Happily ensconced on the north end of Camano Island, Washington with her husband, John, and her Maine Coon cat Rum Tum Tugger, Helen feels like she has finally found home. After retiring from teaching in 2004 she started taking art classes. " I have taken art classes since I was in high school, but this time I had the time, the heart, and the energy to transform taking classes into becoming an artist."
In 2006 she started to experiment with acrylic paints and mediums. Her style is still emerging and is being influenced by her love of textured sculptural forms and flowing earthy colors. "My intent is to create abstract works that have a visceral impact on the viewer."
Helen uses acrylic mediums, yarns, jewelry, laser trans, stones, and plants to create a variety of textures and layers. She enjoys working with the yarns and their long, unruly strands as they help her to create interesting random lines. "I use an intuitive approach to my work after the planning, sketching, and the development of the color boards. The paintings just seem to grow after the first layers are in place."
Helen's work has been seen in four juried shows this year and one gallery show, Brushes with the Land 2008 at Gallery by the Bay in Stanwood.
Helen Saunders Art
