about me
Hi, I’m Helen, aka The Perky Painter, I create happy art: joyful, colourful, and bold, for the young at heart!
Painting is my passion, it brings me so much happiness and my mission is to share that with others. My work bursts with vibrant colour, imaginative character and a deep love of expression, celebrating the beauty of seeing the world differently. I want my art to brighten lives, spark creativity and help people, especially children, feel positive, inspired and emotionally supported.

Artwork​
I create bright, modern paintings using expressive acrylic techniques and bold, intuitive colour. Deconstructing colour in my subjects and bringing them to life on the canvas in an explosion of hues. I show my application of paint clearly, from intricate brush strokes to lively applications of pure colour with palette knives. Constructing a rich dialogue with the viewer, sharing the experience of how the art was formed. My animal artworks are full of personality, inviting connection and warmth.
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My art sparkles with personality, from expressive acrylic paintings to loveable animal characters bringing joy with their big personalities and puns. My character illustrations, like the Fruinimals (fruit-animal hybrids), are designed in a whimsical, child-friendly style, combining humour, familiarity and charm. I describe this creative process as “Maths Art” - the visual equation of combining two playful ideas. This creative puzzle brings me joy and mindfulness. It’s my personal form of relaxation, helping me manage worry or sleeplessness, and I love sharing it with others as a tool for both creativity and emotional wellbeing.
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Inspired by my own healing journey with art, I now specialise in providing art workshops that support children’s mental health and wellbeing. Each workshop is rooted in joyful, imaginative expression. Art becomes a safe space for children to express emotions, try something new and build confidence.
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Working in schools, nurseries, clubs, summer camps, family attractions and galleries, my workshops are adaptable for different ages, abilities and group sizes. I’m experienced in the early years and provide tailored creative activities to support sensory learning and play-based development. I take pride in delivering fun, meaningful experiences that children remember long after the session ends.
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With over a decade of experience as a professional artist, I’ve delighted hundreds of children sharing my love of art across educational and community settings. I am fully qualified, insured and DBS checked, with specialist training in children’s mental health and arts-based emotional support.
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You can click here to visit my workshops page or get in touch to find out more or book a session.
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Why I Do What I Do
During a difficult period of illness, art became my way to heal - I quite literally painted myself happy. My first painting in that chapter was the Perky Pixie, who later inspired my business name and logo. That joyful little character helped me find my strength and share it with the world.
As I began showing my work, I saw how children especially connected with my playful, colourful art. They wanted to make their own. In teaching them, I naturally shared how I used creativity to express emotions and build resilience – and they listened. They responded. That’s when I realised: this could help them too.
My workshops grew from there. When I became a mum, my commitment to supporting children’s emotional wellbeing deepened even further. I now design my art and workshops to help children thrive creatively, emotionally and socially.
Read more about my story here:
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Commissions and Pet Portraits
For something extra special, commission a unique artwork created just for you - from Pet Portraits with character to abstracts tailored to perfectly match your home.
Animals are a favourite subject of mine, depicting personality and character. In my Pet Portraits I capture how you the owner sees their loved one, creating a painting through your eyes. In every piece I create I show something more than a photograph ever could. Using vivid colour and enhancing texture I convey feeling and expression. Learn more about our Pet Portraits here
If you are interested in a one-of-a-kind piece made especially for you, please get in touch
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Gift Collection
I want people without either the means, need or desire for on the wall paintings to be able to access my art. I have developed a varied product range from my paintings and illustrations to do just this, including wrapping paper, mugs, tote bags, stationary and small gift items.
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Let’s Work Together
Whether you’re looking for vibrant art for your home, a magical workshop for your school, or a custom project that uplifts and inspires - I’d love to hear from you!
Together, let’s celebrate happy art for the best start.
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