Art In Bloom with Helen Dealtry

Helen returns to her roots and paints a landscape of the studio space, including the lake that has inspired her since she arrived, and the varying foliage.

Helen visits her potter friend, RJ, and is gifted a handmade ceramic vase. Helen decorates it with a landscape and florals before firing it in a kiln, and RJ explains the firing process and how the vase becomes waterproof.

Helen uses black paper and white ink to create layers of different seashell varieties, pulling inspiration from memories of her childhood visits to the beach.

Helen shifts her attention outside her studio to focus on insects, florals and butterflies that are local to the area. She pulls inspiration from the colors of the flowers and butterfly wings and uses pen and ink to capture the details of the insects.

Helen pulls inspiration from Betta fish as she uses an array of ink colors and water to create a blooming effect for the tail. She also implements a bleach splatter technique to give dimension to the piece.

Helen works with gouache paint to recreate her favorite landscape photograph from a recent vacation to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She uses masking fluid and layers to create a multidimensional version of the Aspen trees she experienced.