Helena enjoyed drawing and painting since she was a child and contemplated going to art school but instead, pursued a career in museum education. She taught art for a few years before working at the Imperial War Museum and helping at the Heath Robinson Museum in Pinner.

Helena is now attending a part-time course to achieve a MA in children’s book illustration at Anglia Ruskin, University of Cambridge. “The first term was spent doing observational drawing trying to capture the life around me from the local parks to Pinner High Street.  This has been particularly difficult because of covid!  The mantra was ‘draw, draw and draw again!’ and to always carry a sketchbook everywhere ready to capture an interesting scene!”

Helena enjoys life drawing, still life and landscape and enjoys working in different media from charcoal and pastel to ink and watercolour.   Pinner Sketch Club offers Helena the opportunity to attend workshops including life drawing and in the summer months, drawing and painting outside in a variety of different locations from private gardens to historic buildings.

Helena’s passion is wildlife and in particular animals that are in danger of becoming extinct.  She is hoping to illustrate books on the theme of protecting the natural world and promoting biodiversity and the dangers of the climate crisis.  She hopes that she can combine her love of art and wildlife together in books for children that are both entertaining and informative. Contact:

Illustrating my own story surrounded by my characters

Dip pen, Indian ink and watercolour 41cm x 29.5cm

Animal Selfie

Depicting a variety of endangered animals (Golden snub-nosed monkey, Mandrill, Giant panda, Iberian lynx and South Philippine hawk-eagle) Dip pen, Indian ink and watercolour 31cm x 45cm

Puffins

Dip pen, Indian ink and watercolour 29.5cm x 43cm

African hunting dog

Dip pen, Indian ink and watercolour 43cm x 29.5cm

Reticulated giraffe

Dip pen, Indian ink and watercolour   56cm x 38cm