I am a British artist and illustrator producing original artworks and commissions for sale online. I sell watercolours, acrylics, fine art, giclée prints and hand-pulled prints. My preferred subjects are birds, landscapes and architecture.
I recently relocated from London to West Yorkshire and quickly became immersed in the landscape. Seeking destinations which resonate with me, I stop the car to sketch what I see, aiming to capture the ever-changing land and sky of Calderdale and Bradford surrounds. I am intrigued by the speed at which the light can change over the moors and the extremes of the weather — wind and rain can quickly give way to sparkling sunshine breaking the clouds. Being disabled prevents me from traversing the land by foot so I sit, observing and feeling the elements, which I find invigorating and energising.
Cragg Vale, where I have painted this series, is situated at the beginning of one of England’s longest gradients and as I wind along the road, the contrasting views take my breath away. I can sit for hours, finding peace, calm and deep serenity, which I find immensely cathartic and an effective way to manage pain levels and stress. I sketch the scenes in my sketchbook, completing the works in my studio which involves preparing the surface with gesso and gauze creating subtle structure before I paint glaze over glaze in subtle layers of oil pigments mixed with poppy oil. This is mindful, slow and I express myself intuitively with every stroke using Japanese brushes.
Every day is a new day with so much to explore.
Several years ago I asked Helen to do a picture of our home – a large double fronted Victorian house in Ealing, West London – as a present for my husband and to celebrate living in the house for over 40 years.
The result was an amazingly beautiful representation of the house. The level of detail and careful perspective resulted in a painting of fantastic atmosphere and one which captured the heart of the house.
Helen’s approach to doing the commission was enthusiastic and thoughtful, carefully making sure my husband never knew that she was regularly visiting the property to ensure her final image showed the house in the best light.
Now the final work has pride of place in our hallway and is much admired. When we eventually leave, it will be an amazing memento of our home.
Kitty Hartnell—Ealing BEAT founder
Helen is a very gifted and instinctive artist, whose work reflects her compassionate and empathic heart. Over the past twelve years, I have had the extemely good fortune, of being able to commission Helen, to create beautiful pieces of art, given as gifts, for special occasions, including: christenings, weddings and anniversaries. Helen's art is authentic and reflects her passion for people, the natural world and architecture. Without exception, each commission, has been both admired and treasured by every recipient in equal measure. ♥️
Teresa Morrish-Griffin
I met Helen at an art show in London several years ago, while looking for artworks for my clients. Helen’s beautiful pieces immediately struck a chord with me and I have been buying from her ever since. I particularly love her series on Japanese cherry blossoms and magnolias. Today several of her artworks grace the elegant apartments of Manhattan's Upper East and Upper West Sides. Helen is a consummate artist with a wonderful eye who has an ability to catch both the beauty and the whimsy of her subjects. I look forward to buying more pieces from her in the future.
Tim Lester
Interior designer, New York
We have seen Helen's work over a number of years and were always impressed by the high standard of her pieces. So, when we wanted a painting of Tewkesbury Abbey for our new home we decided to commission Helen. We've recently put it up in our hallway, it looks fantastic: the colours and the light are stunning.
Helen was great to work with, very professional, creative and flexible in her approach. We asked her to paint a watercolour of toucans for our holiday home in a colour scheme to compliment another artwork. Again, we were delighted with the result. We would definitely recommend Helen and her bespoke work. It's been a delight working with her.
Barbara and Karnel Goldsack Singh
London
I have loved every minute of Helen's one to one lessons in watercolour painting which I started with her as an absolute beginner. Helen prepares meticulously for each lesson. She gives very clear instruction and demonstration, as well as totally professional tuition, drawing on her experience of a lifetime devoted to art.
And while she is unfailingly enthusiastic about my work, she also gives honest and constructive feedback which helps to constantly improve my observation, my technique, and choice of colour.
Steven Williams
Founder & Director
Helen brings an exquisite sensibility and a lifetime of remarkable technical skill to everything she draws and paints.
We own a number of her paintings, each unique in subject, in her inspired use of colour and in impact.
These include a commission of our house in Italy, an old stone barn on a hillside.
From photos and descriptions Helen managed to capture the rugged quality of the stone, the worn beauty of age and function, the contrast of dark turquoise shutters and wooden doors.
It wasn't an easy subject - and will be a wonderful souvenir in the future.
We can't recommend Helen and her unique work highly enough.
Ruth McCarthy
I have known Helen for over 15 years. She is a wonderful artist and has produced bespoke art for me including watercolour painted cards of varying sizes celebrating Christmas, Easter, birthdays and anniversaries.
I can loosely say that I come up with some of the concept, but through her drafts and proposals, Helen realises my vision.
She also produced a superb, framed painting of the front of our house including a painting technique to represent our projecting bay window.
Some of her bespoke cards which are paintings in their own right, have now been framed and have a prominent location in the houses of my friends.
Helen is an unbelievably talented artist and I will continue to commission her to do our artwork.
Robert White
BSc (Hons) FRICS MCIArb
Ealing, London
