Helen French

A lifetime of creating, learning, discovery and trial & error all while working at a "real" job, raising a family, getting on with life - finds me now in retirement with time to get serious about my art - and I'm loving every moment. I would call myself an intuitive abstract painter, I often start out with no idea of what I will create, just playing with paint, collage, dry media, inks, whatever is at hand, letting my emotions free, the music playing, my heart open to whatever will appear.and something always does - it might take just a few layers, it might take weeks or even months. I’ve learned to trust my creative instincts, and to let each of the many layers in my paintings develop in their own way, informed by what is already present on the canvas. I know it’s finished when there is nothing more that needs to be said…..nothing more I could add, nothing that needs to be obscured or removed. I know that can sound pretty unstructured, disordered, or without discipline, but it's how I create - I try to turn off the noise coming from the part of my brain that wants order, objectives, outcomes. And instead to let my inner self take over for a while - some might call it soul work. For me, it is definitely about the journey, not the destination, so imagine my delight when something wonderful emerges! The trick is to know when to stop! The greatest pleasure for me is when one of my paintings speaks, in its own way, to the viewer. My collectors know why they need to add my paintings to their walls….and I love knowing that a painting has found its forever home. My lovely Studio is located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, and visits are always welcome, by arrangement.

This artist is part of Australia's wider art marketplace and arts trail. Browse original Australian art from artists across Australia.