A Painter's Retreat

Painter Helen Dealtry has a special way with flowers; her interpretations of fluffy peonies and regal purple irises are dreamy, delicate and refined. Chances are you may already be familiar with her work, even if you didn’t know it — she has been commissioned by the likes of Aerin Lauder and Loeffler Randall to add her signature floral prints to everything from fragrance packaging to fashion.

Step into the Dreamy World of Helen Dealtry

Written and Photographed by Alison Engstrom

Watercolors that mirror the tones of freshly picked dahlias

Born in Surrey, England, Helen moved to New York to pursue a career in textile design, where she worked with a range of clients before deciding to strike out on her own. Today, she divides her time between Brooklyn and Hudson, New York, in addition to traveling across the country with floral designer Nicolette Camille, known for her ethereal arrangements, to teach their techniques to eager students. I was fortunate to be able to visit Helen’s new home in idyllic Hudson (about a two-hour train ride from New York City) at the height of summer when her garden was in full bloom. Hydrangeas, dahlias and other greenery proliferate there, the legacy of a previous owner who was a designer, and this profusion of blossoms serves as inspiration for her work.

Helen Dealtry's inspiration comes in many forms including books and local foliage

Her particular way with color and texture are two of the things you immediately notice about Helen’s style. It was fascinating to observe her process and to watch her dab, sweep and swirl the paintbrush across the paper to form an abstract flower. When teaching, she urges her students to relax and to adopt a gentle hand to help achieve the dreamy watercolor patterns that she describes as “fluid, floral and alive.” While she is beginning to step outside her comfort zone with oils, she still feels most at home using watercolors. “Water soothes and inspires me. Perhaps it was inevitable that I'd become a watercolor artist. When painting, I love the speed ink moves through water; it forces me to relinquish a certain amount of control. I never fully know what the outcome will be until the water and ink have settled and dried. I love that challenge, to make something balanced and to allow it to be at the same time.” When asked where she gets her ideas, she explains, “Often inspiration is something that comes from a tiny moment, like a scrap of color or the way that light hits an object. I’ve found the key is to try to just keep painting and drawing on all the surfaces. You never know where your next lead or journey will come from. The worst thing to do is to wait for the ‘perfect’ idea. There are a few things I do if I’m feeling stuck. I try a new medium, get outside in nature, travel, visit museums or other artists.” Listening to Helen talk, I found myself seeing even something as familiar and adored as a flower through fresh eyes — which, of course, is the real power of art.

A large scale floral canvas hangs in her studio

“When painting, I love the speed ink moves through water; it forces me to relinquish a certain amount of control.”

Helen and her rescue dog, Dudley in her dining room

To learn more about Helen Dealtry, or to purchase a painting or scarf or attend a workshop, visit helendealtry.com