How fortunate we are to have Helli's beautiful work hanging in the gallery.  Helli's body of work shows her incredible ability to capture light,  each piece emanating a warmth that just makes you want to be where she was when she painted it!  

Born and raised in London, Helli was exposed to great art from a very young age and spent much time in cities all over Europe visiting museums and studying the old masters, her favorite being the impressionists at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.  In 1972, at the young age of 14,  she was thrilled to have her work exhibited in the mall galleries near Buckingham Palace in a traveling show.    

As an 18 year old aspiring artist she studied Graphic Design at Saint Martin's School of Art. Upon graduating with honors she formed D&H Advertising and was fortunate to work with Saatchi and Saatchi as an Art Director. She was responsible for several major accounts including British Airways, Toshiba, Garuda Airlines, Riva Boats and Gucci.  Her travels took her to Sydney, Hong Kong and across Europe exposing her further to the fabulous world of art.

Helli states "Through the years my library shelves have become lined with the written works of artists like  Sargent, Sorolla, Zorn and Monet that continue to inspire me. I am on a wonderful journey of learning and evolving and have studied with some of the greatest artists/teachers such as Quang Ho, Ron Hicks , Daniel Keys and Nancy Guzick.
I have always loved painting "en plein air" using sketches as inspiration back in the studio. I am most passionate about painting from the model trying to capture the mood of the moment.   I am a member of the Impressionist Society and have been chosen to be part of the exhibition several times including being honored with an award from Kevin MacPherson."

For more information about any of Helli's painting pictured above you can email the gallery at islandartcoop@gmail.com.

As a young Southern boy Witzel filled his days trekking through the forest, canoeing the cypress rivers; fishing and exploring the natural world around him. He developed a love of Southern flora, fauna and creatures which has been sustained into his adult life, now influencing the subject of his art. Witzel thus was especially honored to be Artist-in-Residence for the South Carolina State Parks system for a second year in a row. In 2020 he was awarded the residency at Table Rock State Park, and created an original piece that now welcomes park guests when they enter the visitors center. Witzel says “The South is full of hauntingly romantic landscapes, whether you are in the low country, the midlands or the mountains. I’m proud to represent the most beautiful state in the Union.”

​“Tablerock, From Cabin 4”, oil on canvas, 18”x24”. (NFS). #witzelart was proud to be selected as Artist in Residence for the second year in a row with the South Carolina State Parks. This is the awe inspiring view. However, it’s even more impressive from the top. 

Congratulations to Brenda Lawson and Maura Kenny for bringing home awards for the South Carolina Watermedia Society's 42nd Annual National Show!  For more information about SCWS and to view the 2019 winners click here.

Maura Kenny is pictured on the left in front of her painting "The Green Gate" with the model.   Brenda is pictured with her painting "Spare Parts" on the right.  We are proud of both of you!!