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Helen Faythe Green
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Lineage, an Artist's Heritage

8/8/2014

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PictureJan Herring, matriarch of a family of artists.
The title of my present show, Lineage, came out of my desire to connect some of the artists that have influenced me directly and indirectly. If I hadn't been surrounded by the creative process, I seriously doubt that I would have attempted to follow a path as a painter. My mother, Jan Herring, was such a strong, determined woman in her artistic pursuits as well as her personality. She was also a very generous teacher, sharing her
technique, knowledge and very strong opinions with her students through her workshops and her books. 

Jan began her formal study with Frederick Taubes, who was an contributor to American Artist magazine, developed paints and other products for Permanent Pigments, and was also the author of over 40 books.  After just one workshop with him, he asked her to be his assistant the next year, so she must have been a quick study. It wasn't long before she offered her own summer courses and developed her unique style.

My brother, William A. Herring, and I saw her painting everyday in her studio. He also pursued an artist's life with a similar personality. I am convinced that he is an artistic genius and has no fear.


The passion for creating was passed to Jan's grandchildren as they, too, grew up in her studio.  She had "art class" for them on a regular basis when they were kids.  My three daughters really think outside the box because of her.  Amanda and Emily have continued in the artistic family tradition in their own, Amanda with painting and ceramics, Emily in 
a business she founded as a knitwear designer working with Peruvian women.
My mom would be proud.


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"Garden" by Jan Herring
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Working in a series

3/27/2014

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First try
   I often find myself working the same theme or design of a painting repeatedly in order to get all I want out of an idea.  If I am happy with a basic concept, I will try different approaches to expressing that image.  My goal is to avoid overworking or trying to put too much in one painting. I find it so satisfying just applying paint to paper that it is difficult to stop. After painting the same subject several times, the work seems more confident, simplified and usually a better painting.
   Backyard Relics is a resent series that has eight attempts at this time.  Two I considered unsuccessful and they are in the scrap pile.   See what you think about the others.  I think I have this one out of my system, but maybe not.
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Seventh
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Eighth
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Second
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Third
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Fourth
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Moko Jumbies

2/18/2014

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During the time I lived on St Croix, I became familiar with dancers on stilts known as Moko Jumbies.  I love this photo of  Moko Jumbies dancing at a Valentine Jump Up on the streets of St. Croix.  Local kids train on stilts until it is second nature and when they are grown, they become one of the main attractions on the island.  Anyone who paints, including me, is soon drawn into the costumes, exaggerated heights, patterns, and movement of the performance.
One troupe meets cruise ships coming into port and tourists are treated to a swirl of bright colors in Caribbean sunlight that naturally lends itself to watercolor.
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"Moko Jumbie", 4"x10", Unframed original watercolor, $75
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Red and White Moko Jumbies at a Valentine Jump Up on the island of St. Croix
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"Moko Jumbies", 8"x10", Unframed original watercolor, $100
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Welcome to my website and blog

2/12/2014

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On these pages, I would like to discuss the inspiration for my paintings, and share my journey through the creative process.  I would appreciate your comments on any of the art you see on this site.
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    Author

    Helen Green paints in a variety of media.  Her current focus is watercolor.

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