Colorful Energy

Making a House a Home

Recent work by Helen Grandy

Helen Grandy is graduating this spring from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in art studio. As part of her final semester experiences at school she made the decision to exhibit some of her artwork for everyone to see even though not a mandatory requirement for her graduation. The exhibition was at R.W. Witt Gallery located at Kadema Hall on the Sacramento campus, February 8-12, 2016.

Helen Grandy the artist standing next to her favorite artwork.

On Thursday, February 11, 2016 Grandy held a reception of her work between 5-8 p.m. There were fifteen paintings in her collection.  The medium of her artworks was oil paint. Five pieces of artwork were on paper, four artworks were on canvas and six were on wood panels.

The bright white frames that surround the artworks on paper allow the bold colors of Grandy’s paintings to become dramatic when engaged with each piece. The walls become a subtle backdrop for the vibrant artwork with their warm off white paint.

This gentleman was thinking of purchasing the artwork he was engaged with.

I had the opportunity to speak with the artist about her work. I asked her what her inspiration was when she painted this collection. Grandy replied that at one time she enjoyed painting landscapes with houses on them. For awhile she felt satisfied. Then she went through some personal changes and her artwork did as well. Grandy explained that by turning her artwork into abstraction pieces she was able to let her emotions unveil themselves with each brushstroke.

Untitled, 2016, Oil on wood panel, 11" x 11".

The Platelet Waltz, 2016, Oil on canvas, 8' x 5'.

The title to the above artwork is appropriate as the colors dance across the canvas in a swirling rhythm of movement.

Samantha Hughston looking at the painting titled, Meet Me With Grace.

The intentional splashes of color in the painting above, generates a positive energy which creates a balance in the harmony of this painting. This particular painting is painted on a wood panel which is 6' x 4' in size. 

The combinations of cool and warm colors with varying degrees of saturation allow the viewer’s eyes to roam across the panel and feel the energetic emotion the artist has allowed all to see. 

Two guests at reception occupied with one of Grandy's painting.

The entire exhibition with its richly colored artworks was aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The artworks as a whole created a distinctive mood of inner peace when walking through the rooms.