Helen Clarke Art and Photography

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Helen Clarke Art and Photography

A place for my artwork to be. I work mainly in soft pastels.

13/08/2026

There’s something rather special about working on a small subject like this Small Copper moth. 🦋

Soft pastel on Pastelmat, and part of my nocturnal collection, this little moth was a joy to create. I particularly loved building up the contrasting textures — the delicate, almost dusty surface of the wings and body alongside the veins and fine detail of the leaf beneath it.

I’m always fascinated by how much character can be found in these tiny creatures when you stop and really look at them.

The photographic reference for this piece was kindly provided with permission by Amy — thank you for allowing me to use such a beautiful reference.

I hope you enjoy meeting this little one as much as I enjoyed creating it. 🤎

PastelArt SoftPastels Pastelmat WildlifeArtist BritishWildlife NocturnalCollection MothArt NatureInArt

11/08/2026

Rejection has a funny way of making you question yourself.

This year has brought more rejection than I’d expected — from exhibitions I’ve been part of for years, from opportunities I’d hoped for, and from places and people I never expected to feel rejected by.

This has knocked my confidence more than I’d like to admit. It has made me question myself, my judgement and whether putting yourself out there in life is really worth the risk.

There have been moments when I’ve seriously considered withdrawing completely-stopping trying to sell my artwork and simply going back to creating for the love of it and keeping it in a drawer.

Then yesterday, two of my nocturnal pieces were accepted for an exhibition at The Usher Art Gallery in Lincoln.

And somehow, that felt significant.

A quiet reminder that rejection doesn’t define what you create — or who you are.

Another big confidence boost this year has also been seeing my prints displayed in the Epic Centre for the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society. A moment of pride I didn’t expect, and one that quietly reminded me that my work does find its place in the world.

Perhaps resilience isn’t about becoming immune to rejection, but about allowing it to shape you without letting it stop you.

So I’ll keep painting.

Not because every door will open, or every work will be understood.

But because I still need to. For me.

And that, for now, is enough. 🤍

02/07/2026

A couple of years ago I created an artwork that depicted a mountain hare and I always knew I’d return to them. They are the UKs only native hare and they adapt to their habitat by changing their fur colour with the seasons. The stunning reference photo was photographed by Mark Johnson, Mark Johnson -I would love to photograph them myself one day.

27/06/2026

It’s been wonderful to get back in the studio the past few days, thankfully relatively cool too. This fox was created using my own photo reference, I wish I could take all my photo references myself. To see the animals through the lens and then look really closely at the detail as I produce the artwork is very rewarding. Created in soft pastel, this artwork forms part of my growing Nocturnal Collection — celebrating the wildlife that emerges when most of the world is asleep.

20/06/2026

🐾 This special little chap is Louis 🐾

It was a huge honour and genuine pleasure to create this portrait of Louis for a close school friend. Created in soft pastels on Pastelmat, this A3 artwork was all about capturing not just his likeness, but his character too. I always ask whether to keep a collar on-Louis is an escape artist so the name tag is definitely part of his story.

There is always a great deal of trust involved when someone asks me to draw a much-loved pet. Our animals are such an important part of our lives, and I never take for granted the responsibility of faithfully capturing them in artwork that can be treasured for years to come.

Although my work mainly focuses on British wildlife and rural subjects, I do take on a limited number of pet portraits each year, simply because I really enjoy creating them.

My commission spaces for the remainder of this year are now becoming very limited, but if you are interested in discussing a portrait of your own much-loved companion, please do get in touch.

Scroll across for prices. The link in my bio takes you to my website with more information.

19/06/2026

I still can’t quite believe I’m writing this…

Over the last two days, thousands of visitors to the Lincolnshire Show have been the first to see something a little bit special. I am absolutely delighted, and very honoured to share that my artwork is now on display throughout the entire first floor of the EPIC Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.

Following the Food & Gift Fair, I was invited to exhibit my work in this wonderful space, and it is a real privilege to see so many pieces hanging together in such an iconic Lincolnshire venue. The display features framed canvas prints from my Farmyard Collection alongside selected pieces from my British Wildlife Collection, all inspired by the animals, wildlife and agricultural heritage that make our countryside so special.

The canvas prints have been carefully colour-matched to the original artworks and are produced on a premium canvas with a matte finish. They are professionally framed in sustainably sourced solid wood frames and are scratch, fade, crack and warp resistant.

They are available in four sizes:

• 20 x 25cm – £70
• 40 x 50cm – £130
• 50 x 65cm – £225
• 70 x 90cm – £300

All prices include free UK mainland delivery.

The collection will remain on display in the EPIC Centre for the next year, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society and everyone involved for this incredible opportunity.

If you’re visiting the Showground over the coming months, I’d love for you to take a look.

For further information or to enquire about purchasing a piece, please contact:

[email protected]

27/05/2026

Delighted to be exhibiting three of my favourite artworks at the Charlotte House Hotel at the Lawn as part of a new group exhibition running until January 2027.

With over 30 artists taking part, this exhibition brings together an inspiring mix of styles and creative voices.

Join us for the FREE launch event on 7th June — a wonderful opportunity to view the exhibition, meet the artists, and celebrate the opening together.

To reserve your ticket, simply scan the QR code or let me know if you’d like a ticket. I’d love to see you there. ✨

10/05/2026

What a wonderful day spent at the Lincolnshire Makers Market at Stourton Woods. From the fellow stall holders to meeting new customers to catching up with familiar faces it was all a treat. The setting in the woods lent itself to my artwork and it was a pleasure from set up to pull down. Thank you to everyone that stopped to chat, purchase or order prints, thank you also to for wonderful organisation.

05/05/2026

A new one for me- please do come and join me at Stourton Woods this Sunday. Lots of wonderful stalls with food, art, crafts and local produce for sale in an incredible woodland setting near Baumber.

21/04/2026

Looking forward to joining the Lincolnshire Makers Spring Market at Stourton Estates, Baumber. I’ll be bringing my art, cards and prints, do come and say hello.

Address

Welton Cliff
Welton

Website

http://www.helenclarkedesigns.co.uk/

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