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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Bees' Knees & Fibonacci

"Bee Bopping Along"Beeswax  Encaustic Painting - Helen Tilston
 As I wax and wane in my studio among pots of hot beeswax, the perfume is intoxicating and heady.

I am listening to: Sting "Fields of Gold"

My cocktail du jour: "Mead Wine"


The blow torch is produced and this is when the fusion of layers of wax takes place.  This is a tense time and I need the supporting words of :-
 WB Yeats as he reads to me about  about "The Bee Loud Glade"- from his "I will arise an go now and go to Innisfree"


And My Honeys I am still excited and fascinated by the Fibonacci's concept. Earlier post

 My reading has revealed the following on:

The Bee Ancestry Code
Fibonacci numbers also appear in the description of the reproduction of a population of idealized honeybees, according to the following rules:
If an egg is laid by an un mated female, it hatches a male or drone bee.
If, however, an egg was fertilized by a male, it hatches a female.
Thus, a male bee will always have one parent, and a female bee will have two.
If one traces the ancestry of any male bee (1 bee), he has 1 parent (1 bee), 2 grandparents, 3 great-grandparents, 5 great-great-grandparents, and so on. This sequence of numbers of parents is the Fibonacci sequence. The number of ancestors at each level, Fn, is the number of female ancestors, which is Fn−1, plus the number of male ancestors, which is Fn−2.[54]



"To Bee "  Beeswax Encaustic ptg. Helen Tilston
(This is under the unrealistic assumption that the ancestors at each level are otherwise unrelated.)


Do you like bees?
Do you eat honey?
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58 comments:

  1. MrsLittleJeansJuly 23, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    Fascinating information on bees Helen! My father raised bees (does one say that, raise bees? it sounds funny). We only had ten hives but they were great...they were our bees. I love honey too. I very much dislike wild bees because I have been bitten by them

    I love the description of what is going on in your studio...just hearing you describe it is inspirational. Happy Monday to you...I hope I get a chance to post once this week, the cat boys are getting antsy! xx

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:27 PM

      Hello Mona

      I agree with you, bees are absolutely fascinating.
      I just love being in their presence. Bee stings can be painful.

      It has been quite hot and painting in my studio, which is air conditioned in encaustic is a welcome change.A client wants some neutral paintings, in encaustic, for her room

      I will look forward to your post. Regards to the cat boys

      Helen xx

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  2. Jane and Lance HattattJuly 23, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    Hello Helen:
    What a heady mix this all is. Poetry, Honey, Bees, Science and Mathematics. Art and Engineering combined with a blowtorch, what a remarkable woman you are and of so many talents, creative skills, imagination and flair. You touch our souls and we are the richer for it.

    Do we eat honey on our bread? Well, let us say,like Pooh, never mind the bread!!!

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:34 PM

      Hello Jane and Lance

      Welcome home and so great to have you back. Your compliments are most generous and I thank you. I am giggling at the thought of you both with honey jars in hand like Pooh Bear. How I would love to see you in person and get personal tuition on the fibonacci formula.
      Have a glorious and restful week.

      Helen xx

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  3. Vintage JaneJuly 23, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    Fascinating post. Ooh yes, I love honey.

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:34 PM

      Hello Jane

      Thank you for commenting and I am happy you enjoyed this post.

      Wishing you a week of joy

      Helenxx

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  4. Heather RobinsonJuly 23, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    Now this post is the perfect example of why you are such an amazing lady, Helen Tilston.
    xo,
    Heather
    PS. Yeats is my favorite poet.

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:47 PM

      Hello Heather

      I accept your beautiful comment Heather. This coming from someone so talented, educated and sophisticated means very much to me.

      We share a love for WB Yeats. It is so comforting to hear his voice. The recording is a bit old and wobbly.

      Helen xx

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  5. Down by the seaJuly 23, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    I love bees and like honey but not on bread! I like your choose of music and drink and you create that lovely piece. Your description is so good I can visualise it all!
    Sarah x

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:49 PM

      Hello Sarah

      Thank you for taking the time to read my post and for commenting. Your kind words are much appreciated.
      Helen xx

      Delete
  6. Pura VidaJuly 23, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    My bee story is incredible and unbelievable...if you ever have some time...check out the few bee posts I have on Pura Vida. To answer your question...your bee post is wonderful!

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:50 PM

      Hello and thank you for visiting and for your compliment on my post.

      I will check out your story on bees, thank you for telling me

      Helen xx

      Delete
  7. JenJuly 23, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Bees, blowtorches, what are you up to?
    Yeats goes with everything....

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:53 PM

      Hello Jen

      Thank you for commenting. I am sorry to confuse you and I would never harm a bee. The blow torch fuses several layers of the bees wax on the painting.
      I was so delighted to find this tape of Yeats reading his poem, I believe recorded some time in the late 1930's.

      Helen xx

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  8. BonnieJuly 23, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    I love bumblebees. I work along beside the in the garden. I don't bother them....they don't bother me. They are fascinating to watch. Your piece is wonderful. I am not for sure I understand the blowtorch though. Helen, have a wonderful week. Bonnie

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:56 PM

      Hello Bonnie

      There is peace when one works in a garden alongside bees.
      They are indeed fascinating. Thank you for reading my post and commenting and your compliment is also much appreciated.
      The blow torch is used in encaustic painting. It is the method by which various layers of painting are fused together to form a smooth surface and yet retain the transparency and luminosity.

      Have a glorious week

      Helenxx

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  9. A Bit of the BlarneyJuly 23, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    What a wonderful post. Just sat back and relaxed in the words and works you share with us. Yes, I eat honey. Bees don't like me but we do so need them!!! Have a wonderful week! Cathy

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 23, 2012 at 4:58 PM

      Hello Cathy

      Thank you for taking the time to read and listen to my post.

      I believe there are many benefits from honey and I love the different tastes of honey, depending on the season and flowers. It differs from region to region.

      Have a wonderful week

      Helen xx

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  10. Elizabeth Rose StantonJuly 23, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    Just fabulous! BEEautiful! :)

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 24, 2012 at 12:06 PM

      Hello Elizabeth.

      Great pun! I love it

      Have a buzzing week

      Helen xx

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  11. 24 CornersJuly 23, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Love honey. love bees, love the expansion my brain and spirit feel when thinking of the Fabonacci theory and bee connection, and...I love your beautiful piece of wax art, sublimely stunning!!!
    Love how advenurous you are too!
    xo J~

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 24, 2012 at 12:08 PM

      Hello Jessica

      Thanks for your kind words. Encaustic paintings seem to be in demand. Perhaps their fragility.

      I am trying to keep up to you, dear Jessica, in the "adventure department".

      Wishing you a wonderful week

      Helen xx

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  12. UnknownJuly 24, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    I love beeswax Helen.... love how it makes old papers so transparent & the patina it adds to a piece of art. x Kerry

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 24, 2012 at 12:10 PM

      Hello Kerry

      I have not tried using beeswax over old paper but I am sure it has quite a patina. Some work in collage and beeswax with good results.

      Wishing you a week of joy

      Helen xx

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  13. I Dream OfJuly 24, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    Helen, I do love bees - there is something so cheerful about seeing them buzzing away in our lavender outside our front door when I leave the house each day. Makes me want to follow there example and be busy, busy, busy and focused on the task ahead! XO

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 24, 2012 at 12:13 PM

      You are so right when you say that bees motivate and I feel likewise even on days where I am not the most energetic
      Springtime in Florida, when the orange blossoms are in bloom is another time when the bees are particularly active. I feel saddened that they are endangered.

      Wishing you a week of fun

      Helen xx

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  14. MiseJuly 24, 2012 at 8:43 AM

    Helen, here is a song for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol7h4WgWx0U. It's the Sean Keane version, which I think you will like.

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 24, 2012 at 12:14 PM

      Hello Mise

      Thank you for taking the time to post this song. I love it and have played it over and over. Sean Keane has such a beautiful voice.

      Gura Maith Agat

      Helen xx

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  15. DolceDreamsJuly 24, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    Hi Helen,
    Thank you for the visit and comment! I love bees, AND honey...and your work of art here! Fascinating...I have always wanted to do walls in my home rubbed with beeswax. Ever since dining in a room at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence that had walls rubbed with layers and layers of beeswax on the golden pigment...and seeing the way that the light danced upon them, I have been obsessed (but not obsessed enough to make it happen...yet!)

    Have a great week filled with more creativity!
    Nathalie

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  16. helen tilstonJuly 24, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    Hello Nathalie

    Thank you for your kind compliment. There is a glow from an encaustic painting which seems to steal the show. I am fascinated and have never heard of walls in encaustic. A powder room would be quite spectacular, complete with a Waterford crystal chandelier or a Venetian glass chandelier. Nathalie, look what you have done to me!! I cannot wait to return to Firenze and dine at Enoteca Pinchiorri. Thank you for sharing this information.
    Helen xx

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  17. vicki archerJuly 24, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Yes and yes.... Our bees are out in force here and our local honey makers so a superb lavender infused one... that's my favourite...
    Good luck with all that wax Helen... :) xv

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 25, 2012 at 8:26 AM

      Hello Vicki

      Thanks for stopping by and I have no doubt your beautiful garden attracts bees. You menu of lavender and roses would entice them
      Helen xx

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  18. Roz | La Bella Vita CucinaJuly 25, 2012 at 3:39 AM

    Bees are beautiful and such a crucial part of our eco-system. I love the work that you've displayed in your photos! And yes, fresh local honey is the BEST! I think that I might just have to have a cup of tea with honey now! Thanks!

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 25, 2012 at 8:27 AM

      Hello Roz

      You are right when you state the importance of bees. I will join you in a cup of tea and some bread and honey.

      Helen xx

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  19. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comJuly 25, 2012 at 4:36 AM

    Absolutely fascinating Helen.
    I learnt something today. Your encaustic art painting with the Bee is beautiful. there is always a tale behind your wonderful art.
    This year, i seem to have less bees around and more wasps.
    lovely interesting post
    thank you Helen
    xxx val

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  20. helen tilstonJuly 25, 2012 at 8:29 AM

    Hello Valerie

    I hope the bees return to your beautiful garden. I can imagine you napping on the porch with the buzz of bees and the horses playing. Thanks for your support and compliment on my painting

    Helen xx

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  21. A Super DilettanteJuly 25, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    My dear Helen, I thoroughly enjoy this post. I adore Yeats' poetry. I read a great deal of his poems. They are so deep and meaningful. It's probably because he was an Irish (they are deep and eloquent people). I used to eat honey as a herbal medicine to ease my hayfever for the summer months. I've been told that I needed to eat local honey. But now I live by the sea, my hayfever (mostly sneezing and runny nose) has improved a great deal. I don't know if it is a mixture of honey and sea air. Bees, my dear, are the most mysterious creature. Have a lovely day. Best wishes, ASD x

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  22. helen tilstonJuly 25, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Dearest ASD

    I am delighted to read that your health is greatly improved in your new abode. I do believe there are many vitamins and minerals in salt water. When I am away from the ocean for some time, I actually crave bathing in it.

    We share a love from WB Yeats and his voice is so melodic. Sometimes his poetry reduces me to tears. I agree with you in what you say about bees. We try and buy local honey.

    Thanks for visiting and I wish you a good night and sweet dreams

    Helen xx

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  23. Jane the BookladyJuly 25, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    Helen, this post is such a treat. The cat awoke me far to early but having time to hear Keats read Innisfree has made a perfect start to the day!
    I love bees and honey. My daughter startled her class when she was in Primary school by telling them all how 'Mummy loves bees and likes to stroke them" (actually it was a bumble bee)
    Thank you for a lovely post, Jane xx

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 26, 2012 at 8:21 PM

      Hello Jane

      I am happy to read you like Years. I could listen to his voice read to me all day. The recording is quite old and I believe from RTE Radio in the late 1930's.

      There is a comfort and calm when in the presence of bees and nothing like fresh bread and honey.
      How funny your daughter would tell that story at school.

      Have a great weekend
      Helen xx

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  24. Mr PaulJuly 26, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    The encaustic painting is lovely Helen something I have not heard of before, fascinating fibonacci connections, we seem to be surrounded by. Your recent post has come to mind on several occasions recently whilst I have been out and about in the gardens.

    The bees are such a welcome sight in our garden which was planted with them in mind some reside at the base of an old tree at the bottom of the garden. We love to watch them busily at work throughout the year.

    Have wonderful weekend.

    Paul

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 26, 2012 at 8:24 PM

      Hello Paul
      Thank you for your generous compliment on my encaustic paintings. There is a wonderful aroma from the beeswax when heated. I think it is marvelous that your plantings attract bees. Do you plan on building a beehive?

      Have a wonderful weekend
      Helen xx

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  25. rjerdeeJuly 26, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    you ARE the bees' knees, helen! loved this most complex post!

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 26, 2012 at 8:25 PM

      Hello Becky

      You have me laughting out loud at this comment.
      That is very witty.

      Have a delightful weekend
      Helen xx

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  26. ted and bunnyJuly 27, 2012 at 12:18 AM

    as I write this I have a bee sitting in the dowstairs cloakroom under the colander with a teaspoon of sugar-and-water waiting to go back outside once the deluge stops. We found it weak and wilted last evening and of course, you always have to invite the bees in for tea!

    For Mark 'n' me, Fields of Gold is "our" song. Have you ever heard the Eva Cassidy version- listen and weep.

    The encaustic (isn't that one of the nicest words there is) bees are beautiful
    xx

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:24 PM

      Hello

      I am visualizing the bee and your attempts to lure her outside.

      Thank you for reminding me, I love Eva Cassidy's voice, now I am off to you tube to hear her.
      You are right, the word encaustic is soft and beautiful. Thank you for your generous compliment on my paiting.

      Helen xx

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  27. Dumbwit TellherJuly 27, 2012 at 2:47 AM

    Hello dear Helen ~ you are such a fascinating woman of so many talents. Your 'bee' art is amazing. I would of never, ever imagined the process that you would of gone through to achieve various layers. The smell of the wax would be intoxicating. That coupled with wine and Stings "Fields of Gold" & I would of been in euphoria!
    I do love honey and bees have such a beauty about them. It's quite frightening though that our bee population is diminishing.

    Helen I wish you a beeeeautiful weekend ahead! xx

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:28 PM

      Hello Deborah
      How nice to see you here, thanks for stopping in and for your kind and generous compliments.
      The process of working in encaustic almost puts one in a drunken state, certainly it elevates. What is gorgeous is that the painting always has the odour of beeswax.
      I agree we need to be careful and protect our bees. They are a necessity.

      Wshing you a great weekend.

      Helen xx

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  28. Castles Crowns and CottagesJuly 27, 2012 at 3:01 AM

    THIS IS SO FASCINATING! I only taught fourth grade math, but in my training learned a bit about the Fibonacci patterns in nature. TO HEAR YEATS' words is chilly and almost has a BUZZ sound to it! ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL MUSE MY DEAR and thank you for visiting me! Anita

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:30 PM

      Dear Anita

      Thanks for stopping in. I am happy you enjoyed hearing WB's voice. Isn't you tube wonderful to provide us this opportunity. Your teaching background provided a wonderful introduction to so many subjects. I love your blog Anita and look forward to the joy you always give.

      Helen xx

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  29. La DolfinaJuly 27, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    You are a woman of amazing talents Helen!!!
    I adore this bee art you create.

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:32 PM

      Hello Terri

      Nice to see you here. Thanks for such a generous compliment.
      I do enjoy working in encaustic - it is so different from plein air painting.
      Happy treasure hunting

      Helen xx

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  30. Lisa GordonJuly 27, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    You are amazing, Helen!
    I love the encaustic.
    I do like bees, but as of just yesterday, i do not think they feel the same about me.
    Got a nasty sting on of all places, my elbow! Ugh!
    Like honey too, especially in my tea.

    Wishing you a most wonderful weekend, my friend.

    xo.

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:33 PM

      Hello Lisa

      I hope your elbow has healed. That sounds painful.
      It sounds like you have forgiven the bee, in exchange for the delicious honey.
      Thanks for the compliment on my encaustic painting
      Helen xx

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  31. sandaJuly 28, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    I love the work of art you have created, Helen. Wow, I always learn something new when I read your posts. Bees and ants are fascinating to me, and I find the Fibonacci concept so intriguing and something I want to know more about. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM

      Hi Sonda

      Thank you for your kindness and validation of my painting.
      You are so right there is much to learn from bees and ants.
      The Fibonacci system is indeed complex and I need further education on the subject.
      Wishing you a delightful weekend

      Helen xx

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  32. ~Lavender Dreamer~August 2, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    Years ago we kept a few bee hives...or boxes. They are interesting and the raw honey is the sweetest and best honey. We had clover and our honey was clover honey. Love your post!

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:38 PM

      Hi Diane
      I so agree with you about raw honey being just the best. I am sure the clover honey was absolutely delicious. I love the Florida honeys too, particularly the orange blossom. Now I want toast and tea.

      Have a glorious weekend

      Helen xx

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