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| Helen Tilston painting at Indian Rocks Beach - Photo Karin Altpeter |
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| Violetta Chandler painting her thrid of a triptych at Indian Rocks Beach. Photo Karin Altpeter |
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| Mary Rose Holmes painting at Indian Rocks Beach - Photo KarinAltpeter |
and Mary Rose Holmes a seventh generation Floridian and myself, Irish born Helen Tilston have been painting and exhibiting together for the past twelve years. We call ourselves "The Plein Aire Cottage Artists.
Someone who stopped and chatted one day as we painted en plein air commented, you should have called yourselves the IRA (Ireland, Russian and America) to which his smart spoken friends responded "yeah but your weapon of choice is a paintbrush". Our motto is peace.
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| Helen Tilston painting in Sarasota Florida Photo Jeannine Mullen |
Final touches are being put on our paintings, frames are being fitted and now what we will wear on opening night is on our mind.
Many out of town guests are attending. If any of you happen to be in or near the Gulf Coast of Florida, let me know and I will give you a personal docent tour.
Helen I just left Florida. Oh how I would have loved both meeting you and viewing your paintings in person. As was with our trips to Ireland, we seem to be "two ships passing in the night". Best wishes for a wonderful opening night and a successful exhibit. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie
DeleteSomeday we shall meet. This is too strange how we miss each other again by a short span of time. Thanks for your good wishes
Helen xx
That is so exciting. I wish I could be there.
ReplyDeleteHello Jen
DeleteI wish you were here too. Some day
Helen x
Dear Helen -
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! When I was drawing and painting, I enjoyed it most in the company of other students. How wonderful to work alongside your colleagues and fellow artists. For us out-of-towners, I hope you'll share photos of the opening / exhibition. Have a wonderful time ~ kindest regards, Loi
Dear Loi
DeleteThank you for your good wishes. I felt you had a painting background with your keen knowledge of tone sur tone. I find working with my art partners to be a never ending lesson. When I am away from them for a period and return, I count my blessings that I am painting with the two best artists in the USA. I will indeed do a post on the opening.
Wish you were here
Helen xx
Helen, Happy New Year! How wonderful to have a show of your beautiful work! I am not an artist and I have so much admiration for your talents. I second Loi's comment, please show more of your beautiful work and the opening on your blog!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth
DeleteMany thanks for your kind wishes. There is still a lot of work to do and some private viewings to the press. It is all very positive and we love every aspect.
Hope your week is special
Helen xx
Hooray! Oh how I wish that I could be there in person and yes, add me to the list of those that hope you will share. Wishing you a New Year as gorgeous as your paintings...and that is saying something!! :)
ReplyDeletexo,
H
Hello Heather,
DeleteThank you for such rich and beautiful words. You elevate me.
It would be so much fun to have you here and perhaps some day, some where our paths shall cross. A delightful thought.
Helen xx
Your paintings are beautiful, and so are you three women. It is a lovely gift that you have - each other!
ReplyDeleteThank you and yes our friendship and partnership is very special and I count myself very fortunate to paint with two such masters, who also have the best attitude and love to laugh.
DeleteHelen xx
If only I could, Helen, because that is something I would greatly enjoy. You are very talented ladies - Good Luck for the opening night.
ReplyDeleteOh how I would love to have your present and I can image the write up you would do. We would be entertained forever by your review. Thank you for your very kind words of support.
DeleteTo a week of joy
Helenxx
Dear Helen,
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a successful exhibition and another "paintful" 12 months!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! May it be filled with colors in every sense!
Warmest greetings,
Karin
Hello Karin
DeleteHow beautiful is your opening sentence. Thank you for the wonderful colourful greeting for the New Year.
Kindest regards to you.
Helen xx
I LOVE the last photo :) Bonne année Helen et que des bonnes choses pour 2013.
ReplyDeleteI thank you for visiting and love your greeting for 2013.
DeleteI wish you all that is good for 2013 also.
Thanks for your compliment
Helenxx
Living your dream. This is wonderful. And so are you. So glad we are friends !!
ReplyDeleteHello Marsha
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling better today. It is a dream, thank you, I am very happy knowing you and for your friendship.
Helen xx
Such wistful scenes you've painted for us with the photos that illustrate this post. Such talented folks you all are! Happy New Year to you all~
ReplyDeleteHello Jackie and Joel
DeleteYour kind words are gratefully appreciated. Wishing you a very Happy New Year
Helenxx
Dear Helen,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I always look forward to your posts from Florida - the sunshine and camaraderie shines through in the photos and lights up everything. It is a delight to behold! As of last year, my husband's parents have begun wintering in Florida every year. We won't be able to visit them this year but hopefully next year. Best wishes for a successful exhibition!!
xo
Louise
Hello Louise
DeleteWhy thank you for your beautiful words. We have much in common and both Mary Rose and Violetta are trusted friends.
How wonderful that you may be able to visit Florida next winter.
Have a wonderful weeek
Helenx
Hi Helen! Your painting looks good! I think I could now recognize one of your paintings, as you have a unique "Helen Tilston" style! Those vibrant greens, your turquoise and orange shout "HELEN!"
ReplyDeleteNow... the BIG question is:" What will you wear for the opening, Helen?" I can't wait to see the outfit!
Ciao, lovely, sweet, talented Helen!
HUGS
ANNA
xx
Ciao Anna
DeleteYour keen eye for art has my art work figured out. I think I will go shopping in my wardrobe for something to wear. I will certainly post pictures. Thanks for your good wishes and may your week be very special
Helen xx
'" ... your weapon of choice is a paintbrush". Our motto is peace.'
ReplyDeleteThis made my heart leap into my throat.
Happy, happy new year, Helen.
Hello Suze
DeleteWishing you a peaceful New Year and thank you for your friendship and support
Helen x
What fun that would be.
ReplyDeleteI wish you could be present
DeleteHelen x
Dear Helen,
ReplyDeleteA Happy New Year to you and your family! I hope you art show will be a great success! I would have loved to attend if I lived in Florida :-)!
Madelief x
Hello Madelief
DeleteI would love to have you present and maybe you could sneak some beautiful flowers from our garden!!! hee hee
Helenxx
I wish I were there to attend...in my opinion no scenery matches coastal scenery...and I love your appellation. How fun! xxx
ReplyDeleteHello Mona
DeleteWe are in one accord on scenery. Many thanks for your kind good wishes
Helenx
If I was near, I would not hesitate to come to your art show Helen...I wish I could! I hope you will take lots of photos...I want to feel the peace!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes...
Jeanne xx
Hello Jeanne
DeleteHow wonderful it would be to see you here but I could not possibly ask you to fly from Vietnam just for my sake!!.
Wishing you peace
Helen xx
Dear Helen, What wonderful paintings, full of light and colour. Just the thing to cheer me on a drear English Monday!Do please tell us of your private view outfit, I do so wish I could be whisked to Florida and see you and your paintings in real life!. Have a very happy and successful time. Jane xx
ReplyDeleteHello Jane
DeleteNice to hear from you and I hope you had a lovely New Year's Eve and blessings in 2013.
Thanks for your words of support and how fabulous it would be if you could be here. What fun we would have
Helen xx
OH YES...stress, but what joy that comes at the end! I have never given birth, but I wonder if it is safe to make the analogy that creating a work of art is like giving birth?
ReplyDeleteWHAT FABULOUS COLORS one can capture while being RIGHT THERE in front of the water!
Helen my dear, thank you for viewing my work and for your well-wishes; they are most sincere and I can feel the encouragement! YES...THANKS TO LISA, HUH?
Blessings! Anita
Hello Anita
DeleteIt is indeed so exciting to paint en plein air, the light, sounds and scent all add to the painting. I think I got too much sun yesterday as I was painting into the sun.
Your good wishes are much appreciated.
Helen x
Good luck with the show, Helen! You three have forged such happy, creative lives and deserve all the success that is evidently coming your way.
ReplyDeleteHello Mise
DeleteThank you for your beautiful wish and supporting words.
Hope life is great with you
Helen xx
Dear Helen,
ReplyDeleteYour passion for painting and creating can only be heightened by the fact that you explore this talent in the outdoors; what freedom and peace!
The best of luck with this exciting endeavour!
Poppy xo
Hello Poppy
DeleteYes is it freeing and peaceful to paint outdoors. Our climate here is absolutely perfect for painting en plein aire.
Thank you very kindly for your beautiful words.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year Helen and good luck with the show:)
ReplyDelete~Anne
Hello Anne
DeleteMany thanks for your good wishes for the New Year, I return the wish to you.
Thanks for your kind good wishes for our art show.
Helen xx
Wishing you ladies a successful show of your beautiful works. Can't wait to hear more and to see your paintings. Ah, Florida in January is very nice. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHello Sanda
DeleteOur weather is setting record high temperatures for January. There is a gentle breeze and no humidity. Today the beach was spectacular. Thanks for your kind wishes. Have a wonderful weekend.
Helen xx
Hello Helen!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely paintings these are! And even lovelier is the creative and inspiring bond that you and your friends share; such a treasure it must be.
My best wishes for the show.
Mickey
Hello Helen!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely paintings these are! And even lovelier is the creative and inspiring bond that you and your friends share; such a treasure it must be.
My best wishes for the show.
Mickey
Hello Suman
DeleteI thank you for your good wishes. Violetta and Mary Rose are both master painters and also full of joy.
Have a joyful week
Helen xx
Lots of hard work you have been doing there Helen.
ReplyDeleteI wish the three of you all the best for the 24th. I only wish i lived near and could visit..
The weather looks good.
Happy week
val xxx
Hello Valerie
DeleteAs an artist you would know Valerie of the hard work and time involved in preparing for a show. It is all so worth while and we are getting a tremendous response, so the evening looks promising.
Hope your week is special
Helen xx
Hello Helen,
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to connect via the delicious Hattatts. They have become the dearest of friends to me. Blogging is ever more dear to me for that is how we met. I so look forward to discovering more of your talent here. I envy your being in that wondrous part of Florida right now . . . as I look out on blankets of snow. Happiest of New Years! Carol
Hello Carol and a big warm and heartfelt welcome to my blog.
DeleteI am so happy to know you and to think you have spent time with my fond friends, whom I have yet to meet.
Florida is a very special state and particularly this time of year. Thanks again for your kind words and looking forward to future visits.
Helen xx
Helen,
ReplyDeleteTo see what you see, to paint with the spirit and soul you so effortlessly create is a desire of mine. I use to tell my mother I want to retire in a commune of sorts like an artist compound of beauty where one has nother better to do but paint, and that being the best part of the day.
You seam to have that little compound going for you, where you can sit and listen to what life tells you to paint. Having soul partners make it that much more inspiring.
I posted awhile back in an older post an ocean oil painting on a hard canvas board, it was a board I painted off something to then paint over on it, only as a trial to what ended up something of soul and beauty.
It's not what we look at its really what we see, and you my dear see the beauty in all you paint. How excited and nervous I would be to paint along side of you, making you my new best painting buddy.
Have a beautiful weekend, let it tell you what next to paint.
Xox
Dore
Ps. Thank you Helen for supporting and encouraging my art and how I look at it.
Hello Dore
DeleteYour art and creativity inspire me very much. You have such style, grace and originality.
Having two art partners whose work I admire so greatly I feel has raised the bar and I feel very grateful to have met them.I am heading over to your blog to refresh my memory on the painting you speak of.
Your friendship and support means very much to me, dear Dore.
Helen xx
Wow! how talented you all are. Thank you also for your lovely comments over at mine x
ReplyDeleteHello Vanessa
DeleteA big welcome. Thank you for your compliment, it made my day.
I am very much enjoying your blog
Helen xx
What beautiful weather! Wishing you all the best for your exhibition, hope it's a sell out! Greetings from a rainy England! Sharon
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon
DeleteThank you for that wish. The weather is unseasonably warm and sunny. I hope the sun shines in England.
Helen xx
My dearest Helen,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you. I'm awfully excited for you. But keep calm and carry on. I hope you are having a fabulous time with all the preparation for the opening night. It is a bit daunting to get everything organised before then but I'm sure that everything will come together. "weapon of choice is a paintbrush". "Our motto is peace". Well said and arresting phrases my dear.
Without the arts and the artists, our lives and emotions will be impoverished - the sun will set forever - a place in which there can be no peace. With warm wishes, ASD X
PS. Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog. Your support and encouragement mean so much to me and I shall treasure your pearls like words.
Dearest ASD
DeleteThank you and a very Happy New Year my good friend. You say it well when you say enjoy the preparation. It is staying in the present and enjoying what each day brings and being grateful. We are very much looking forward to the opening and the response has been very favourable.
Our lives would indeed be impoverished with the arts and your spectacular writing brings so much joy. I do hope you publish soon.
My best for a delightful week.
Helen xx