Helen Shideler is a Canadian artist based in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, who paints colourful, detailed images of the natural world. Her work includes birds, flowers, coastal scenes, shells and landscapes—pretty much anything that makes her stop, look a little longer and think, I want to paint that.

Working primarily in oils, acrylic and watercolour, Helen enjoys the different possibilities each medium offers. Her inspiration comes from paying attention to the world around her: the way light falls across a flower, the colour of a bird’s feathers, the shapes and textures left behind by the tide, or a fleeting moment outdoors worth remembering.

Although her paintings are detailed, Helen is less interested in simply copying what she sees than in capturing what resonates with her about a subject. She often describes painting as sculpting with paint—building up layers of colour, texture and brushwork until the painting begins to have its own presence.

Helen has a particular love for painting outdoors. For more than 15 years, she has participated in Plein Air festivals and expos throughout Canada and the United States. Working outside brings spontaneity to her process, as changing light, weather and surroundings become part of the challenge and enjoyment of painting.

She is an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC) and the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA). Her work has been included in invitational and juried exhibitions across Canada, the United States and internationally, and is held in private and corporate collections in Canada and the U.S. Her paintings have received recognition and awards, including Best in Show.

At the heart of Helen’s practice is a love of looking closely at the world. Through painting, she slows down, notices the colour and detail around her, and shares what she sees with others. If a painting makes someone pause and feel something—a sense of place, a memory, or simply the pleasure of seeing something beautiful—she has achieved what she hoped to do.

I invite you to explore my online studio to see what has recently caught my eye.

Signature member of Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (CSPWC), Eastern Director

Signature member of The Society of Canadian Artists (SCA), Publicity Director

International Watercolour Canada - Board Member

New Brunswick Craft Fondation - Chair

Plein Air Painters of the Bay of Fundy - Member