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Since 1974, Helm has painted landscapes in plein aire. Like many young artists, he was greatly inspired by the Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Helm took Van Gogh's influence much further though, and began to incorporate elements of divisionistic/bravuro painting into his style, initiating the starting point for his own landscape painting

Helm separates his landscape painting from his other artworks. He considers the process and reasoning entirely different. He uses location painting as a means of coming in touch with nature while working in the open air. Through this, Helm has identified what he refers to as "the sense of place". He explains, "The sense of place is a unique quality that nature emanates: it has to do with everything that's there, including the weather, the day, and the painter."

All works within the Landscape pages were executed on location with the exception of the Realism Series.

New Kentucky Series: 1996 to present (pages 1 to 2)

Wisconsin Series: 1991 to 1996 (pages 3 to 4)

Realism Series: 1991 to 1995 (pages 5 to 6)

Illinois Series: 1984 to 1991 (page 7)

Michigan Series: 1982 to 1984 (page 8)

Early Kentucky Series: 1980 to 1984 (page 9)

Van Gogh Series: 1978 to 1980 ( page 10 to 11)