Sticks and Stones III

I spent 100 days drawing in my garden starting in mid-February and finishing in May. These drawings have become invaluable source material for my painting practice. I drew in a small area finding new plants and compositions each day. I like to draw low to the ground and realised that the ground was just as interesting as the lush flowers and leaves. A long repeating theme in my practice has been the overlooked treasures found on the ground. I loved making these paintings as an invitation to be present and sometimes look down.
I made 3 paintings from one observational drawing in our garden under a eucalyptus tree . The leaf litter, gumnuts, rocks, mulch, sticks and stones have a muted palette and a distinct beauty.
This painting is finished in a gloss medium which enhances the richly layered colours and texture of the work. If you would prefer a satin finish wax can be applied to provide a soft satin finish. Please indicate your preference.

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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.