Helen Hurst

Helen Hurst

Carolina Artist Studio Gallery ~ 800 Evans Street Morehead City NC 28557 ~ (252)726-7550

I have been drawing and sketching since the first time I was allowed to hold a pencil. My first attempt at
painting came when my father volunteered my services to paint a mural for the baptistery of a planned
new church building in our little town (population 496). When I protested that I didn't know how to
paint, his response was, "It won't be finished for several months, You can learn," and he took me to
buy brushes and paint. I painted the mural   and needless to say it was not a masterpiece. I breathed
a sign of relief when it was destroyed during repairs to the wall many years later.

in caring for our two children, my artistic urges   most often found expression in activities revolving
around my home and children.      Sixteen years ago, I finally dared take the time for a water color
class, and it was love at first brush stroke.   I took drawing and watercolor   classes with   Kathy Pickett
for about two years, and have attended workshops taught by Sue Russell, Janet Dixon, Linda Griffin,
Tony Couch, and Bridget Austin. I continue my search for improvement with the aid of books and
DVD's. In November 2000, at the urging of my family and friends, I entered two pieces in a local
competition and was awarded first place in watercolor for one and honorable mention for the other.
Several other awards have followed.   I was Artist of the Month at the New Bern Regional Library for
March 2003, and in November of 2006 at the Estuarium in Washington, North Carolina. I am a
member of Carolina Artist Studio Gallery,    the Twin Rivers Artists Association, the Craven Arts
Council, and the Watercolor Society of North Carolina.

We first came to North Carolina about thirty years ago and quickly grew to love this beautiful state. We
returned to make it our permanent home when my husband retired from the Navy in 1981. It provides
endless resources for artistic inspiration. I also draw on the experience of visiting 47 of our 50 states
-- and living in 14 of them plus the trust territory of Guam.   Landscapes are my favorite subjects
landscapes.   I strive to capture not just the scene itself but also the mood or feeling of the place-the
cold isolation of a lighthouse in winter, the steamy lushness of a southern summer day, the
peacefulness of a woodland path. Flowers, and nature's small creatures are also fascinating subjects.
   Painting is, for me, a celebration of the beauty I find in the world around me.

"Lily" $225

Josie's Barn" Watercolor $275

"Apple Blossoms" $225

"Seashells" $225