Tracy Helgeson

Biography

Tracy Helgeson was born in Rochester, Minnesota. She attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, majoring in Graphic Design and then attended the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts) where she studied illustration. Philadelphia was a great influence on Tracy and it was there that her work began to take on a unique style as she learned the under painting skills and glazing techniques that distinguish her current work. 

In 2003, Tracy relocated to upstate New York and greatly inspired by the natural beauty surrounding the farmhouse that she lives and works in, Tracy began painting landscapes and other farm related imagery such as barns and fields. While she continues to focus on the landscape, as well as other farm related imagery such as barns, quiet country roads and the occasional livestock.

After a recent move to a different farmhouse, with all new views and a newly empty nest, Tracy is still exploring color, texture, and form in the land and structures around her and keeps busy with gallery shows and a recent museum exhibit

Artist Statement

My work is greatly inspired by the landscape, as well as the barns, structures, roads and farm scenes that surround my home in the Cooperstown, New York area. I often paint the same scenes over and over, deriving great comfort from portraying what is familiar as well as noting the small changes that occur over time in my environment. Yet within that framework of the familiar, the start of each painting brings me the exciting challenge of finding new ways to express what I see and feel.

I strive for simplicity in my work; in color, form, composition, and subject matter. However, complexities inevitably find their way in via texture, handwritten elements and small bits of painted details.

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