstrokes, etc.

Visit my website

Helen Read - The Studio Upstairs

Wheaton, IL - United States

Old Favorites - November Gathering by Helen Read

2010-11-01T19:00:00.001-07:00

November Gathering, 8x8" Oil on canvas

Happy November! Its hard to believe we are at this point in autumn!

For more information on this small painting, please click here.

email Helen

Visit Helen's website

Free Gift with purchase of Kitchen Art - Oct & Nov

2010-10-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

A selection of available small kitchen art paintings

For the months of October and November, with each purchase of a small kitchen art painting, receive a Free Gift! That's right! The free gift is a print (see below) of a bird's nest with 3 blue eggs. It is matted and ready to frame, measuring 8x10" (outside dimension of the mat). This free gift applies to any small painting that has the subject matter of food!

Please visit my website to see which paintings are available!

Nest Eggs, 5x7" print, matted in 8x10" mat,

ready to frame.

For more information on my work, please

Visit my website

Helen' email

Helen Read - The Studio Upstairs

Wheaton, IL - United States

Something New!! Silent Auction now through Oct 30, 2010

2010-10-16T10:17:00.001-07:00

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

Framing is optional - deep canvas is painted around the sides

Starting bid $20.00

(Plus $12.00 shipping in the US, IL residents must add 8.25% to the final value for sales tax.)

Here is how it works. Email me your bid. I will update the current bid everyday. Check my blog or website daily where it will be easy to follow what the most current bid is. Please update bidding in even dollar increments. Bidding will be finished on 10/30/2010. Payment will be accepted through Paypal and shipment will be made by USPS.

Now is a great opportunity to own an original oil painting ~ a beautiful rendition of

an old fashioned flower - the hollyhock.

Place your bid today! Check back soon!

Small Watercolor Paintings - all under $20.00!

2010-10-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a great opportunity to own an original watercolor/mixed media painting for
under $20.00!

(plus small additional shipping charge)

Each of these is hand painted, dated and signed.
Each is ready to mat and frame and hang in your home!
What a great gift idea ... for yourself or

for someone you know!

For more information on each of these, please visit my Etsy site.

email Helen

Unfolding ....

2010-10-06T13:36:00.001-07:00

Unfolding, 8x8" graphite on clayboard

Ready to mat and frame

For a convenient purchase link, please click here

Broken Shells

2010-09-23T17:28:00.001-07:00

Brokenness, 5x5" Oil on canvas

For more information on this painting, please click here.

Marigolds in a Bottle

2010-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Marigolds in a Bottle, 7 x 5" Oil on canvas

ready to frame

For more information or purchase link for this painting,

please click here.

New Beginnings - drawing

2010-09-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings - Hibiscus Buds, 8 x 10" graphite on clayboard

Please click here for additional information on this drawing.

Helen's email

Summer Floral

2010-08-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

Summer Floral, 8x8" Oil on canvas

For more information on this particular painting, please click here.

Helen's email

I'm most honored!

2010-08-30T20:25:00.001-07:00

I have been honored twice today! I have been featured in an article in the Dallas Examiner. I hope you'll take a moment to read it! The article speaks of art as a way of life and a way of communication. It gives great perspective to art and life; finding balance while still continuing to create and explore!

Also, a fellow artist who I've gotten to "know" from a distance through blogging has been kind enough to write about my work on her blog. Please visit Julia's blog, read her comments and take a look at her inspiring work as well!

Thank you! I'm quite honored!

Free Sunflower Painting ~ going to Miami, FL!!

2010-08-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Maria, the WINNER of my "small painting giveaway"! I'll be sending this with it's small easel off to Miami, Florida where it will have a new home. Maria joined my email list, which is easy to do! From time to time, I have contests and drawing for those who are on my list.
There will be something new and fun in the future ~ now is a great time to join us!

For Email Newsletters you can trust

Your email address is completely secure. It is never shared or sold. You will receive periodic (approximately once every week to 10 days) with news updates from my studio, previews of the latest work, and notifications of contests, drawings, special offers, and other fun things!

Summer Rerun - Undulation 2

2010-08-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

Undulation 2, 20 x 20" Oil on Canvas

Ready to frame

Please email me for more information on this painting

This is one of my favorites! I love the abstract qualities found when botanical subjects are

magnified. This is created from a photo I took of canna leaves just opening.

The shadows and color were spectacular!

Summer Rerun - Pasture, Rainclouds Gathering

2010-08-13T05:37:00.001-07:00

For more information about this small pastel painting,

please click here.

Helen's email

Summer Rerun! Old Barn ~ what remains.

2010-08-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

What Remains, 9 x 12" Oil on Canvas

$275.00 - Ready to frame

($15.00 shipping in US, IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax)

Helen's email

Summer Rerun! Dill-icious!

2010-08-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

Dill-icious! 6x6" Acrylic on Canvas

While busy with family this week, I'm posting a few reruns of some of my past favorites!

This one stands out to me because of its very unusual point of view, and

of course its interesting colors!

It was a lot of fun to do!

Helen's email

Autumn's Glory

2010-07-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Autumn's Glory, 10 x 8" Acrylic on canvas
©2010, Helen Read
ready to frame

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

This painting is one of 4 abstracts that depict the 4 seasons

The 4 Seasons - Each of these 4 paintings measure 10 x 8", acrylic on canvas
©2010, Helen Read
ready to frameTop Left - Spring Arrives!
Top Right - Summer in Color
Bottom Left - Autumn's Glory
Bottom Right - Echoes of Winter
(click on the links above to see the individual paintings)

For information on a discount on the purchase of the set of 4, please click here.

Win this FREE small painting in my summer give away!

2010-07-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

Mini Sunflower, 3 x 3" Acrylic on canvas

As it appears on its easel.

Here is the SUMMER Give-away! That's right .... I'm giving it away in my summer contest studio contest! You can be the winner in my drawing to win the painting and its small easel. Its easy to participate!

Here are the simple rules:
1. You must be a member of my mailing list - which is every easy to sign up on the right side of the blog. My mailing list is secure and never will be sold or shared. Your privacy is respected and guarded!
When you sign up, email me studio_upstairs@hotmail.com and tell me you have signed up for my list. That puts your name in the drawing!

or if you already are on my mailing list, you can participate by:

2. Get a friend to sign up for my mailing list. (You can sign them up only if you obtain their permission!) Then, email me studio_upstairs@hotmail.com and let me know your friend's name and email address and yours. Both names and addresses will go into the drawing!

Oh ... if you have multiple friends (I hope you do) that would like to be on my mailing list, please send them all - your name will be entered multiple times!

3. The drawing will be held on August 15th. Then the painting will be mailed to you!

Simple! huh??

The painting is acrylic on a small canvas (3 x 3"), and it will come with its small easel. It is signed on the side. Perfect to sit on a small book shelf or the corner of a desk top!

One more thing about my mailing list! You will get emails from me several times a month. I am trying to send a longer newsletter several times a year with news and interesting art info and happenings, plus news from my studio. Other emails are short and informative about my work, gifts, drawings, etc. You will not be inundated with stuff in your in box!

Hope to hear from you!

Summer Newsletter w/Free Offer

2010-07-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

I've just sent out my July Newsletter!
Enter to win a
FREE PAINTING!

Read the letter, there's lots of fun information!
Click here!

Snowy Egret

2010-07-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Knee Deep - Snowy Egret, 7 x 11.5" watercolor/acrylic on paper
©2010, Helen Read
Ready to frame

For a convenient purchase link, please click here.

Three Longnecked Pears

2010-07-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Three Longnecked Pears, 8x10" Oil on canvas
©2010, Helen Read
Ready to frame

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

Kitchen Still Life! 3 paintings by Helen Read

2010-06-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Oh Look! Time is running out!
The auction will be finished on
Wednesday, June 23 about mid day!

See images and links in the posting below!

Its not too late to hang one of these small original paintings in your kitchen or dining room!
The perfect solution for that small space that needs a spot of color!

June Auction - 3 kitchen paintings!

2010-06-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Only through June 23
3 small original oil paintings by auction!
Starting bid on each is $20.00
Bidding is finished on June 23 - mid day.

Do you have a small space in your kitchen or dining room that needs a spot of color?
Do you know someone who would love a painting as a gift?
This is a great opportunity to own an original oil painting!

3 Lemons - 6x6" Oil on canvas
Tiger striped pumpkins - 5 x 7" Oil on canvas
Red Velvet Cupcake - 5x5" Oil on canvas

Please click on each link above to watch the progress or make a bid!

all paintings are unframed
IL residents please add 8.25% sales tax to final bid

Coming Soon! Auction!!

2010-06-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

Tiger Striped Pumpkins (pictured here with the suggestion of a frame)
5 x 7" Oil on canvas - ready to frame
©2007, Helen Read

I have a few too many of my old paintings sitting here. So, I'm announcing several auctions to begin very soon! These 3 will be first! There's a theme here - small paintings that would look great in your kitchen or dining room! They are original, oil on canvas - and are ready to frame.
The great thing about an auction is that the prices start very low, at a fraction of what this size painting usually sells. The end price is never a certainty ... but there's the possibility that you can buy an original painting for very little. I hope you'll participate!

Its not too early to start thinking of that perfect gift for Christmas giving! And you can be quite sure that the hard-to-buy-for person on your list doesn't already have this! These are 1 of a kind, and will always be that!

Stay tuned!! The auction will begin in a few days!

Yesterday - dried roses

2010-06-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, 10 x 6" watercolor on 300# paper
©2010, Helen Read
For full information and a purchase link, please click here.

It's Time to Join My Email List!!

2010-06-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Latest Give Away from my Studio!

This week, I gave away 12 small prints of a Japanese Iris! The offer I made was very simple. It was sent to everyone on my email list ~ for the first 12 responders I will send a free small print of the flower above. Nothing more! It was only offered to those who are on my mailing list, and of course I am encouraging anyone, everyone, to invite their friends to join us! So, this small print give away is over, but there will be more things coming soon!

So today, I'm sending these little prints from Nova Scotia to Hawaii!! As a way of saying thank you for being interested and watching the work that comes from my studio! I like to do these kinds of things from time to time. Its fun for me and I think its fun for those who participate!

So, if you are here reading this blog - maybe its time to join us!? Its easy. Just go to the box at the right of my blog and put your email address in. You will hear from me, though I will not flood your inbox. I will send updates on news from my studio, previews of my work, and occasional drawings and contests with give aways and fun ways to interact from afar!
And just so you know, your information is held it tightest confidence - it is never shared!

Summer in Color

2010-06-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Summer in Color, 10 x 8" Acrylic on canvas
©2010, Helen Read
Ready to frame

For a purchase link, please click here.

For companion paintings please see:
Echoes of Winter
Spring Arrives!

Echoes of Winter

2010-06-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Echoes of Winter, 10 x 8" Acrylic on canvas
©2010, Helen Read
Ready to Frame

for more information or a purchase link for this painting, please click here
and also see a companion painting, "Spring Arrives" by clicking here.

Spring arrives - Abstract painting

2010-05-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

For more information on this painting, please click here.

Green Fringe

2010-05-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Green Fringe, 8 x 5" mixed media on paper
©2010, Helen Read
ready to mat and frame

For information on this small artwork,
please visit this link.

For the story behind this small work of art, visit this link!

Its not too late! Spring special - floral note cards.

2010-04-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Floral Note Card Set -
8 cards/envelopes, 4 designs (featuring my original art works)
Each set is $10.00 + shipping
(IL residents, please add 8.25% sales tax)

Special price through the month of April
2 sets - $18.00
(shipping in US - 2 sets $5.00)
To see more of my original art work in the form of note cards and prints,
please click here.

Another Old Favorite - Yellow Halo

2010-04-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Yellow Halo, 7.5 x 11" watercolor on paper
©2008, Helen C Read
ready to mat and frame $60.00

For more information on this painting, please click here

More old favorites - Coneflowers

2010-04-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

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

Curvature, an abstraction

2010-04-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

Curvature, 12.75 x 9.75" Colored pencil on black drawing paper
ready to mat and frame
©2010, Helen Read

For information on this colored pencil drawing,
Please click here

The Nests - a set of old favorites

2010-04-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Nest Series:
top - Nest Eggs 9 x 12" Oil on canvas
bottom left - Empty Nest 1, 6x6" Oil on canvas
bottom right - Empty Nest 2, 6x6" Oil on canvas

This set of 3 is representative to me of my own 3 children - who populated my nest, now growing up and leaving the nest behind. Its an interesting passage as a parent. Not altogether easy... and yet, it is the way it should be. My nest has been very brightly occupied for many years - now that my kids are flying ~ for several a great distance from home ~ I am learning to appreciate the remembrances of their time under my roof!

I love them deeply - and am proud of their accomplishments and the way in which they are now contributing to the world in which we live! So, as a parent of an "empty-ish" nest, I am blessed by those old memories and also blessed by their new endeavors and will be blessed by the memories that are yet to be made!

Prints are available of the Nest Eggs painting,
please click here

Another Old Favorite for Spring - Berries!

2010-04-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

for more on this painting, please click here.

for Note Cards featuring Strawberries - please click here.

Another of my Favorites - November Gathering

2010-04-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a wonderful Easter!

2010-04-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

From heaven to earth, to show the way

From earth to the cross, my debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave -

From the grave to the sky,
Lord, I praise your name on high!
(Music and Lyrics by Rick Founds)

Easter, the day a death blow was dealt to eternal death!
All of us are born captive to the grip of
eternal death - a forever separation between us and a loving Creator.
He took on himself the responsibility to free us from an enemy that
we are powerless to defeat. He came for us as our great rescuer -
trading his life for ours!
He defeated the power of death by returning to LIFE on the 3rd day,
paving the way by means of a free gift - to be reconciled forever to Him!
What amazing favor - what amazing love!

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he sent his only son,
so that anyone who believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life.

The two images above are a drawing made in perspective of the cross - graphite on mylar. The image below is a multi-media expression of the moment of resurrection. Imagine the incredible power of God - having put death to death - accompanied by an earthquake, he stepped back into life. In my mind, I see - perhaps happening within milliseconds of time - the darkness of night and the inner tomb is shattered by dazzling light as the full glory of God is brought forth in full and resurrected life! Its more amazing than my ability to describe! And its personal - his life and death and resurrection - was accomplished for me! That's love indescribable!!

Undulation 3 - abstraction of a leaf

2010-04-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Undulation 3, 10 x 8" Oil on canvas
©2010, Helen Read
Framing is optional, painted around the sides

For more information about this painting,
please click here.

Celebrating Spring! A Special Offer on Note Cards:

2010-03-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Spring!
Floral Note Card Set -
8 cards/envelopes, 4 designs (featuring my original art works)
Each set is $10.00 + shipping
(IL residents, please add 8.25% sales tax)

Special price through the month of April
2 sets - $18.00
(shipping in US - 2 sets $5.00)

To see more of my original art work in the form of note cards or prints,
please click here.

Pepper Halves - An Old Favorite

2010-03-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

Red Pepper Halves, 6x6" Oil on canvas
©2007, Helen Read
Ready to frame

For a convenient link to this painting, please click here.

Peppers of many colors - an Old Favorite

2010-03-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Peppers - multicolored, 6x6" Oil on canvas
©2007, Helen Read
Ready to frame

For more information on this painting,
please click here.

To find out more about my work,
please visit my website

Old Favorites - Tomatoes in a Basket

2010-03-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Old Favorites - A Pair of Pears

2010-03-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

A Pair of Pears, 6x6" Oil on canvas
©2007, Helen Read
Ready to frame

More more information on this painting, please click here.

Another one of my favorites! These 2 pears have such great color to them, and I love the color in the shadows below!

Old Favorites - Purple Kohlrabi

2010-03-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

This spring season has been very busy, resulting in a slower pace in the studio due to work, classes I'm taking, and other personal commitments. Therefore, I'm going to be reviewing some of my favorite paintings from time to time. This is one of them!

Asleep!

2010-03-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

pieces.....

2010-03-06T06:32:00.001-08:00

Fields of Gold

2010-02-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

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.