From My Studio: Exploring Helen Alice Johnson’s Creative Process
Each week, Helen Alice Johnson takes inspiration from the natural world that surrounds her in Alston, Cumbria. Her paintings reflect the landscapes, gardens, and changing seasons, offering viewers a glimpse into the beauty of nature. In this blog, Helen shares the moments that spark her creativity, from a walk in the countryside to the sight of a flower blooming in her garden.
Easter in France - Week 13
Looking forward to a delightful Easter Weekend, aren't you? Don't be surprised by the deviation from my usual painting; I've been dabbling in a different kind of art! I took a break from the easel to create these beautiful, gilded hens eggs, a unique Easter gift for my friends that breaks the chocolate tradition.
Back to France - Week 12
I have been on the move again this week. Travelling from Alston to France, with a bit of shopping for paints along the way. I have been shopping for Acrylic paints to make abstract paintings and brought them back to my studio to try them out. Also, some great news - following the successful launch of the exhibition in London - EmpowerHer: Creativity, Courage and Magical Thinking, by CasildArt in London, the exhibition has been extended and now runs until the 7th April, so please visit if you can. 32, Connaught Street, London. W2 2AF
Out and About - Lake District to London - Week 11
What a whirlwind of a week I’ve had this week! With one painting finished, I’ve found time to visit art galleries and see other peoples amazing art work in person. I've been to Rheged in The Lake District, as well as The Gallery in The Hills, otherwise known as the Dennis Kilgallon Gallery. I have also travelled down to London to visit CasildArt Gallery in Connought Street, to see my painting Crossing Over, in an exhibition there as part of a celebration of the recent International Women's Day. The exhibition EmpowerHer: Creativity, Courage and Magical Thinking runs until 24th March. Please visit if you can. My painting ‘Oxygen’ is also there, in reserve.
Studio 24: IWD Week 10
As well as packing paintings and posting paintings, I have managed time to paint paintings too! In this short video blog I show you my week as an abstract landscape artist and share some of my thought processes as well as practical aspects of being an artist. I made the local news with my entry to CasildArt exhibition EmpowerHER: Creativity, Courage and Magical Thinking, and am hugely looking forward to sharing with you next week as I attend the preview evening and see all the other fabulous art work on show.
Paradise on the River Nent Week 9!
Working en plein air by the banks of the River Nent in Cumbria, an AONB I feel blessed to be an artist. My next large abstract/ slightly spiritual painting is well on the way this week and in this video I show you lots of preparatory work to get to this point. Watercolours, felt tip pens, oils and acrylics all feature this week in several sketchbooks as well as work on the easel. I have also been selected to be part of an exhibition at CasildArt in Marble Arch, London to celebrate International Women's Day IWD. To say I am thrilled would be an understatement!
Getting Sorted - Week 8
A very varied week this week. I have been out seeking landscape inspiration for my next painting along the beautiful River Nent in Cumbria as well as framing my large abstract painting called Somewhere In Between and smaller abstract paintings that are now finished, which are all looking fabulous in their Farrow and Ball Winbourne White frames! These smaller pieces are definitely Affordable Art, due to their size and would also make great gifts for an art lover. I have also been stretching canvases ready to start my next painting based on the River Nent and finishing off a couple of small experimental pieces, and experimenting with pattern as a structure to help with composition, also experimental, in readiness for this next painting.
A little bit of everything this week…
Another week of being out and about - delivering cards and visiting galleries - its been a full and fun packed week. And the medium sized abstract landscape painting inspired by the captivating church in Les Chapelles, Northern France, is now complete! I am truly delighted with this colourful, vibrant painting, boasting an appealing looser finish while maintaining its intricate pattern. The unique manner in which the church seems to emerge through the space in between is especially intriguing!
Out and About in Cumbria - Week 6
Back from France I have been straight into work, visiting locations across Cumbria where I sell work, as well as beginning to develop my two paintings currently on the easel. My journey through Cumbria has been an exhilarating mix of peace, learning, and spontaneous adventures. The fabulous Rydal Mount was as usual a real treat, while the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery served up a cultural feast. Handling the snow showers became an unexpected yet delightful challenge! Amidst this exciting mix, I've been able to enhance and evolve my two smaller paintings, first started in France, and now being perfected in the inspiring landscape of Cumbria.
Searching for Gold…Leaf! Week 5
This week I am on the hunt for more gold leaf for my paintings in Northern France. I visit several art shops including Burolike and La Tete dans Le Cadre, before eventually finding it at an old favourite of mine - Cultura in Laval. I have also been busy in my studio and have two new paintings well on the go, ready to take back to the UK this week to finish off and get framed up ready for sale. My fluorescent theme continues, and at the moment is providing a real vibrancy to the paintings, which I like, although I am influenced by the weather in my paintings and so a trip back to Cumbria might make them a little more subtle in colour - we'll have to wait and see!