Meet Helle Urban | Artist/Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helle Urban and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helle, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a young child I loved to draw! Moving to the U.S. when I was 5 years old I felt out of place a bit shy. My art has grounded me over the years and there’s nothing else I would ever have wanted to be but being an artist!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been an artist/illustrator for over 40 years. I graduated from Art Center College of Design in illustration. Over the years I have worked in the animation industry, owned a Fine Art Gallery in Solvang, Received numerous Children’s Book Awards, most recently a Finalist in the American Writing Award 2022 in three categories for illustrating “Rasmoose the Christmas Moose”. My business partner Helle Brisson, she’s the author and I have a new publishing company together, HelleBooks LLC. Together we are working on a series of children’s books for Rasmoose the Moose. Go to HelleBooks.com to see our project! I am really proud and excited about our book! My journey has not always been an easy road, I have faced numerous challenges. Being a single mom raising my daughter, Amber,,who is by the my inspiration for Rasmoose. I have always been a shy child moving to the U.S. when I was young. My art is what kept me grounded and having a purpose in life. I am always striving to better myself as an artist. Never stop seeking to learn new things, meeting other artists, having a connection where we can bounce ideas off each other. Being inspired by one another. My other true love besides illustrating books is my fine art paintings, I paint in oils, my favorite subjects are many! I love painting people, animals and rustic buildings, old trucks, etc. I like my paintings to tell a story. I am currently working on a series of Early Americana paintings. I like painting using harmony of color and spontaneity of expression. I try to emphasize a softness in my brushwork to create a strikingly life like portrait. An eloquent portrayal of my subject’s eyes are very important. As an artist I am always exploring new challenges for creative growth. I do commissions for people as well, usually portraits. I enjoy nature and painting Plein Air, painting outdoors is a challenging task but very rewarding. My inspiration to create beautiful art is to bring joy to others. Having family and friends in my life who believe in me is what keeps me motivated as well as my clients who buy my work. Not a day goes by that I don’t forget to count my blessings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I often have artist friends come visit. Our favorite sites to visit are the beach, Griffith Park and hiking up to the Hollywood Sign. We do Plein Air painting at King Gillette Ranch, Malibu and Ojai!! The Los Angeles area has so much to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my business partner, Helle Brisson. We are both older ladies in our 60’s who have decided to create a series of children’s books together, our company is HelleBooks, since both our first name is Helle. We were both born in Denmark. Our first book just released this past Christmas season is, “Rasmoose the Christmas Moose”. Go to HelleBooks.com.

Website: ArtByHelle.com

Instagram: art.by.helle

Facebook: art.by.helle.urban