Helena van Emmerik-Finn

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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.

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