Hi, welcome to the website of
HELEEN VAN DER HAAR
(a.k.a Helena)
Folk & Decorative Artist- Teacher - Designer
I was born in The Netherlands and from the very first moment I got involved
with decorative painting in 1975 I was absolutely hooked!!! Before I knew I was
teaching and have taught thousands of students ever since. I migrated to
Australia in 1986 and became one of the very first Folk Art teachers in
Victoria. I studied with e.g. Jo Sonja and Enid Hoessinger and hold Enid’s
Teachers Certificate. In my teaching I cover a wide variety of themes from
decorative to traditional and fine art.
I am undoubtedly an expert in the Hindeloopen Folk Art style having visited
the inspiring town of Hindeloopen in The Netherlands on numerous occasions. I am
experienced with both oils and acrylics and have taught and lectured at home and
overseas. I am a co-founder of the Society of Folk and Decorative Artists of
Victoria and have lectured in the Society’s Teachers Development Program. I am
a long time member of the Folk & Decorative Artists Association of Australia
and The Society of Decorative Painters (U.S.A.). I participate in the Chroma
Teacher & Artist Partnering
Program.
I have won numerous awards (Royal Melbourne Show, Dandenong Show) and my work
has been featured in Australian and American magazines. In 1998 I published “The
Butterfly Collection” and in 2002 “Hindeloopen Decorative Painting” +
several pattern packs. I have my own studio where I teach all styles and levels
of Folk & Decorative Art and retail in paints (Jo Sonja), brushes, woodwork
and books. For the last 12 years I have also been teaching at the Glen Eira
Cheltenham Art Group. I have an extensive library, which inspires me to broaden
my artistic horizon all the time. I hope to share my love for and knowledge of
this art form with all of you for many more years to come.
Please also see my Profiles in: Folk Art and Decorative Painting, vol. 6 nr. 10,
p. 8-14 and Australian Country Craft and Decorating, vol. 13 nr. 10, p. 68-78.
Heleen Van der Haar
30 Mountview Street
Aspendale 3195
Victoria Australia
Phone. / Fax. (03) 9580 4620
E-mail: hvanderhaar@optusnet.com.au
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