Complicated Texture - Hanging Wicker Wine Bottle by Helen Van Wyk

In today's lesson, Helen paints a wicker wine bottle hanging on a wall. Instead of simply hanging flat, she leverages the power of cast shadows to create the illusion of the bottle lifting off the canvas. Starting with the composition, Helen demonstrates its importance in any painting endeavor. With her keen eye for composition, she emphasizes how it lays the foundation for the entire artwork.
Rather than diving straight into the drawing, Helen focuses on composition using bold, correctable strokes. This ensures all objects fit on the canvas in a balanced manner that captivates the viewer's gaze. Drawing parallels between painting and directing a stage play, Helen​ explains the role of bold strokes in establishing ​the composition. Just as a director guides actors on stage, Helen's strokes dictate the placement of objects for maximum dramatic impact.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding enthusiast, this lesson serves as a testament to the power of composition in elevating your artistry. Join us as we delve into the realm where strokes of paint weave tales of beauty and harmony.

[@curtiskaltenbach1629]

Finally a real art teacher she's fantastic!

[@HelenVanWyk]

Helen's commentary and friendly style is, I think, what drives artists to come back for more. Thanks for the comment and support. It's appreciated.

[@patrickhalloran5985]

This lady was a brilliant artist and a really wonderful teacher . I’d love to have known her .

[@CraigsLister]

She has a unique way of painting and explaining what's going on at the same time. It's very inspiring and motivating, making me want to spend more time painting. Very well demonstrated. I'm going to try to paint along while playing this video to see if I can incorporate more of her instructions into my painting. I know she passed away many years ago, but I'll say it this way anyway: Thank you, Helen. You are a top-notch teacher.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's nice to hear how Helen's approach to painting and teaching continues to inspire and motivate others. Painting along with her video sounds like a good way to improve your skills. Happy painting!

[@francesdevine8536]

Helen is a brilliant and generous teacher! Thanks for resurrecting her awesome lessons! She’s a master 😊

[@HelenVanWyk]

Your welcome and your support of the channel is appreciated. Thanks.

[@aerialcombat]

I like the inventive way they utilized the aspect ratio format

[@dubermen]

👍🎬

[@HelenVanWyk]

Wow. What a nice compliment. Thank you.

[@BerserkerPitti]

Helen, the hidden gem of painting teachers :) such a good sense of teaching mixed with humor

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your use of the metaphor “hidden gem” captures Helen’s unique teaching style, and learning from someone who makes the process both informative and enjoyable is priceless.

[@jordanmatthew6315]

She makes it look so easy, damn cool.

[@dylanakent]

I am thrilled beyond belief that you have reinvigorated Helen's legacy! I cherished some bad, old copies of the TV show and here it is in brilliant, crisp clear video! Professor Helen is the Queen 👑 of Fine Art Teachers! I adore her explanations of Dutch painters and still life. Many many thanks!🖌️

[@melianna999]

Very good teacher. The book Welcome To My Studio was my first ever contact with oil painting. Slowly I learn. Just from Helen book.

[@SiminLavian]

She is the best teacher😊❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Absolutely, and this channel will continue working on enhancing the audio and video quality of Helen's lessons so that artists of all skill levels can benefit from her timeless teachings. Thanks for posting and supporting the channel. It's appreciated.

[@LauranneJ679]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Your support is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@jaimehernandelgadoquintero4539]

Hola, gracias desde Bogotá Colombia

[@HelenVanWyk]

Welcome from Bogota. Enjoy the lessons. ¡Bienvenidos desde Bogotá! Disfruten las lecciones.

[@blessOTMA]

Lord! I haven't seen the wicker wine bottle lesson in 30 years! Thank you! Helen forever! 😊

[@danganne9170]

Beautiful painting

[@veral8979]

Obrigada Helen,seu trabalho é de excelência e sem complicação.Aprendendo tenho seu estilo.❤😊

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you! Helen would be pleased to hear that her work is seen as excellent and straightforward. I'm glad you're learning and finding her style beneficial. Obrigado! Helen ficaria contente em saber que seu trabalho é visto como excelente e sem complicação. Fico feliz que você esteja aprendendo e achando o estilo dela útil.

[@philomenacesta563]

I wish I had known about her before.

[@veral8979]

❤❤❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

👍🎨 and thanks for posting.

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Al a prima

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, Helen had less than 30 minutes to conduct these lessons, so she either demonstrated using alla prima techniques or prepared a partial canvas beforehand.

[@claudiamanta1943]

2:29 I don’t understand art. 🤷‍♀️ I can still put paint or charcoal on a piece of paper, though. I don’t think in stills, in snapshots. The painting would look like an insect pinned in a biology workbook whilst still moving. The picture frames are bad enough, claustrophobic as they are…Choosing the borders of a painting is an act of choice, leaving outside so much. This is how I see things, anyeay.

[@HelenVanWyk]

I must admit, I didn't know how to respond to your comment, and I hope you don't mind but I had to enlist the help of AI to fully understand. Thanks for sharing. "Art can be quite challenging to connect with, especially when your way of seeing the world is more dynamic. It's interesting how you describe the static nature of traditional art forms and the restrictive feeling of picture frames. Your perspective on movement and fluidity in art is valid and can lead to unique and powerful expressions. Maybe exploring other mediums, like video art or animation, could align better with how you view and experience the world".

[@claudiamanta1943]

@@HelenVanWyk Thank you. I didn’t mean to appear clever, I’m only starting to play by drawing and painting. It’s probably rubbish by all standards, but I don’t mind as it is not intended for any exhibition. What do You think? AI and me are not friends. If you answered I would appreciate it very much, but I would understand if you didn’t. I wish you all the very best and lots of fun whilst creating art.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Understood. Enjoy your drawings and paintings.