Crows Nest Gallery display reveals Helen Richards’ stylised landscapes

Published on 01 October 2026

Queensland-based contemporary artist Helen Richards will showcase her expressive acrylic landscapes and figurative works at a Crows Nest Gallery exhibition, Threads of Wild Colour, that will be displayed from 7 October to 8 November 2026.

Richards’ expressive acrylic paintings celebrate South East Queensland forests, mangroves, gardens, birdlife, mountains and lush botanical landscapes as vibrant environments filled with movement, emotion and connection between people, wildlife and place. 

Alongside her immersive landscape works, figurative paintings explore themes of belonging, memory and human connection, reflecting the invisible threads that tie people and nature together.

Grounded in a strong sense of place, the paintings draw on familiar experiences, using vivid tones, flowing organic forms and rich patterns to create emotional interpretations of landscape rather than literal depictions. 

Together, the works form a visual tapestry that encourages viewers to see everyday surroundings through fresh eyes while evoking joy, comfort, wonder and a deeper emotional connection with the natural world around us.

Drawing on a background in art education and textile design, she explores memory, place and connection through vibrant, pattern-rich interpretations of the Australian landscape.

The exhibition’s Artist in Conversation event starts at 11am on Sunday 18 October.

For more information, please see: www.tr.qld.gov.au/crowsnestgallery

For further information, contact the Gallery on (07) 4698 1687 or crowsnestart@tr.qld.gov.au

Crows Nest Gallery, at the corner of the New England Highway and William Street is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays.  Entry is free.

Images:  

Helen RICHARDS / When the forest breathes colour 2026 / acrylic on canvas / 124 x 184cm / © Helen Richards (Top)

Helen RICHARDS / Mangroves on the edge 2026 / acrylic on canvas / 94 x 94cm / © Helen Richards (Below)

Helen RICHARDS / The shapes and noise of belonging 2026 / acrylic on canvas / 46 x 61cm / © Helen Richards

Helen RICHARDS / Safe within the wild tangle 2026 / acrylic on canvas / 61 x 46cm / © Helen Richards (Bottom)