After spending nearly 20 years in the fashion industry, Helen Zouvelekis decided to explore her zeal for the visual arts through both oil painting and website design.
These newfound creative outlets also inspired her to help rescue abused and abandoned animals. And, through her Dog series, she promotes and encourages the adoption of these animals to new homes.
Looking into the depths of the beautiful dog’s eyes below, I see a hint of wistful forlornness hiding behind its perky ears and lustrous coat, as well as stubborn intelligence. Given the opportunity to thrive, and a loyal companion, I see this gorgeous animal romping around with reckless abandon for hours.
Helen’s painting really brings to life the inquisitive, forgiving nature that all dogs are predestined to have. It’s a true homage to man’s best friend, and a powerful reminder to save lives by adopting.
Shifting to one of Helen’s more photo-realistic pieces, it’s hard not to get lost in the intricate detail found in this beautiful white seashell. Close-up, with such soft, beautiful light, you can see each flaw, crack and asymmetrical ridge. . .
I have tried to capture the likeness of a seashell myself, and I know how complex it is to try and replicate that on canvas. Helen does a marvelous job identifying and recreating its unique form, while still giving it a modern, and dynamic composition.
Finally, take a moment to explore the subtlety of this last painting. . . I hope you enjoy its muted, yet rich colors; its quiet, strong layout; and its classic shapes just as much as I did when I first laid eyes on it.
The glaze-like sheen of these pots contrasts wonderfully with the diffuse, sand-colored shadows behind them. Gorgeous, earthy colors shimmer beneath the glaze, finishing out the primary color scheme of red, yellow, and blue that Helen put together.
In fact, there’s so much love and care present in the details of this painting, that it almost suggests each piece of earthenware is a family heirloom passed down throughout the generations, used infrequently (if ever) to preserve its beauty as long as possible. And I’m sure the painting will be treated much the same.
Regrettably, we’ve just barely scratched the surface of Helen’s work, but I do hope you’ll take the time to visit her website at www.helenzouvelekis.com to see more of her beautiful paintings.
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