Helena Tarn Art

Hello! I am a fine artist and designer living in Newry, Northern Ireland.

Inspired by the natural beauty of my home town in Northern Ireland and my childhood spent in Yorkshire, England, my colourful abstract artwork boldly depicts the rich, wild landscapes – a place where the lush Mourne Mountains sprawl into the stormy Irish sea.

Although passionate about art growing up, I chose the ‘sensible’ job route and worked in the corporate IT industry for several years. However, the need to find creative fulfilment reignited the desire to experiment artistically and I started to take evening art classes to fill the creative void and hone my technical skills.

My work is driven by raw emotion felt through experiencing the breath-taking bleakness of the natural world. The contrast between the awe-inspiring power, feeling so small on this planet, yet a deep and meaningful connection with its bold landscapes drive the need to capture these feelings with a bold and vibrant art practice.

With rolling green hills overlooking moody dark rocks, interspersed with golden sands and turquoise blue coves, not to mention vibrant pink and orange sunsets, the coast plays to my love of brave textures and bold colours. Like most of my paintings, the mood is abstract expressionist. My paintings are not perfect representations of what I see. Rather, I want to set the tone of the landscape, the bold texture and colour to lead you to your own conclusion and to encourage deep and personal contemplation. The wildness and the energy and chaos of the rocky coastline is a constant source of inspiration. I hope to represent that energy and chaos.

My bold use of colour and rich texture create a pronounced mood and distinct atmosphere, whilst respectfully leaving enough creative space for the individual viewer’s own imagination. You are led, almost enticed towards a concept, but never forced. My vision is not tell you what to see, to but to encourage deep and personal contemplation. My hope is that you experience raw and authentic art, art that connects with your brave, vulnerable soul. Art that energises you and enables you to become as powerful and bold as the landscapes I seek to represent.

When I am not painting, you can find me hiking my local Mourne mountain range, sea swimming, and binge watching whatever drama series I’m currently addicted to.

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest