Bowl of Lemons

This piece was conceived as part of a series of 21 40x40cm panels, 21 still life images of simple arrangements of fruit and vegetables. I was concerned with the play of light, colour, shape and value. I was interested in exploring reflected light and shadows in my studio during the month of May when the sunlight streams in
I approached this work as a mindfulness exercise. Each piece is simple and quiet, concerned with careful observation. The work is a resting place.
I teach painting and use still life often in class. This work helped me to “practice what I preach” and work through some of the problems students encounter whilst tackling similar subjects. Choosing a subject for painting can be problematic, painting something simple can stretch you without having to reinvent the wheel.

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Helen has been a practising artist since completing an MA in Textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is a full-time artist and tutor, working and teaching from her purpose-built studio set on 9 rural acres in Cedar Creek, northside of Brisbane.She lived and worked in Bermuda for many years before settling in SE Queensland. Her work has been shown in group and solo exhibitions in the USA, Canada, The Caribbean, the UK, Bermuda, Europe, Russia and Australia, it can be found in private, corporate and public collections.

Helen's art is bursting with exuberant colour and texture realised in acrylic on board.Her work begins with observational drawings on location developed into lushly layered paintings in the studio. Her work explores genius loci, seeking to find echoes and connections to other places and spaces. Her love of landscape and gardens nurtures ancestral connection and is a central theme of her practice. Her textile training is evident in the marks, pattern, texture and colour of her work.

She completed a year-long artist-in-residence at a local flower farm in May 2024. Her time at the farm produced a major body of work of plein air landscapes and botnical studio paintings. She spent the year drawing and painting on location. Her drawings were developed into richly textured paintings in the studio.

Helen's practice is realised in acrylic on ply. The majority of her work is finished with 3 coats of gloss medium. This enhances the complex layers of paint and colour in the work. If you would like a stain finish please message Helen and she can apply a soft wax to render a satin finish.