I was born in San José, Costa Rica. I worked as Statistician for 30 years in different state institutions. 2003 I retired and a few months later I began to study painting. Soon I found out I loved watercolor. I have made three solo art shows.

I attended a watercolor workshop during 10-14 May in Florence, Italy. The teacher was Alfonso Tejada, architect and watercolorist. We painted in several places of that beautiful city, like the Bardini and Boboli Gardens.

My Private Collection

Posted by Helena Ramrez On April - 23 - 2009

I have a private collection: those paintings that have been a meaningful progress in my artistic adventure.

I started painting in 2004 with teacher José Miguel Yglesias.  My first watercolor that is part of this subjective collection was made in  2006.  It is called White Gloxinias.


Gloxinias blancas

2007 I began my drawing lessons with teacher Luis Paulino Delgado.  Guided by him I made two portraits of Sara, a young model.  These two drawings from the model helped me gain confidence in my drawing skills.


Sara en café

Sara en azul

The same year I began attending teacher Gisela Stradtmann workshop.  I bought my first Schmincke paints.  The transparency of these paints inspired me to make the watercolor Wild Lilies.   Teacher Stradtmann said this painting indicated my own style: use of light colors and a lot of transparency.  Those days I also painted Doves in the Sky.  Many people consider this as my best painting.


Lirios del campo

Palomas en el cielo

2008 I painted several themes about my late husband´s environment in the house.  One of these paintings is Pipes and Orchids.  As I painted this watercolor I felt some special energy guided my hand.  So far, this is my favorite work.


Pipas con orquídeas

The Fountain in San Miguel de Allende was my best watercolor during the five-days workshop I attended in that city with Mel Stabin.  With him we went to paint pleine aire everyday to different spots.


San Miguel de Allende-Fuente