Helen McCullagh
Artist’s Statement
“A love of oil paint, and colour theory in general is the drive behind my work. A combination of soft layers and thick impasto areas informs my process, with a preference for intuitive colour mixing rather than preplanning. The still life form offers the perfect subject matter to deeply explore colour, it’s contrast; it’s dance. I paint as a means of meditation, as a way of discovering, of learning what works and why. Pattern, colour and composition being the main focus.
Biography
Helen is best known for her bright, contemporary and aesthetically beautiful still life oil paintings. Helen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Cross University. She is a professional artist who shares her knowledge and techniques as an art educator and previously at the Gallery of Modern Art. Her work is internationally sought after and regularly reviewed. She is a significant prize winner and was most recently received Highly Commended in the prestigious Muswellbrook Art Prize (2015). Helen’s work is often featured in interior magazines including Belle, Real Living, Home Beautiful, Country Style and House and Garden along with international publications Martha Stewart Living, Vein (Spain), Libelle (Netherlands). Her work is also featured on blogs such as Design Sponge and The Jealous Curator.
Helen is a past student of Downlands (2004)Influences
I’m strongly influenced by the modernists and more particularly Henri Matisse, Andre Derain, Vuillard, Bonnard, Margaret Preston and Fairfeld Porter”.
Awards
Highly commended Muswellbrook Art Prize
Exhibitions
Shows:
2021 ‘Summer Salon’ Michael Reid Studio Direct, Sydney
2020 ‘An Unlikely Romance’ Michael Reid Studio Direct, Sydney
2020 ‘Autumn Group Show’ Fenton & Fenton
2018 No Peace in Quiet, Curated by Aimee Turulli and The Project Agency, Melbourne
2018 We are One, Sydney Road Gallery, Sydney
2018 StudioGalleryMelbourne Launch exhibition
2018 Solo AK Bellinger Gallery
2017 Life/Still, Saint Cloche, Sydney
2017 School a Gift, Charity Exhibition, Fenton & Fenton
2016 'Hinterland Hues' Art2Muse Sydney 12 - 25 April 2016
2016 'Ambience Store Project' Ambience Store, Brisbane, curated by Carrie McCarthy
2016 'A Place we Dream of' - Michael Reid Gallery
2015 'Summer Group Show 15', Fenton & Fenton, Melbourne
2015 Fleurt, Saint Cloche, Paddington, curated by Amber Creswell Bell
2015 Fenton & Fenton, Melbourne Australia
2015 'Terrigal in Bloom' KAB Gallery Terrigal
2015 43rd Muswellbrook Open Art Prize - Highly Commended
2015 Fenton & Fenton, Melbourne Australia
2015 KAB Gallery group show, Terrigal
2014 Finalist "Caldera Art Prize" - Tweed Regional Gallery/Caldera Art Gallery, Murwillumbah
2014 "Bentley Art Prize" - Bentley
2010 Winner - "Stanthorpe Art Prize" - Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery, Stanthorpe
2010 Downlands College Art Exhibition - Toowoomba
2010 "Velveteen Dream" - Bleeding Heart Gallery - Brisbane - SOLO
2010 Padua College Art Exhibition - Padua College, Brisbane
2009 "Transit" Graduate Exhibition - Southern Cross University, Lismore
2009 Downlands College Art Exhibition, Toowoomba
Website
Showing all 3 artworks
Helen McCullagh
Parrot tulips & Poppies
43 x 33 x 5cm Oil on Poly Cotton Canvas $1,100.00
Helen McCullagh
Orchids & Hydrangea
43 x 33 x 5cm Oil on Poly Cotton Canvas $1,100.00