Helen Mathyssen Dobbins

 

Artist Biography:  Helen Mathyssen Dobbins was born in New York City and raised in the suburbs of New Jersey. Drawing always provided a major source of enjoyment and satisfaction for her since early childhood. She began painting in oils at age 11 and received her first commission at age 14. By age 16 she was winning prizes at local art shows. Helen believes that she inherited her talent from her father, who encouraged her to continue to draw. She honors him to this day by signing her maiden name, Mathyssen, to her work.

     In high school Helen took advanced art classes which became a turning point in her life. Always a realistic artist, she found it frustrating to complete projects assigned during the modern art era of the 1970’s. Since art was no longer enjoyable for her she pursued other career options.

     A resident of Tampa since 1983, Helen has renewed her artistic spirit and began once more to paint and draw. Her medium of choice is pastel. She has done numerous commissioned portraits, but focuses on landscapes and wildlife as her favorite genre. Helen’s work has been exhibited at the Old Hyde Park Art Center, Hillsborough Community College, the New Tampa Library, Artful Gardens Gallery, Horizon Line Gallery and the Carrollwood Cultural Center.

 

Artist Statement:  Although I enjoy painting a variety of subject matter, I particularly like landscapes. Through my art I feel that I am preserving nature’s beauty. Our lives have become so busy that we miss much of the world around us. A photo is a recording of a particular moment in time and I often use them as references for painting. I think that a painting should convey a feeling of atmosphere. If you allow yourself to become part of the painting you can sense the temperature, feel and even smell the surroundings. Art is a double joy for me. I not only enjoy making it but it also gives me a great deal of pleasure when a painting recalls a pleasant memory for the viewer.