Following a long career as a Primary and Special Schools teacher Helen began painting professionally in 1992.  She is largely self-taught and known for her works in pastel only recently returning to her first medium of oils.  She finds inspiration for her work in many subjects but is first and foremost inspired by beauty created by the effects of light.  Helen has been the recipient of over 60 first prizes including The Pastel Society of Victoria “Best Portrait”, 5 times finalist in Victorian “Artist Of The Year”, Australian Guild of Realist Artists “Aspects Of Excellence”every year since 2000, one of 10 finalists in The A.M.E. Bale Travelling Scholarship in 2001 and The Shirley Hannan Portrait Award in 2005 and her portrait of Santo Cilauro was selected for the 2006 S.H. Ervin Archibald Salon des Refuses.  Memberships include Portrait Artists Australia and Fusion6. She has held 14 solo exhibitions and is represented by 3 commercial galleries in Victoria and S.A.

Some of her work can be viewed on her website www.helenedwards.com 

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JUNIOR ART JUDGE

LINDA STORTO