Muscles, Mussels and More
Well it’s been an eventful bit of time between rendering mussels, nurturing muscles and more.
Gathered by the Tide
The shore has always captivated me. From my early years in Cape Breton to the many beaches in New Brunswick – the shore has always been an important part of my life. There is something mesmerizing about the quiet beauty of a beach scattered with shells that were Gathered by the Tide. Treasures waiting to be discovered. The way the light catches the shells revealing their iridescent blues and purples. This painter’s delight! The salt-worn edges that contrast with their smooth interiors. It’s a subject that I will always keep returning to.
The Art of Texture & Colour
A painting of mussel shells isn’t just about illustrating nature; it’s about capturing how texture and colour work together. The consistency of oil paint is my favourite medium to capture the difference between the rough, worn-out rocks and the shiny pearlescent shells. The shadows cast by the shells add dimension and make my painting feel super realistic.
And a big canvas really helps to bring the scene to life. The scale of this painting really matters. The large canvas allowed me to amplify details in order to pull you into the scene. This painting acts as a statement piece that invites closer inspection.
Emotional Resonance
It’s much more than a still life, this painting evokes a real connection by teasing out personal memories of beach walks, childhood vacations, moments of quiet contemplation. The shells, once home to living creatures, carry a sense of time and transience.
This painting of mussel shells on a beach remains both timeless and contemporary by inviting you the viewer to step closer, to appreciate the details, and to momentarily escape into the serene beauty of the shore. This painting is about discovery. The more you look the more you see. What will you discover?
Returning to My Studio After Full Knee Replacement – My Journey Towards Healing
The BIG lesson
Ding Ding Ding
My new knee is in there!
Recovery takes time. I knew that it would but it’s taking longer than I expected. It’s a continuing journey of physical and emotional challenges both leading up to the surgery and now while convalescing. And I’ve learned a lot about patience – apparently I have very little with myself.
I’ve always joked and said the only kind of patience that I have is impatience.
Through this process the most significant lesson I’ve learned is you that can’t hurry healing. Having the knee replacement forced me to slow down in every aspect of my life, including my art.
It’s More Than Physical Healing
Anyone who has undergone major surgery knows that it’s not just the physical recovery that you need to prepare for. True that the body goes through a long period of rehabilitation, but what about the mind? And how does one stay connected to the creative work they love when your body is not quite ready to cooperate? And you are literally dog tired. Sore. And frustrated. And unable to do the stairs to even get into my studio!
Luckily I’ve been able to distract myself by thinking about the creative process, by having many art conversations with Dale Cook and by sketching while on my chesterfield, planning future projects and watching online videos.
One Step at a Time
Standing for any length of time is currently a challenge so I really had to rethink my approach. Luckily the mussel shell painting that I have been working on has all the unfinished bits left on the lower section of the canvas. This means I could lower my easel and sit to paint!
This was completely unplanned but certainly it was welcomed!
There’s something incredibly empowering (and humbling) about returning to my studio after a period of forced rest. I really, really missed my studio. And it was hard on me. This time of reflection has reaffirmed my passion for painting and has reminded me that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. This is quite literally one step at a time.
Link to a few of previous Mussel Paintings
Collection of some of my previous paintings of mussels in both oil and watercolour
Upcoming events
6 Comments
Brenda deForest
Hi Helen, so sorry to hear you underwent surgery. Hope you are feeling like your normal self very soon 🙏🏻. My cousin had both her knees done and said she’s glad she did. Love your art! Take care!
Helen Shideler
HI Brenda, so nice to hear from you. I’m four ad n a half weeks post surgery and an starting to really notice teh difference. Happiness is having it behind me. I’m happy you are following along with me!
Dale Cook
Helen This painting is very special, not only for its beauty but also for what is means. Well done, my friend. Well done.
Helen Shideler
Thank you so much Dale for being my moral support and cheerleader through all this and more!
Jenn
I love your mussels so much. I can almost smell the salt air. Happy you’re back in the studio. Sending healing vibes ✨
Helen Shideler
Thank you Darlin’ Appreciate the healing vibes!