Rich Colours & Radiant Light with Helen Peel
Whether brushes for hair, on canvas or with international fame, Helen Peel revels in the artistic side of life, reveals Helen Flanagan.
Helen Peel admits to a laidback upbringing in Victoria’s Geelong, where her father was a well-known footballer and the family were strong supporters of the game. At school she dabbled in pencil drawings, however with limited career opportunities for a teenager, her love of colour found its form in a hairdressing career. And she certainly blossomed.
Several hairdressing salons in Victoria were opened, awards were won in Las Vegas at world championships, and as a consultant for L’Oreal, she added to her trophy collection when her career went international. Such excitement being chosen for the launch of the company’s new Kerastase range at the ultra-luxurious Trump Tower hair salon in New York. Yes, of course she met Donald Trump, also Ivana and no, she did not cut nor colour that mop of hair.
Returning after the whirlwind adventures, Helen decided to extend her artistic pursuits. Fashionista Maggie Tabberer was her inspiration for setting up a colour and styling consultation for corporate and personal clients, and a seemingly naturally follow-on was opening an interior design business.
Travel to Europe in the late ‘70s certainly stimulated her artistic expression.
“I was spellbound, spent far too much time in galleries absorbing wonderful work from famous artists such as the Italian Peno, also Turner, Rembrandt and many other old masters,” recalled Helen.
“In Paris I sketched buildings, beautiful flowers, people out strolling and in later years travelled extensively throughout Europe again; also Asia, taking photographs for inspiration at different times of the day as the light changed.”
After a course in sculpture, Helen decided it was time to focus on becoming a serious artist, engaging in one-on-one classes with local Bill Mackay who became a mentor, and gave her the confidence to hold exhibitions. He also taught her the Renaissance technique.
As a multimedia artist she enjoys the process of creation, pushing techniques to extremes, evoking different stories,
or portraying emotions, whilst capturing the essence of life and topographies in a non-representational way.
Abstract or literal, no matter how art is presented, it ideally provokes deep thoughts and discussions, such as her latest body of work depicting the diversity of life forms in the oceans.
“I love painting large or small canvases with oils using brushes, palette knife and rags to bring depth, richness and complexity to subjects which vary from French, Italian and Asian scenes to ballet, flora and a particular favourite, portraiture,” she said.
“Several years ago, I painted a portrait of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, now Catherine, Princess of Wales.
I admire her immensely, hence the portrait which most people think is a photograph. That’s because of the technique used. Chiaroscuro, the contrast of light and shade, a term coined during the Renaissance period is an exacting method of paint layering and rubbing-off to give dramatic texture and finish.
“Catherine still graces our wall, and I do have plans to paint the current gorgeous Catherine from a recent photo taken at the Queen’s funeral. I hope I can capture her beauty once again.”
Helen recalls ‘discovering’ Noosa as a kid staying in a caravan park and basking in sunshine, unlike other Victorian families who took to the snowfields. It wasn’t until 20 years ago when she and importer husband David fulfilled their dream and retired to Noosa Waters, where she paints and has held numerous exhibitions, also at the Cooroy Butter Factory, Noosa Regional Gallery and being part of the Noosa Open Studios.
Exhibitions include The Love of Paris, Cahaya Matahari, Journeys French and Italian, La Dolce Vita and Masks; many artworks including commissions, have found homes throughout Australia and overseas such as Canada, Singapore, and Europe; and paintings are off the easel in readiness for an exhibition later this year.
French impressionist artist Edgar Degas once said: “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
Synonymous of Helen Peel, who advises everyone to expand their creative juices, and find fulfillment and happiness through art, one brush stroke at a time.
EXHIBITION OF ART
Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August
Visit Helen in her home gallery to find out more about her process and inspiration, view her artworks and buy direct from the artist.
For more information or to book an appointment for a private viewing, phone Helen on 0411 511 533. www.helenpeelartist.com
