Fall 2008,     Issue #1        Back to Helen's Website

Summer Sun and Fun …. and Paint!

We've had a great summer here in Wheaton! It started with a festive occasion at Lake Tahoe, CA in June! My oldest son, Andrew,
was married to his beautiful bride, Michelle, in an absolutely stunning setting! It was a time for great happiness
for them as they start their new lives together, living in Phoenix, AZ. We also had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of
San Francisco while we were in CA.It was the “perfect”day, with-out fog, smoke, or anything to obscure the view as we entered
the city from the Golden Gate Bridge. The city quite literally glittered on the hill as we viewed it from the bay!

After that great start to summer, we returned to the Midwest for a few weeks of rest and restoration after the long haul of the
school year. It was good to assess the year that has just passed, especially from the point of view of my work and what I've been
doing artistically. The past year had produced, with my daily painting project, quite a number of great little paintings, but I found
myself wanting to return, at least sometimes, to larger works.

In June, I began a series of larger paintings with a botanical theme. I have long admired the work of Georgia O'Keeffe, particularly her
botanical work, and while my style is different from hers in many ways, the paintings I created over the summer re call some of her
works that I enjoy so much! The inspiration for my theme comes from several New Testament passages where we are reminded that we
should not worry over the things we will eat or wear because God will provide for us out of his love. The flowers, which are here today
and gone tomorrow, are an example of the quality of God's care; stunning beyond even the glory of kings! These passages are very personal
to me, because of the way that God has been true to his word in my own life! See the end of this newsletter for a little glimpse of some of this
summer's paintings. I hope they illustrate the words of Christ.

Other happenings of the summer included adopting a new kitten and a short, but great trip to visit my family and friends in Texas.
It's always good to go “home”! Then, before I was ready, summer gave way to the fall activities of school starting and teaching once again!

Other Studio News:
April 2008 - I was honored to be the “featured artist” for the month of April at Good Works Gallery in Glen Ellyn, IL.
Primarily, my painted bowls were featured. It was a great day to meet new friends!

See more by clicking here.

Looking ahead - October 2008
Glancer Magazine, a local Wheaton area publication, is due to feature my art in an article about local artists.
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Two New note card sets are now available. To see or order them, click here.

“Fruits of the Spirit” A set of 8 (4 designs) featuring fruit illustrations and a border. $10.00

“Sand and Shells” A set of 8 (2 designs) featuring my watercolor paintings of conch shells. $10.00

Other note cards also available at this link.

A brief bio - Georgia O'Keeffe
I first was attracted to the work of Georgia O'Keeffe some years ago. You've probably seen her work ~ large, magnified
flowers, landscapes of the rugged West Texas and New Mexicoterrain, bones, and some beautiful interpretations of the sky and
sunset, which became colorful abstractions. Her philosophy for her large flower portraits was (paraphrased) - no one stops
to look at a flower. I will paint them so large, it will be im-possible not to see them!

She lived in various places including New York, West Texas, and New Mexico. Some of her best known works are those of
the west. Her work ethic and style are very inspiring! She lived into her late nineties, continuing her work until shortly before
her death. Her work graces the walls of many museums world wide! You can see more of her work at this website:

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Images of my summer '08 botanical works:

Sunflower Triptich, 14 x 48”, Oil on canvas

      
Undulation                                                                           Pretty in Pink
18 x 20” Oil on canvas                                                      20 x 28” Oil on canvas

     
Coneflower 1, 5x7” Oil on canvas             Coneflower 2, 8x8” oil on canvas

From my summer reading - books that I recommend:
Walking With God, by John Eldredge.
- Easy to read and very thought provoking! I also recommend the journal that goes with this book.

Other books I've recently read and recommend:
Creating a Life Worth Living by Carol Lloyd - Written for the artistic spirit who endeavors to live a creative life.

Georgia O'Keeffe - One Hundred Flowers, ed. By Nicholas Callaway

Feedback? I'd like to send out periodic newsletters. What would you like to have included?
Email your suggestions!

Keeping in touch!
Be sure to bookmark my blog!
http://HelenReads.blogspot.com
I update my blog several times a week with new work that has just come off the easel!
(Sometimes, I make a special offer there as well!)

Also, if you are not yet a member of my Google Group, it's easy to sign up!
You'll get a weekly (approximately) email telling you what's new! Your information
is never shared!

You can always send me an email! I love to hear from you!
Studio_upstairs@hotmail.com

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http://HelenCRead.com

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Mailing address:
PO Box 251 - Wheaton, IL 60187