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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, March 11, 2013

Secrets and Ties & Little White Lies



Mary Rose, Violetta and Helen paining
The setting, a spectacular home, build with love and housed with beautiful art and furnishings.
It will one day be a memory for the current owners.   She wants it immortalized in a painting.  We are actually painting a triptych.   This time Mary Rose will paint the right hand panel, Violetta the centre and Helen the left hand side.    We are excited about this project as the variety of trees, flowers and statuary gives it interest.
Irish wolf-hounds belong to Cousin Mary
The "White Lie".  This is a surprise gift to the husband and, therefore, must be painted in his absence.
On Sunday, we receive a text with his golf schedule.  We then must co-ordinate with Mother Nature and see if the weather will co-operate on the given days.  A sketch has been roughly drawn in.

Sketch of trip tych
We feel the angels are with us on this project for just as we began set up, a huge dolphin visited and gave us the "thumbs up" as he leaped from the water.  The day was windy and ties were needed. To the rescue the trusted bungie cords.

Dolphin on his way

We had our annual Motown Dance on Saturday, where each year we donate a painting for a local non profit organization, Indian Rocks Beach Action 2000,  This year Mary Rose's painting was the feature.  Here are some doing the Electric Slide
L to R: Cookie Kennedy, Mary Rose, Melissa Dotson and Violetta

Cookie is Vice Mayor of Indian Rocks Beach a multi talented caring woman who is a joy to be around.


Violetta Bill & Melissa (winners and highest bidders)  Mary Rose and Helen




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61 comments:

  1. AnnaMarch 11, 2013 at 6:30 AM

    Hello Helen!

    Another lovely project for the "Trio"... I so love the idea of you three friends working togather. The electric slide looks like fun, by the way!

    Do make sure to show us the end product. Plenty of scope for one of lovely bright paintings!

    Have a good week. I am ill and can't get warm. We have snow on the ground and I crave a little bit of warm weather and blue sky... just like in your paintings!

    CIAO!

    ANNA

    xxx

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:43 AM

      Hello Anna

      We are enjoying painting this beautiful house. The secrecy is a bit of a challenge. I will try and remember to post the finished painting when all the secrecy is behind us.
      Hope your weather warms up and you feel the sunshine soon.
      Fond wishes
      Helen xx

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  2. Things and ThoughtsMarch 11, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    Hi Helen! We missed you!How wonderful work are you doing there ? Painting by the sea with dolphin partners...?Incredible!So nice gesture from you to donate artwork.
    Have a lovely , creative week and be always able to donate!
    Olympia

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:46 AM

      Hello Olympia

      Thank you for your comments and it is a good feeling to be missed. The dolphin are still a rare sighting and I am always thrilled to be greeted by one. We live in a beautiful place and it feels good to give back, the money is put to very good use. I join you in that beautiful wish of always being able to donate.

      Have a week of joy

      Helen xx

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  3. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comMarch 11, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    Hello Dear Helen,
    Once again you three will be together on a project.
    It all sounds so exciting. Especially when its got to be a secret.
    What a magnificent property, right on the water.
    What a sight to be seen for sore eyes.. to see the Dolphin , right where you were.
    Wishing you all the best of happy painting with your Triptych.
    Happy painting
    kind regards
    val xx

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:48 AM

      Hello Val

      We are enjoying painting this interesting house. It is the couple's anniversary and she wants to surprise him. It is not always easy to co-ordinate with so many variables, weather and our three schedules. The dolphin was a beautiful omen. We hope to return on Friday and work on another session.
      Hope your week is special

      Helen xx

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  4. Jackie and Joel SmithMarch 11, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    What a wonderful idea! And what a fun time it must be gathering together and working on the panels. Please do show us the finished project and let us know the husband's reaction!

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:51 AM

      Hello Jackie and Joel

      It is fun and the setting is wonderful. It would be more freeing if it were not a surprise present and our presence a secret.
      I will show the finished painting, one the husband has seen it.

      Helen xx

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  5. MrsLittleJeansMarch 11, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    Dear Helen:

    What a fun project and what a beautiful home. I am loving those wolf-hounds. I too would love to see the finished project..I bet it will be beautiful...wishing you a beautiful week xx

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:53 AM

      Hello my friend

      It is indeed a beautiful home and the view from her house is spectacular. We could happily remain on their dock for at least a year and still not have captured all the vistas.
      Wishing you a beautiful week also

      Helen xx

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  6. Sulky KittenMarch 11, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    That will be a marvelous present for the husband - I'm sure you'll do the house proud.How lovely that you had a friendly dolphin drop by! You live in Paradise.

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:56 AM

      Hello Sulky Kitten

      Thank you for your confidence in our work. We love the subject and that makes it go more smoothly. The cheekly dolphin came to the dock edge- the are fast and I wish I had captured him closer. The inter-coastal water at Indian Rocks Beach has some incredible properties and views.
      Hope your week is special

      Helen xx

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  7. MadeliefMarch 11, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    Dear Helen, I wouldn't mind swapping with you. To work in such a location.... I can only dream off it :-)!

    Hope your painting will look lovely!

    Madelief x

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:58 AM

      Hello Madelief

      Thank you for your compliment. It is a joy to work in the sunshine as you well know when you work your spectacular garden.
      Have a great week

      Helen xx

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  8. Down by the seaMarch 11, 2013 at 12:10 PM

    What a wonderful setting and how nice to be creating the picture together. I will look forward to seeing the finshed project.
    Sarah x

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 4:59 AM

      Thank you for your good wishes. I will post the finished painting when the coast is clear.

      Wishing you a joyful week

      Helen xx

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  9. RosemaryMarch 11, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Dear Helen - I seem to recall that you did another "secret" painting last year - it must be quite difficult fitting in with these little "white lie" arrangements. I know that the triptych will be wonderful you three girls work so well together, and I am sure that you also have lots of fun. As Jackie and Joel have said, please do show us the end result.

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 10:39 AM

      Hello Rosemary

      You have an excellent memory and yes, this is similar to last year's painting, however, now a triptych. If that were not enough, I have another secret painting to do. Can we assume that women love secrets?
      I will indeed post the finished triptych
      Hope your week is very special

      Helen xx

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  10. A Super DilettanteMarch 11, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    My dearest Helen,

    I'm transported to the magical land of creativity where the three talented artists, a dolphin and Irish wolf hounds came together to safeguard a special secret - yes, keeping mum at the same time. I shall like to be a fly on the wall and join in with you all at Motown Dance (if one is forgiven for having two left feet!). Wishing you the best possible week ahead.

    With warmest wishes, ASD

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 10:41 AM

      Dearest ASD

      What fun this all is turning out to be. We return on Friday, weather permitting and husband's golf schedule.
      What a beautiful thought to have you dance the electric slide with us. I still have not mastered it so we could step on each other's toes.
      Thank you for the good wishes and may your week be very special.

      Helenx

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  11. JenMarch 11, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    I love the idea of a triptych by three artists. Hope you will share the finished painting with us.

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 10:42 AM

      Hello Jen

      We have another session or two before we can call it complete. I will post a picture once the husband has first viewing.

      Helen xx

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  12. Louise @ INGREDIENTSMarch 11, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    Dear Helen,
    I remember you had to do another painting "in secret" last year - the anticipation must be so much fun and excitement for all involved. The house is gorgeous and the painting will be a wonderful gift. I hope you will show us the finished triptych.
    All the best,
    Louise

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    1. Louise @ INGREDIENTSMarch 12, 2013 at 5:07 AM

      I also wanted to let you know that I have awarded you a "Very Inspiring Blogger Award" in my latest blog post here. I always come here to refresh my eyes - there's always something beautiful to look at here! Thank you for the wonderful blog!

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    2. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 10:45 AM

      Hello Louise

      Your memory is very accurate, I did indeed have a commission which had to be painted in secret last year. That time it was a man who was my client. Now we have a run of women who want paintings for their husbands for anniversaries and birthdays.
      It is all fun and adds to the glee.
      Helenxx

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    3. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 10:47 AM

      Hello Louise

      What an honour you have bestowed upon me. I am thrilled to be in the company of such a fine group of bloggers. Some I already follow and I will be visiting the new ones to me.
      I am absolutely thrilled and gob-smacked

      Kindest regards

      Helen xxx

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  13. cedarmerefarmMarch 11, 2013 at 6:42 PM

    Hi Helen,
    WOW! how fun is that? You three ladies are soooo lucky! What a great setting and a great project! May be the dolphin is one of those who actually prefers to hang around human (like JoJo in Turks & Caicos)? There are a few of them around the world. Can't wait to see the triptych.
    Christa

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 7:05 PM

      Hello Christa

      We have a wonderful time together and in particular when painting on a project. The setting is perfect and we loved the dolphin's visit. He was independent and following his thumbs up he took off down the coast. I had not heard of JoJo in Turks and Caicos. We will share the triptych when completed and thanks for stopping by

      Helen xx

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  14. KukkaiselämääMarch 12, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    It would be awesome to see a dolphin! Lucky you! I hope you'll show us the finished triptych. Have a great week, Helen!

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 7:06 PM

      Many thanks for your visit. Yes it was a very lucky day for us to have a dolphin visit. I hope he visits again when we paint on Friday. Yes we will share our finished painting.
      Have a wonderful week

      Helen xx

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  15. PatriciaMarch 12, 2013 at 3:14 AM

    What great fun you are having, doing a triptych and keeping it secret as well! The location is so lovely and the visit by a dolphin is very sweet. Look forward to seeing the finished paintings. Best wishes to you.

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 7:08 PM

      Hello Patricia
      We are loving this project and hope for pleasant weather on Friday when we return. Hope you have a wonderful week

      Helenx

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  16. rjerdeeMarch 12, 2013 at 3:37 AM

    Hi Helen,
    Such a lovely a project...a triptych is a great idea for expanding the view and allowing for detail. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of this great secret :)

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 7:10 PM

      Hello Rebecca

      Yes the house lends itself perfectly to a triptych. It will fit beautifully with their collection of art and knowing what wall it will hang on is also exciting. Wishing you a great week

      Helen xx

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  17. UnknownMarch 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Helen,

    Your work reaches so far and wide how lovely a project and lasting memory. I await the finish!

    Bette

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 7:11 PM

      Hello Bette, Thank you for your words of kindness. Painting en plein air somehow also creates wonderful memories which seem to be entwined in the artwork.
      Hope your week is very special

      Helen xx

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  18. Elizabeth Rose StantonMarch 12, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    How wonderful to have your work-in-progress affirmed by the dolphin! I'm looking forward to seeing the end result.

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 7:13 PM

      Hello Elizabeth

      That is a beautiful thought, I love it. We felt it was a good omen. Wishing you a week of joy and creativity.

      Helen xx

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  19. Woodside ParkMarch 12, 2013 at 6:58 PM

    Hi, Helen -
    Congrats on this triptych collaboration with Violetta and Mary Rose. What a wonderful idea!! I can't wait to see the finished paintings. Hope you can share.
    Cheers,
    Loi
    PS - Some work, some fun....NICE!! :)

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:14 AM

      Hello Loi

      Thank you for your good wishes. We are having a lot of fun and have returned again this week. One more visit and we should be complete. You have cracked our code " Some work and some fun"

      Have a brilliant week

      Helen xx

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  20. helen tilstonMarch 12, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    Thank you for commenting and wishing you a great week

    Helen

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  21. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsMarch 13, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    Helen... What a wonderful opportunity to work on a triptych with your "soul sisters!" I think it is utterly fascinating that y'all are that in tune with each other!!! I have a friend who would say that the presence of the dolphin represented the love and harmony of the 3 artists and the wife for her husband... so i will share that in her stead. Sending you good wishes for keeping your secret and pleasant weather for your task.

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:16 AM

      Hello Susan

      You so beautifully describe the appearance of the dolphin. We shall treasure your words. We have been back and while the dolphin did not make an appearance we had beautiful weather and a small unusual bird kept us company with rare song.
      Kind regards
      Helen xx

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  22. SumanMarch 14, 2013 at 1:23 AM

    Hello Helen,

    I can see how this wonderful house must have been an instant inspiration to three such talented artists. Everything about this project, and particularly the curtain-raising show by the dolphin, sounds pretty exciting. My best wishes to you and your friends. Can't wait to see the finished triptych.

    Love,

    Suman

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:19 AM

      Hello Suman

      The house is beautiful and it was love at first sight. We are looking forward to another return visit. The dock is a perfect setting, equipped with benches. We just love working on this project and wish we could move in and paint all the incredible vista (we could paint for at least a year, there is so much)
      Meanwhile, here's hoping all is great with you.
      Helen xx

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  23. LorrieMarch 14, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    What a great idea to have the three of you paint this lovely home. It's sure to be well loved.

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:20 AM

      Hi Lorrie

      We are having the best time. Thanks for your visit and kind words. Hope your week is very special

      Helen xx

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  24. Mr PaulMarch 15, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    Oh what great fun, look forward to seeing the three works combined. Cousin Mary's hound are so very handsome!

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:21 AM

      Hello Paul

      We are indeed having fun. The Irish wolfehounds are a beautiful animal. Big, gentle giants, with such intelligence.
      Hope your week is special
      Helen x

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  25. LaPouyetteMarch 17, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    Happy St. Patrick's Day, dear Helen! Happy painting...happy dancing...and good luck and love,
    karin

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:22 AM

      Hello Karin

      Thank you for your beautiful wish. We are heading out to paint today, although showers are promised, so we shall be watching the weather.
      Hope life is great with you
      Hugs
      Helen xx

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  26. Jane the BookladyMarch 19, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Hello Helen, How I enjoy your sunny photographs and stories of your life. Like Anna, I love to think of three friends working together in happiness and harmony. Do show us the picture when completed won't you?
    Have a happy Tuesday,
    Jane xx

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:24 AM

      Hello Jane

      This project is giving us so much joy. The painting is coming along beautifully - one more trip and we should be complete. Once husband has seen the paiting, I shall post it here.

      Kindest wishes for a great week

      Helen xx

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  27. fayeMarch 19, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    that place sure looks relaxing

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:24 AM

      Hello Faye

      It is indeed very relaxing and peaceful here at Indian Rocks Beach Floirda. Hope life is great with you
      Helen xx

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  28. designchicMarch 19, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    What a wonderful collaboration - so hope you will show the painting!!

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    1. helen tilstonMarch 20, 2013 at 2:25 AM

      Thank you for your kind words. I will indeed post the painting, once complete and delivered.

      Wishing you a week of joy
      Helen xx

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  29. GillianMarch 22, 2013 at 6:41 AM

    I'm so jealous of your gorgeous weather. Bishop Auckland had no summer last year and it is still snowing today, just over a week before Easter.
    En Plein Aire painting must be such a delight, surrounded by water, dolphins and sunshine. Not to mention great friend!
    Looking forward to seeing the results.
    Cheers Gillian

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  30. Dumbwit TellherApril 1, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    What a wonderful, collabrative gift for the husband to cherish, long after they've moved. What a gorgeous home. How amazing that the dolphin stopped bye to give you his approval! I adore your cousins Irish Wolfhounds. My eldest brother has raised two and I have been a big fan since. I hope your Easter was a grand one Helen. A hug to you from Scotland. x

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  31. fashion and frankApril 5, 2013 at 3:19 AM

    Looks like life is treating you very well, helen - your post resonates with positivity and happiness - long may it continue xxxx

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  32. ~Lavender Dreamer~April 16, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    What a fabulous home and I know they will cherish the painting. You are so special, my friend! You always amaze me! Enjoy your week and the nice weather we're having! Sweet hugs!

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