Helen Van Wyk was a renowned artist, author, and educator, best
known for her popular PBS television series on oil painting,
"Welcome to
my Studio". The show aired in the 1990s and established her as one of
the most respected painting instructors of her time.
Helen's teaching emphasized basic natural fundamentals and
principles like color theory, light, darkness, and good design. She taught
thousands of artists that subject matter was secondary to mastering the core
basics, providing them with the confidence to paint anything. Her work often
focused on beautiful still life paintings and portraits.
Helen is quickly recognized by thousands of artists
as the host of PBS's Welcome to my Studio television show.
Helen took the time to teach us the principles and reasons
behind painting each element in the progression of a work.
Helen's sensibility in basic natural fundamentals taught us
we can paint anything by employing these basics. Subject
matter was a minor consequence to Helen. Using the basics,
thousands of artists received the confidence to paint any
type of subject. This site and the HelenVanWyk YouTube
channel are dedicated to the memory of Helen and her
painting style.