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Helen McCullagh

Helen Oprey

I like to paint the colourful, the thoughtful and the wacky. My work is inspired by my environment. As a Social Worker, I have been exposed to the vulnerable, the wonderful and the quirky. Since becoming a mother I am exposed to innocence, wonderment and mother stress. All these elements combine to influence my work. My paintings are a combination of playful creativity and thoughtful contemplation, hoping to capture something both beautiful and meaningful, but not boring. My driving force is my love of colour and experimentation which takes me on a carefree journey before my adult mind takes over. One that must respect that art is an attempt to capture freedom of expression within the confines of balance, harmony and integrity. I therefore use a variety of mediums and techniques in my paintings. I have had a passion for art all my life.

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Helen Oprey

 

EXHIBITIONS  (group shows) by invitation

 

2019 - THREESOME - 19KAREN GALLERY (scheduled for NOV-DEC)

2018 - SUMMER EXHIBITION - THE MILK FACTORY GALLERY (BOWRAL)

2017-  WHERE ARE THEY NOW WOMEN’S GROUP EXHIBITION -hosted by THE MILK FACTORY GALLERY - Bowral

2016-  THE GLOBAL WOMEN’S PROJECT (TRAIL BLAZERS) ART EXHIBITION/ fundraiser as HEADLINE ARTIST

2016-  HAPPY GROUP EXHIBITION hosted by Sofitel Hotel and curated by 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace

2015 - RED EXPRESSIONISM GROUP SHOW, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace - Gold Coast

 

ACHIEVEMENTS

 

2018 - Campbelltown FISHERS GHOST Art Award - FINALIST(OPEN)

2018 - Bowral JOHN COPES Portrait Prize - FINALIST

2018 - Bowral BELLE PROPERTY Art Prize - FINALIST

2018 - Bowral PIRTEK Still Life Prize- FINALIST

2018 - Goulburn regional art award - FINALIST

2018 - Cambridge studio Gallery portrait prize - FINALIST

2017 - Contemporary Art Awards - finalist

2017-  RSASA Portrait Prize - finalist

2017 - Feature article in HIGHLIFE MAGAZINE (country life in the Southern Highlands of Australia) FEB/MAR 2017

2017 - Lethbridge 10000 small scale art prize - FINALIST

2017 - Wyndham Art Prize - FINALIST

2017-  Queer Art Prize - Australian Pride Network - FINALIST

2016-  Greenway Art Prize - hosted by Art Est. Gallery & Art School, Leichhardt- FINALIST

2016-  Burrawang DNA festival emerging talent grant- SHORTLISTED

2016 - The Meroogal Women’s Art Prize - FINALIST

2016 - The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery Art Prize - selected artist

2016 - PIRTEK STILL LIFE AWARD, Bowral Art Gallery - FINALIST

2016 - GOULBURN REGIONAL ART AWARD, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery - FINALIST

2016 - THE WOMEN’S ART PRIZE, hosted by the city of Ryde -HIGHLY COMMENDED

2016 - KIRRIBILLI CENTRE 40TH ANNIVERSARY ART PRIZE - FINALIST

2016 - LETHBRIDGE 10000 SMALL SCALE ART AWARD - FINALIST

2016 - MARDI GRAS REGIONAL ART PRIZE hosted by Kiama Cultural Arts Network - FINALIST

2015 - CONTEMPORARY ART AWARDS, Brisbane - FINALIST

2015 - WE GET BY ART AWARD hosted by Cooks Hill Gallery, Newcastle - FINALIST

2015 - LITTLE THINGS ART COMPETITION , Saint Cloche Gallery, Paddington - FINALIST

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