News
7 November, 2025
Painting her own path
THE Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery has announced Helen Henrich as its Artist of the Month for November, following a successful October exhibition by textile artist Wendy Houston.
Wendy’s intricate fabric and thread creations drew strong interest from gallery visitors, with several pieces sold during her exhibition.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Helen — a self-taught artist who began her creative journey in 2019 after retiring. What started with a simple set of watercolours and pencils while travelling around Australia has since grown into a deep passion for capturing the beauty and spirit of the landscape.
Her work spans a variety of subjects — from sunsets, trees, and birds to butterflies, florals, and imagined landscapes — each piece reflecting her love of colour and curiosity for new techniques.
The more she painted, the more easily she realised what worked for her. Investing in some good quality paint and paper also made a big difference, as well as mixing with other artists and looking at different artwork in different places.
Helen describes watercolour as “magical,” praising its unpredictable textures and unique effects as it dries. Recently, she has expanded her practice to include abstract designs, pattern work, and eco-dyed prints for card making.
The Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery, located in Yowie Park, is open from 9am to 1pm, Thursday to Monday and invites everyone to stop by and appreciate Helen’s artwork.
