Zinnia I

60x60x4cm original acrylic painting on cradled ply panel framed in deep light pine float/ tray frame 68 deep x11mm
Please note that the frame and signature details are generic and not this particular painting but are indicative of the frame and initials on the front. Paintings are also signed in pencil on the back.

As part of my residency at The Acres, I drew in my sketchbook every week for 6 months. I mainly drew flowers in ink with crayons to indicate colour. This rich source of observational material has led to a series of floral paintings painted in the studio. 

I have made 5 triptychs, although the paintings function just as well as solo pieces they were created together in a mini-series of three. I chose these flowers as I had a personal connection to each. My father grew delphiniums each summer in the north of England. We would take a posey of Anenomes to my Grandmother every time we visited. My parents grew zinnias and my mother loved the scent of stocks. My grandparents and parents all grew roses and I have been delighted I have been able to grow them in Queensland.

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.