Helen Siegel » Ohio Artist Registry

We (my identical twin sister) were born in Brooklyn, New York June 14th 1951. As a 1st generation American my parents were “old school” and I was denied an art education vs get married and raise a family. Art was just a dream. As an adult I acted on my love of art and as a docent at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden I took Botany classes from Dr. Peter Nelson Phd and Drawing and Watercolor from Nina Suarez. It didn’t take me long to become her assistant.

We relocated to Columbus Ohio in 1997 and proceeded to teach Graphite drawing lessons at JoAnns for several years and Watercolor at Inniswood Metro Gardens. I currently live in New Albany with my spouse/soulmate of 42 years and our 14 yo. granddaughter. Due to family and health I had to put my dreams on hold but I am now on the way of making my art a reality. Age is no deterrent. . It wasn’t until last year when health took a determined part in my life that I threw all the doubts away and after recovering from reconstructive surgery of my dominant hand in February 2024 and serious back issues that I found the determination to become “that” artist. I am self educated, learning through observation, reading, research and trial and error. Realism is what I see and work to create with a “touch” of how I see it. I draw and paint as it is the essence of my being. Art gives my life meaning and helps me see the beauty in this world. And makes me smile. I take pictures and I take my sketchbook wherever I go. Anything can inspire me.

I currently create in colored pencil, graphite, watercolor and pen & ink. I love nature; so florals and landscape and pet and animal portraits. My little studio is always begging for my attention with pencil and brush in hand. I work every day whether in my studio or out and about taking pictures and sketching.

I draw and paint as it is the essence of my being. Creating brings this artist joy and is my sanity when life is at it’s toughest Art helps me see the beauty in this world. I am inspired by all that is around me andI look for the simple and the complex. My work reflects what is there for me to create with a “touch” of how I see it.

When I create I usually begin with graphite and move on to colored pencil or directly to watercolor or pen & ink. Many times in preparation for my watercolors I use graphite for my values and colored pencil to work out my colors. For my Pen & Ink I use a grid from my reference photos..I work with Daniel Smith Watercolors, Arches Cold Press Watercolor Blocks, Strathmore Drawing Series Toned and Colored Pencil paper , Graphix Drafting Matt Film, and more. For Colored Pencil I use Faber Castell Polychromos pencils with Holbein Artists (oil based) and Caran d’Arch Luminous and Pablo (wax based).In working in colored pencil I use pencil blenders, blending solution, a stylus, and ceramic knife to etch in detail. I also explore other mediums and surfaces to maximize my success with my subject.

I have been influenced by my teachers,Nina Suarez and Dr. Peter Nelson Phd formerly of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden where I was a docent when I lived in Brooklyn New York. I participated in some of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden art shows and received honorable mention for some of my botanical pieces. My fellow artists inspire me.

Realism is what I see and work to create with a “touch” of how I see it. I draw and paint as it is the essence of my being. Art gives my life meaning and helps me see the beauty in this world. And makes me smile. I take pictures and I take my sketchbook wherever I go. Anything can inspire me.

I look for views that often escape other’s eyes to capture the wonder in mini landscapes, full landscapes and botanical. During my art league receptions I watch the visitors who show delight in my work. My medium is  watercolor, colored pencil and pastel, graphite and mixed media I participate in local shows with the Dublin Area Art League, Worthington Area Art League, and Central Oho Watercolor Society. I am also a member of  National Colored Pencil Society of America and Chapter 119