Helwig Studios

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terra skin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

An orange butterfly symbolizes passion. Sighting an orange butterfly reminds us to remember our passions and follow through on our plans.

Blue butterflies grant wishes. So, when wearing this locket, make a wish and hope it comes true. Yarrow has long been a symbol of healing and protection. As it can also symbolize success and good luck, your wish may come true.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Milkweed is the sole host plant for Monarch Butterflies. It supplies all the nourishment the caterpillars need to be able to transform into butterflies. Without milkweed, we wouldn’t have Monarchs, so this locket holds a suitable pairing.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Seeing an orange butterfly is a sign that a new dawn of healing and transformation is upon us. This can be a comfort for those who have been depressed or anxious. Better days are ahead!

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Red butterflies can indicate a powerful soul or spirit. When one flies near, you can be sure that important news is on its way. Moreover, the black-eyed Susans on the flip side are associated with motivation and encouragement.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Do you see an orange butterfly flying around your house? You will soon have visitors. Time to be more sociable and outgoing.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Having an orange butterfly land on you, or even fly in your vicinity, means joy will unexpectedly come into your life.Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Caterpillars feed on nettles and then transform into these distinctive butterflies. In Alberta, there are two generations of this butterfly. Some overwinter while others migrate to the south.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Monarch and other orange butterflies are a symbol of endurance. That is not surprising as each fall they set out on an incredible 4,000–5,000 kilometre journey from southern Canada to their wintering ground in the mountains and forests of Mexico. This is one of the world’s longest insect migrations.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

As orange-coloured butterflies are linked with courtesy, friendliness, and liveliness, seeing one reminds us to stay positive.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

As orange-coloured butterflies are linked with courtesy, friendliness, and liveliness, seeing one reminds us to stay positive.

Butterfly Lockets

This locket is a unique one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. On one side is a hand-painted butterfly, while flowers grace the reverse side. They are 35 mm in diameter and include a 24-inch chain with a gun smoke finish.

These lockets, created with the highest quality of artist materials, are painted on terraskin stone paper. Each is lovingly created in my Calgary studio.

Blush  

You blush when nervous or embarrassed.  But blush can also refer to a rosy hue or bloom.

What do you have to blush about?

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition for me to paint flowers in Jan and Feb.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size is 8 x 10 inches.

Better Things.

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size of the painting is 8 x 10 inches.

Pink roses symbolize elegance, sweetness, and refinement.  This is a great colour of rose to give to someone as a thank you for their kindness.  

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size is 8 x 10 inches. 

This bold bloom represents desire, fascination, enthusiasm, and energy. It  can say, “I am so proud of you.”    This bold beauty in your house can show a burst of energy! 

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.

Red Roses stand for passion, true love, romance, and desire.   What a great way to let someone know that you love them.  And this painting won't wilt as real flowers do.   

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on unstretched gessoed canvas.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size of the painting is 8 x 10 inches.

Red roses are reserved for those who are in our hearts.   They are for those who love inspire us.   

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

Striped roses are rather unique in the rose world.   Some have genes for variegation, others are the result of mutations.   Striped roses can symbolize unity and togetherness.  

These paintings are artist-grade acrylic on 140 lb Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

Flame roses symbolize happiness and passion.   

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.

Red roses, which represent love and romance, have been a powerful symbol of passion for many cultures through the ages. In fact, the ancient Romans linked roses to Venus, the goddess of love. 

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size of the painting is 8 x 10 inches.

I like the loose brush strokes in this one.   

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size of the painting is 8 x 10 inches.

Red roses stand for passion, true love, romance, and desire.   A painting of a red rose 

is a classic way to say, " I love you." 

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on Acid-free watercolour paper.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size of the painting is 8 x 10 inches.

Red Roses symbolize passion and desire.   That's why they are popular roses at weddings and on Valentine's day.   Do you need to remind someone of how much you want them?

I usually paint roses in January.  That started while attending an art residency in downtown Calgary. The temperature had dropped to -30 and after the ride in on the c-train, I would walk past the most beautiful florist shop on the way to the studio.   I started painting roses as a warmup to the day’s work in the studio.    It is now a tradition.

I love the sculptural form of roses and enjoy painting them.   In this series, the brushstrokes are expressive, fresh, and loose.  

These original paintings are artist-grade acrylic on unstretched gessoed canvas.   They are easily shipped to you as they are unframed.  The image size of the painting is 8 x 10 inches.

A Yellow rose with red tips can mean friendship that is started to grow into love. 

Who do you love?

I painted this in my studio when it was a snowy day.   It was a great way to revisit that glorious summer day when I took the reference for this painting.   I can remember the wind on my face and the sun on my back.  I remember that glorious day when Canola was Queen.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed in my studio.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Last Light

I spend a lot of time cloud watching. The reference for this was taken from my balcony. I love the movement in the clouds. The blue palette indicates the day’s last light on the clouds before the sky shifts to night.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed in my Studio.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

The Promise of a Sunset
To me, a sunset is a promise of a new day. It can be a celebration of a good day or the relief of getting through a bad one. But always you know there will be another one that promises a clean slate.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed in my studio.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Looking East 

Does it look windy? It certainly was. I actually used my truck as a windbreak! I painted this one at the Leighton Art Centre, south of Calgary. They are known for their mountain views in the west, but I turned eastward. I loved the way the hills just caught a bit of light. And that pink in the sky!

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed on location.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Connected

I started this painting at a day use area in Bragg Creek Provincial Park, about an hour from my home. Patrick and I went there for a picnic seeking solace. I’ve heard this is also called forest breathing. It’s a way to connect with nature. I love the subtle tones and colours in the trunks of the aspens.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed on location.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Sometimes you don’t need to go far from home to find inspiration. I painted this from the view across the street from where I live. It was high summer. I loved the buildup and stacking of the clouds. I used a vertical format so that our eyes will follow the longest side of the painting and look up. I was feeling fortunate and lucky that day. We live in a beautiful part of the world.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed on location.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Quiet and Solitude.

I was out on this country road painting before the rain came in and finished it just before the rain started. Often when I paint, I listen to audiobooks. On that day, I was listening to Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. One of the best things I like about books is how they afford you a different viewpoint. I’ve heard the mountain parks were busy this summer. I was glad to spend time out

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed on location.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Back to Reality

The day before painting this picture, I was at the Leighton Art Centre just south of Calgary. My large painting Going Home won the competition. The next day I found myself in a parking lot behind Reilly Park in Calgary. I painted on concrete that day, which accounts for the name.

I liked the changing fall colours in this scene. That glory of colour heralds the coming of winter. That day was quite smoky due to the California wildfires. It’s amazing how something so far away affects us. We are all interconnected.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed on location.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Reflecting

In many of my paintings, there is a passage, a passing through. In this one, it is water. I was fascinated by how the sky is everywhere, even reflected in the water. I used a variety of tools—brushes, palette knives, a silicon spatula, even an old credit card—to push the image towards abstraction.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed in my studio.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Parked at Nose Hill

It was a cold day when I painted this. I have a car easel. It slides over the steering wheel when the car is in Park. I can paint in comfort when the temperature drops. Acrylic paint behaves better in warmer weather. This was painted from the parking lot at Nose Hill Park. The skies were very active that day, so I had to work quickly to capture the layering of clouds.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed on location.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!  

Peril

The smoke in the atmosphere really affects the colours in your palette. This painting was done on Nose Hill when our skies were smoky because of the California wildfires. There are a lot of grays in this picture. The smoke adds to the mystery because it obscures and pushes back the picture plane. This was also the day that a wasp bit me. He had crawled into my red backpack. When I tried to put a brush into it, I was attacked. Damned wasps! Another peril of Plein Air.

This is an original acrylic painting that was completed on location.

 It is made of artist-grade materials and painted on un-stretched canvas.  This is so that shipping costs are kept to a minimum.   I first started this series as part of the Artist Support Pledge, which started in the UK.   It is my hope to offer affordable art to you.  Thank you for your support.     I will use the money to buy more paint so I can continue painting!