- Aug 14, 2023
- 1 min read
Strumble Head, West Wales. August 2023
Strumble Head Lighthouse was built by Trinity House in 1908, marking the dangerous stretch of coast between Ireland and Wales. It was manned until 1980 and has a light range of 26 nautical miles.
Interestingly, the original revolving lens system (weighing 4½ tons,) was supported in a bath of mercury to reduce friction.
Here's a short film about my visit and making the sketches in ink and charcoal, and a follow-up on the painting back in the studio.
LIGHTHOUSE LOVE
The Light House Project, intoduction
Who knows where ideas are born? but born they are and sometimes, even if you try ignoring them they persist, keep popping up, in apparently random conversations, connections, creations.
So it was with lighthouses. I am a coastal person. I thrive on the changing light and weather of the coast. The constant movement. And I've long been fascinated by these buildings. The thought of visiting as much of the coast of the UK as possible was a dream from decades ago.
Only recently, early in 2023 did it solidify into lighthouse visiting and painting.
I've no plans for this project other than
taking two years to visit and paint as many of these fascinating lifesaving buildings as I can. My aim is to simply appreciate the coast and buildings, the history and people involved with them, share and enjoy the painting.
Looking forward to the different places, weathers, sea states and seeing where this project takes me.
- Jun 16, 2023
- 4 min read
With some slight apprehension (which I am re-labelling excitement) I am about to host a Q&A evening on Thursday 6th July at 6pm, the Teifi Waterside Hotel at Poppit, Pembrokeshire and unveiling my latest series of paintings inspired by the glorious surroundings of the Teifi estuary.
As part of the evening I'll be talking about my process and motives for painting. To be prepared I've been making some notes, and doing a bit of soul searching.
In the talk, I'll be reflecting on my art career over the last two decades, in particular my love of colour, story telling and disregard for the 'rules' of painting.
Finding Happiness and Resilience through the Beauty of Paintings
In life, we all face challenging times that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and searching for solace. During one such period, I discovered a remarkable source of happiness and resilience that helped me navigate through the storm: happy paintings. In this blog post, I want to share my personal journey and how these uplifting artworks became, and continue to be a beacon of light during difficult times.
The Story Behind Happy Paintings: Happy paintings are not just colourful images on canvas; they hold a powerful narrative that resonates. Each stroke of the brush and vibrant hue on the canvas reflects my mission in life - to share the joy. It may seem rather simplistic to some, but it's the strong core of my work, and my being, that I keep returning unapologetically to.
"Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire, and motivate." - Harvey Fierstein
Inspiration from Happy Moments: When life becomes challenging, we often long for happy memories and moments that bring us joy. Happy paintings have a unique way of capturing those cherished experiences. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting us to idyllic holidays, peaceful beaches, and blooming gardens. These visual representations of happy moments serve as a reminder of the beauty and positivity that exist in our lives.
Happiness as a Source of Resilience: During my own difficult times, these paintings became my refuge. They provided a sanctuary where I could escape the hardships and immerse myself in a world filled with color, laughter, and peace. The vibrant scenes of dogs playing, boats sailing on calm waters, and charming villages became symbols of resilience and hope.
The Healing Power of Art: Art, in all its forms, possesses an incredible ability to heal and uplift the human spirit. Happy paintings, in particular, emanate positive energy and radiate joy. The act of observing and immersing oneself in these artworks can have a transformative effect on our emotions, helping us find solace, inspiration, and the strength to persevere.
"Creativity takes courage." - Henri Matisse
Through difficult times, I found that incorporating 'happy paintings' into my daily life made a profound difference. Surrounding myself with these colours and stories created a positive atmosphere, reminding me to focus on the beauty that exists amidst the chaos. They served as gentle reminders to seek happiness, even in the smallest of moments.
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." - Thomas Merton
We all have difficult time and finding happiness and resilience is essential. Happy paintings became my guiding light during such times, providing a much-needed source of joy and strength. Through their playful narratives and vibrant imagery, these artworks continue to inspire and uplift me. The nourishing power of art can truly calm our lives and help us navigate with hope.
Art is the highest form of hope." - Gerhard Richter.
Does this mean I can only paint Happy Pictures when I'm not happy? It did for a while, but now, not at all. Joy sparks joy and as has been said 'Joy shared is never diminished'
If you'd like to hear and see more
Join us for an evening journey through my creative process, exploring the stories behind the artwork and the inspirations that breathe life into my 'happy pictures'. I hope you'll smile at the vibrant scenes of dogs playing on warm sandy beaches, boats gently sailing along the estuary, picturesque villages nestled amidst lush greenery, and the spectacular blooming great beauty of flowers that adorn the landscape, and my kitchen table!
During the Q&A session, you'll have the opportunity to connect with me directly and gain insights into my work. Ask me about my creative techniques, the significance of the Teifi estuary in the work, or anything that sparks your curiosity.... I reserve the right to say I don't know! But I hope this intimate interaction will deepen your appreciation for the artistry and love that goes into each painting.
I'd love you to join me, it's such a pleasure to talk in person to people who have an interest in my work. If you would like to join us, please contact the Teifi Waterside hotel directly to secure your seat. Bring a friend, and be a part of this celebration as we unveil the new vibrant, joyful, memorable Teifi estuary series and have a good time together.
love
Helen
- Apr 3, 2023
- 2 min read
Using green in your paintings.
Color theory is the study of how colors interact with each other. It is a fundamental part of art and design, and it can be used to create a variety of effects.
When painting with green, it is important to consider the color wheel. The color wheel is a circular arrangement of colors that shows the relationships between them. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. The secondary colors are orange, green, and purple. The tertiary colors are created by mixing primary and secondary colors.
There are three main types of color schemes: analogous, complementary, and triadic. Analogous colors are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They create a harmonious and pleasing effect. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a strong contrast and can be used to create dramatic effects. Triadic colors are three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. They create a balanced and harmonious effect.
When painting with green, it is also important to consider the value and saturation of the color. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. Saturation refers to the intensity of a color. A high-saturation color is very bright and vibrant, while a low-saturation color is more muted.
By understanding color theory, artists can create paintings that are visually appealing and have the desired effect.
Here are some tips for using color theory when painting with green:
Use analogous colors to create a harmonious and pleasing effect. For example, you could use a range of green shades, from light to dark.
Use complementary colors to create a strong contrast. For example, you could use green and red.
Use triadic colors to create a balanced and harmonious effect. For example, you could use green, red, and blue.
Use different values of green to create depth and interest. For example, you could use a light green for the foreground, a medium green for the middle ground, and a dark green for the background.
Use different saturations of green to create a variety of effects. For example, you could use a high-saturation green for the highlights, a low-saturation green for the shadows, and a medium-saturation green for the midtones.
By following these tips, you can create beautiful paintings that use color theory to their full potential.