I won a scholarship to art school out of high school but marriage and a family took all my time until I retired from my job as a massage therapist a few years ago. After hearing about a world class colored pencil teacher who would be teaching classes in a town nearby, I got back in touch with my art and my love of horses. I studied with Linda Lucas Hardy for several years and still go to an occasional art class.
In 2009 I started entering local competitions to 'test the waters.' After winning blue ribbons at the State Fair of Texas and several awards from various art associations in the Metroplex area around Dallas, I entered 3 paintings in the Women Artists of the West El Cajon Show in California in 2010. I received the Kimbel Oelke Award, the first time I had competed in a National competition. My work was also accepted into the AAEA show in Lexington, KY that was held in connection with the FEI World Games.
My original called 'Looking Out For Me' was accepted into the Bosque Art Classic in 2010 in Clifton, TX. And I had 3 originals accepted into the 2011 Rockport, TX show called 'WAOWing the Lone Star State' in May, 2011. My picture tltled 'Innocence' won an Award of Merit in that show.
I have loved horses since childhood and 7 years ago found my first horse and trail companion. I don't own her, she and I have a relationship that has been important to me since I took a chance on an 18 year old horse.
I lost Nifty in August, 2013 due to colic and have not found another horse that I want badly enough. I don't want to try to replace her - she was perfect for me and I could never replace her.
Helen Bailey joined Pixels.com Licensing on April 19th, 2011.
