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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

Friday, February 22, 2013

Youghal and Outdoor Exercise By The Ocean



View from our apartment in Youghal, overloooking Blackwater River
One morning this past Autumn, whilst vacationing in Youghal, Ireland, I took an early morning walk through the streets of this hilly town toward the ocean.   There are six outdoor exercise machines installed throughout the town along a route called Slí na Sláinte, the walking trail devised in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation and can be found (and utilised) as one walks passed the Lighthouse towards The Strand.

Photo by Helen Tilston


Photo: Helen Tilston

Photo Helen Tilston

The Strand, Youghal, Photo Helen Tilston

Photo: Helen Tilston

Entrance to a Private Residence, photo Helen Tilston

Entrance to Private Residence, Helen Tilston



Steps leading to a street above the town, photo: Helen Tilston



Imelda May, Irish Rock-a-billy singer keeps me company on my ipod.


Do you have this type of outdoor exercise gym in your town?



Thursday, February 14, 2013

It's Going to be a Bright, Bright Sunshine Day




"Join me on the Patio" original oil by Helen Tilston,
My art partners Mary Rose Holmes and Violetta Shtumeyzen-Chalmers aim to paint together, outdoors, at least twice weekly.   In the past few weeks, it appeared that each selected day was overcast and dull and a day in the studio was more productive.  This week we decided to assemble at Violetta's studio.
Painting commences outdoors at Indian Rocks Beach, two weeks ago
A typical day in the studio begins with pots of tea, fresh fruit and some delicious delicacy from the Mennonite farmers in  the Sarasota area or delicious freshly baked cake from Mrs Shtumeyzen's oven (Violetta's beautiful mother).  Violetta on Sunday  returned from Hawaii with an island blend of teas, one emitting the aroma of plumeria.  Centre piece is sprigs of rosemary from Helen's garden, which Violetta plans to leave in water till it roots and then plant in her garden. (Incidentally, my plant is descended from Mary Rose's rosemary plant)  I like to say I have Mary Rose's baby (Heavens forbid, not to be confused with the movie Rosemary's Baby)


Violetta sets her table as she would set up a still life

Mary Rose is served tea by Violetta
Violetta's welcome is always warm and generous.
Once nourished, it is now time to select our music, some classical, some Hawaiian and
Israel Kamakawiwi'ole is chosen.
We are now singing in Hawaiian so please join us.

Time to work
Max is Violetta's dog.  He is not letting her out of his sight since her return from Hawaii.

Miniature garden off living room.

Foreground Violetta, Mary Rose nearest
Lanai off studio, mural by Violetta.

Violetta and Max in foreground, Helen Tilston admires "Florida, my love" by Mary Rose Holmes

Copious cups of tea, fruit and poppy seed cake and before you could say "plein air", it was 5:30 p.m.

Finishing touches being applied to:  "The Blessed Mother" by Helen Tilston
One of our husband's remarked how quiet we are when painting. Just paintbrushes keeping to the beat of the music.