...in the studio
Biography
William Helvey is a fine art photographer and artist. He has painted and photographed figurative and natural subjects throughout the nation. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education from Southwest Missouri State University and a Master's Degree in Art from the University of Missouri. He currently teaches adult drawing, painting and fine art photography classes.
He has received numerous awards for his photographs and artwork. Helvey has had seventy nine art exhibits and eighteen photography exhibits during his thirty seven years as a professional artist and fine art photographer. His work is collected internationally by many private and corporate art and photography collections. Helvey is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the Midwest and listed in America's Outstanding Professionals.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
For over thirty seven years I have worked extensively as an artist, discovering and working with a variety of subject matter themes and media. My work comprises a body of art that has paralleled interests in photography, drawing and painting.
Two factors have influenced the type of work that I have produced. They are subject matter and the medium. My preference of subject matter is landscapes and figurative subjects. The intent of my figurative photography is to show images that reflect personalities and character of each model. The interaction of the figure to the environment is crucial in some cases to show the relationship of models to their surroundings. The viewer interprets these images as interrelated forms, masses, shapes, planes, values, textures, and locations in space. The figure's dynamics also defines the "look" and "feel" of emotion in each image.
The majority of my photography has been black and white photography. It is a medium that departs from reality due to the lack of realistic color renditions. The use of subtle whites, grays and blacks gives a hint of abstraction, but still evokes a sense of feeling to each subject.
The design and expression of each image are interrelated. The representational impact of each black and white image directly relates to the abstract qualities of the subject. The black and white photograph is unique, universal, and has emotional power that is difficult to achieve in other mediums.
Landscape photography is also depicted in much the same way as my other themes. Much of each image is something unusual. It could be the total design, or it could be unsual forms, or shapes that make up the photograph. Each image generally has some emotional appeal attached to it. It could be an approaching storm, a quiet forest, or a gentle mountain stream. Consequently, most images have an undercurrent of symbols and expressions associated them them.
In my drawings and paintings, I have emphasized traditional drawing techniques along with the subjects that were discussed in photographic work. My favorite materials in my drawings are graphite and colored pencils, pen and ink, and a limited palette of watercolors.
Oils have been produced during my entire career. Many styles and subjects have been explored, especially landscapes, figures, portraits and still lifes-from realism, representational to abstraction. My present emphasis is a series of abstract paintings that reflect feelings, thoughts and possible consequences of human conflict.
My creativity in the arts is somewhat unique among artists and photographers. I can work confortably with traditional artist's materials, and also with traditional and emerging fine art photography techniques. I have a desire to work and explore the dimensions of all the arts, whether it be pen and ink drawings, watercolors, oils, or the use of digital mediums in photography and video.
MODEL PORTFOLIOS
Models wishing to be considered to have a photography portfolio created, should contact William Helvey (bhelvey@aol.com), and send a short bio and small picture for review. If accepted, terms can be arranged.
...more info
Workshops and Courses Presented:
-33 art, photography and video production classes/workshops
Publications:
-47 authored or contributed (art and photography)
Grants:
-6 in the areas of communication and technology
Art & Photography Judging:
-10 art exhibitions
Awards, Professional Honors and Exhibits:
-78 art solo exhibits
-19 photography solo exhibits
-130 films/videos produced and directed (many with prizes/honors)
-71 group art exhibits (with prizes/honors)
-21 group photography exhibits (with prizes/honors)
ART COLLECTION TIPS
Here a few tips to remember when collecting art, whether you are a beginner or an experienced art collector!
-Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because you will enjoy your purchase over time.
-Visit art galleries and on-line galleries as often as you can. You will begin to see the type of art that you are interested in and the price range you can afford.
-Get on gallery mailing lists, e-newsletters, announcements, and exhibition schedules so you will know what is going on in the art world.
-Visit and join your local art museums and non-profit art centers. Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art and fine art photography.
-Attend art and photography exhibitions on-line and in galleries and museums whenever possible.
-If you know art collectors, talk to them and find out what they know and what they've learned about collecting art.
-Read books on art history and fine art photography. The more you know about your subject the more you will appreciate artists and their work.
-Buy art for the long haul. It can be a great investment. Art may or may not increase in value. Buy it because you specifically enjoy it.
-Read reviews by local and national art critics, keeping in mind that reviews usually just reflect one person’s opinion.
Favorite Links
Art/Photography
|
)
)
)
)
)
)