Having a lifetime interest in fine art and paintings, and developing her skills, Helen Shideler loves to be challenged artistically.
Helen is primarily interested in the transparent use and layering of colour. She applies this approach to painting sunlight and shadows, textures and details. Helen tends to spend much time and energy in exploring subjects on an intimate level getting to know her subject - striving to gather as much information as possible prior to beginning a painting. She gravitates to subjects whereby rich colour and light are of primary focus and the subject matter presents a degree of difficulty.
Her first love is working with watercolour mediums, although, she will often create diversions and will experiment with pastel, fabrics, ink and Prismacolours. The subject usually “tells” her which media is appropriate to accomplish the desired effect. She will recreate an image in different medium until she is satisfied with the end result.
Subject matter over the years includes intimate floral portraits, landscapes, shores, seaweed, angels and family portraits - as long as the subject offers rich colour and detail. Helen paints in a style that is "high in realism while maintaining a painterly feel". Most of Helen’s work is based on personal experiences. Her work changed substantially after a personal life tragedy sent her on a quest to strive to be a productive, positive person. Helen made the decision to focus on colour and light and to only create work that is of interest to her.
Her work is included in numerous public and private collections in Canada. She has been an active supporter of regional art organizations and shows in select invitational shows. Now with trying to balance life’s diversions (kids, family life, home, our gardens, work, walking and more kids, etc.) she prefers to work directly with clients and does accept commissions. She has nine solo exhibits to her credit and has participated in numerous invitational and juried shows throughout the Maritimes.
Read Helen's frontpage cover at KV Times here - Page 1, Page 2, Page 3.
Helen's work can be seen at: www.canartscene.com, www.artistscanada.com, www.artistsincanada.com and most recenty on www.watercolorpainting.com.