About the Artist

Educational Background:

Master of Arts in Teaching -National Louis University - IL
60+ hrs - graduate course work - St. Francis University, Valparaiso University

B.A.  (Art):
Wheaton College - Wheaton, IL

Professional Information:

1999-present
A studio artist
Collectors of Helen's art located throughout the US, Europe, and Asia 

2021 - present
online instructor ~drawing, painting

2002-2021
Fine Arts Teacher  ~ Wheaton North High School 
(drawing, painting, jewelry/metalsmithing, design, ceramics)

Bio:

Some of my earliest memories involve creative expression!  I was born in Dallas and raised in rural North Texas.  I credit those formative years of living in the country for my love of nature.  Early art lessons and then an art major in college secured my love for art, and gave me a sense of finding my God-given design.

From Texas I came to the Chicago area as a college student and graduated from Wheaton College. For several years I worked in the commercial art field before raising a family. After my family was a little older, I returned to painting as my creative expression of choice.  I especially grew to love the colors, textures, and handling of oil paint. 

A few years later, I completed a Master’s degree and began teaching fine art as a public high school instructor.  I taught a wide variety of courses over the next 19 years, including drawing, painting, mixed media, design, ceramics and metalsmithing/jewelry making.  During this time, in 2007, I adopted a daily art-making practice and an online presence through my website and blog.  It’s been my privilege to sell my work from coast to coast and in Europe and Asia.  I’ve also been privileged to sell my work to TV productions, a nationwide coffee company, as well as for other commercial projects.

Today, my studio work includes painting landscapes and other themes from nature.  I also exhibit my work in both solo and group shows, and I write regularly to encourage and support other artists in their creative journeys.  I enjoy teaching both in workshops and through online courses in drawing and painting that I’ve created.  Though I no longer live in a rural setting, the beauty of Creation is a constant inspiration and theme throughout my work.

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You may enjoy finding out more about how my faith and art intersect in my Artist’s Statement.