Helena van Emmerik-Finn
"Pastel has been my main media for over forty years. I've recently spent a lot of time painting en-plein air. Working outdoors has helped me so much in my studio work. I try to recreate the envelope of light and color that lets my subjects exist in space. I am also working with oil. It's been an exciting and informative addition for me.
The subject of my paintings is often a spark of color, compositional movement or strong contrasting light, rather than the scene depicted. The preliminary drawing process has become very important to me. Once I have established this strong foundation in my work, I intuitively and quickly apply color."
Helena’s family emigrated from Holland a few weeks before she was born and settled in upper Bucks County. She attended the Philadelphia College of Art where she studied graphic design, photography and film-making. After college, Helena traveled extensively, including back-backing and youth-hostelling through Europe, North Africa and India. She now lives in Doylestown, Bucks County, with her husband, Bob. To see more of Helena's work please check out her website at hvefinn.com
EDUCATION:
Philadelphia College of Art
(1966-1970)
Graphic Design, Photography, Film
PRIVATE STUDY:
Bernard Ungerleider - Oils
Daniel Greene - Pastel
June Maxwell - Pastel
JURIED EXHIBITIONS:
Plein-Air Easton - 2019
Bucks County Plein-Air Festival
Second Place - 2019, 2018
Honorable Mention - 2017
Tinicum Arts Festival - Featured Artist - 2018
Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Annual - 1986 to 2013
Lititz Fine Arts Annual:
Best of Show - 2004
First Prize - Pastel - 2019, 2016, 2015, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1997, 1996
Avalon Fine Arts Annual
First Prize - Drawing - 2013, 2011, 2006, 2002 & 2000
Cape May Outdoor Art Show
Best of Show - 2016, 2011, 2006 & 2002
First Prize - Drawing - 2013, 2003, 2000
Second prize - 2018
Phillips Mill Annual Fall Exhibition
New Hope, Pa. - 2019, 2018, 2016, 2013, 2011,
2007, 2006, 2003, 1997, 1988, 1986, 1983
Yellow Springs Art Show - 1991 - 2019
Poster Artist 2008
Nova - Galaxy Art Show
Featured Artist - 2008
Wilmington Flower Market
Poster Artist - 2011