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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

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Indian Rocks Beach: Art, Interviews and Books

The sun is shining and the sea is blue 
As we paint together we discuss the hue
Helen Tilston & Violetta painting in the sunshine
There seems to be insufficient hours in the day at this time of year.
Our art show opens on February 28th and triptychs, frames and details are being decided upon.

TheBelleair Bee have featured The Plein Aire Cottage Artists in this week's paper.  We are grateful to Brian Goff for his professionalism and good journalism.

Thank you to Indian Rocks Beach Neighourhood Newsletter for featuring our Tenth Anniversary in the January Issue. 
Bob & Becky Griffin we thank you 

Mary Rose Holmes puts finishing touches on her painting
This stylish woman stopped and gave her support

I was delighted to find sitting on my doorstep today a package from Amazon containing my copy of
Henny by Elizabeth Rose Stanton.  If you have not found Penspaper Studio blog by Elizabeth I can assure you it is a delightful and uplifting blog.   Elizabeth is a talented writer and also a very accomplished artist.
Spice Girl is showing her jealousy. I have assured her Henny has no intention of living with us

A typical Chicken and Henny

   It is my honour to have Henny perched on my bookshelf in the  company of talented authors whose books grace my home.  Who knew this kind of friendship would develop through blogging.
Tish Jett A Femme d'un Certain Age,  Pamela The House of Edward, Jennifer, Madame Chic,Lance Hattatt's Gardening Books,Vickie Archer, French Essence
All of the above books I have personally purchased.


Curlew on Indian Rocks Beach
Sending you sunshine and fond wishes from Indian Rocks Beach.

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48 comments:

  1. A Bit of the BlarneyJanuary 15, 2014 at 6:01 PM

    Weather looks wonderful there. It looks like you have and challenging and exciting month ahead of you!!! Wishing you well!

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 4:56 AM

      Hello Cathy
      The sun shines with great frequency here. It is a beautiful corner of the world and the beach is unspoiled. Hope you visit one day
      Helen xx

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  2. ~Lavender Dreamer~January 15, 2014 at 6:15 PM

    Oh, it looks beautiful in that part of our state. We love Indian Rocks and Belaire beach so much but haven't really found a good place to stay near or on the beach. Do you have a hotel or motel that you recommend? I am so ready for a few days at the beach. Enjoy your week! Sweet hugs, Diane

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 4:58 AM

      Hello Diane

      Indian Rocks Beach and Bellair Beach are little gems in the gulf of Mexico. I know several places and if you send me an email telling me of your likes/must haves, I will gladly provide a list
      tilston188@gmail.com
      Helenxx

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    2. ~Lavender Dreamer~January 16, 2014 at 1:44 PM

      Thanks so much Helen. I wrote you an email!

      Delete
  3. PatriciaJanuary 15, 2014 at 6:30 PM

    I finished Tish Jett's book last night - very enjoyable. It looks wonderful there at the beach, and your pink and white outfit very chic. Best of luck for the art show, which I am sure will be a knockout!!

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 5:01 AM

      Hello Patricia
      Tish's book "Forever Chic" is full of tips for timeless beauty and style.
      The weather is wonderul as is the light. Thank you for your compliment on my outfit and your good wishes for our show

      Helen xx

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  4. JenJanuary 15, 2014 at 8:47 PM

    That book looks like great fun--I love the illustration.

    Good luck getting ready for the show!

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 5:02 AM

      Hello Jen

      Henny just makes me smile and there is a good message in the book for children and being different.
      Thanks for your good wishes. We are painting outdoors again today and it is a bit windy, so must remember to pack the bungy cords
      Helen xx

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  5. PoppyJanuary 15, 2014 at 9:58 PM

    Hi Helen,

    I enjoyed reading the article in the Belleair Bee and smiled at the beautiful bond you have with your two friends and fellow artists; how inspirational in itself!

    Kudos to you, Violetta and Mary Rose for all your generosity and effort in saving the old cottages! Such an achievement! Good luck with your next art show and hopefully we'll get to see some of your beautiful work here.

    xo
    Poppy

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 5:04 AM

      Hello Poppy
      Thank you for taking the time to read the article. Brian did a good job. He interviewed us separately by phone. We are truly blessed to have the friendship and common interest and to have found each other.
      Thanks for your good wishes

      Helen xx

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  6. vicki archerJanuary 15, 2014 at 10:21 PM

    Thank you so much for the mention, Helen... I am in very good company... xv

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 5:04 AM

      Hello Vicki

      I love looking at my bookshelf and seeing all of you together.
      My best to you in Australia
      Helenx

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  7. Jane and Lance HattattJanuary 16, 2014 at 12:51 AM

    What joy and great happiness, as well as enormous zest for life, is conveyed, as is always the case, both in your paintings as well as in all you write, Helen. You inspire and delight and to know you as a friend is an enormous privilege.

    And how very kind and generous of you to include my books on your shelf. I am deeply touched and humbled.

    Jane joins me in sending our best love as always. How we wish it were possible to be with you in February.

    xxx

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 5:08 AM

      Dear Lance and Jane

      I have missed chatting with you so much. I think of you both very often and particularly when something amusing and great happens, I ask myself the question: "how would Lance and Jane respond".
      Your talents amaze me and your writing ability. I hope one day you will consider writing another book(s) or would that interfere with living and enjoying each day to the fullest?
      We will meet one day soon, I just know it.
      Helen xx

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  8. RosemaryJanuary 16, 2014 at 3:05 AM

    What a wonderful friendship you three Plein Aire girls have - working together in the sun - good luck to you all at your art show in February.
    The connections made through the blogging world are extraordinary and special, something that I never imaged would happen.
    Love the photo of Spice Girl.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 16, 2014 at 5:11 AM

      Hello Rosemary

      Working together in the sun and all kinds of weather is a joy when painting with Mary Rose and Violetta.
      The friendship and connections through blogging is as you say extraordinary and each blogger is so unique it is easy to remember them through their style.
      I find I learn from your posts Rosemary. You have a very insightful vision.

      Helenxx

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  9. Elizabeth Rose StantonJanuary 16, 2014 at 7:28 AM

    Helen! Kudos to you and your unique and talented group! I so admire your work, and it was so interesting to read about how the PACA was instrumental in helping save the cottages. Art can be powerful--and it's obvious yours IS. As for HENNY, I am so thrilled and delighted to see her with you (and Spice Girl :))! Thank you so much for featuring her. I, too, have developed so many amazing blog friends-- and I count you among my very favorite! Keep on with the beautiful work. I delight in it, even though it has to be from afar. xo

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:09 AM

      Hello Elizabeth

      So nice to see you visit as I know you have been busy on your book tour.
      Continued success with Henny. Spice Girls welcomes the book but if a real chicken were to be here she would should her possessive side.
      I am very fortunate to be painting with two of America's best painters who are also good friends

      Fondest withes

      Helen xx

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  10. sandaJanuary 16, 2014 at 7:31 AM

    Best of luck in the art show. Loving the look of that sunshine. Henny sounds like a delightful book; I'll check out the author's blog. Have also read a few more that you mention. Books are such a delightful addition to the house. I declutter, but find it most difficult to get rid of books. They are a comfort to me. Have a lovely day, Helen.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:10 AM

      Hello Sanda

      I very much agree that books are the heart and soul of a home and contain even more than the words within.

      Happy Sunday

      Helen x

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  11. Jackie @ travelnwriteJanuary 16, 2014 at 7:39 AM

    It is pretty amazing, this community of friends who've developed on the internet. I went through a phase of fretting about blog 'stats and readership' and one day recognized that blog friendship development is far more fulfilling. I too purchased Tish Jett's book, thanks to a blog by our friend, Heather in Provence and see that another mutual friend, Poppy in Crete has also left a comment. What an amazing network of new friends I have thanks to this strange new world of technology. Happiest of New Year's to you and your fellow artists. . .I look forward to following your painting adventures.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:13 AM

      Hello Jackie

      You make a very good point when you speak of stats and readership. It is the quality of the readers and the friendships and support that make blogging so much joy and so worth it.
      I am happy our paths crossed in blogsphere
      Helen xx

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  12. MrsLittleJeansJanuary 16, 2014 at 10:42 AM

    I love Henny...adorable.
    It is great to see you and have fun at that art show. We have the sunshine here currently but sure could use the ocean. xoxo

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:14 AM

      Hello my friend
      I am happy you are getting some sushine as your beautiful cats need their vitamin D.
      Thanks for stopping by and have a great Sunday

      Delete
  13. LoreeJanuary 16, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    I've heard about Henny from another blogging friend. I think I will buy it for my son. Good luck with the art show.

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:15 AM

      Thank you for your good wishes Loree.

      I had a dinner party here last evening and Henny was on the coffee table.
      One of our guests read it and loved it.

      I was happy that chicken was not my menu

      Helen xx

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  14. Jane the BookladyJanuary 16, 2014 at 1:00 PM

    Happy New Year Helen. How good to read of books and art and see sunshine in your piece. I too love the happy thought of my blog friendships, stretching out across the world. Jane xx

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:16 AM

      Hello Jane

      Books, art and sunshine forever!

      Helen xx

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  15. Woodside ParkJanuary 16, 2014 at 1:05 PM

    Greetings, Helen! Hello, Spice Girl! Tenth anniversary? Congratulations!! I will be sure to check out Henny at my local book shop. Looks very charming! Cheers, Loi

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:17 AM

      Hello Loi

      Thanks for your good wishes. Henny is a delightful book and beautifully illustrated and the design is very pleasing too

      Have a wonderful week

      Helen xx

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  16. The Daily ConnoisseurJanuary 16, 2014 at 8:10 PM

    Thank you, dear Helen, for mentioning my book on your lovely blog. I really enjoyed the piece about your aunt. It was very moving! Best wishes from Santa Monica. xx

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:18 AM

      Hello Jennifer

      Lovely of your to visit. You book has brought great joy and I gifted a copy to my artist friend Mary Rose for Christmas. She has been sorting her closed and eliminating clutter since.

      Have a glorious week

      Helen xx

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  17. GillianJanuary 17, 2014 at 4:50 AM

    Happy New Year Helen, I do hope the art show goes well, It's lovely to see pics of you painting in the sunshine with such vibrant colours.
    And I love Henny. She seems to have developed a figure similar to many of our loved pets. Just one more treat then!
    Cheers Gillian

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:20 AM

      Oh Gillian you made me laugh about Henny's physique "one more treat" we are all guilty of this act of love. Now a new neighbour has taken a shine to Spice Girl and she is inclined to be rounded so we must watch.
      Have a lovely week

      Helen xx

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  18. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comJanuary 19, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    Hello Helen,
    Congratulations. The you three Plein aire artists are so very busy. wish you luck. The book Henny, and the others. How wonderful that you have them all.
    Blogging is truly a wonderful world.. and I am so pleased to have met you.
    The weather there looks amazing.
    Happy Sunday to you Helen.
    val xxx

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    1. helen tilstonJanuary 19, 2014 at 8:21 AM

      Valetine a very Happy Sunday ...Thanks for your good wishes.

      So happy to have met you too through blogging and relatives.

      It was all meant to be

      Helen xx

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  19. MadeliefJanuary 20, 2014 at 12:00 PM

    What a joy it must be to work outdoors so much of the time Helen! Wishing you good luck on your art exhibition!

    Madelief x

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  20. Pura VidaJanuary 22, 2014 at 11:10 AM

    fun on the beach!

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  21. helen tilstonJanuary 22, 2014 at 5:05 PM

    Hello Madelief

    I love this picture of your smiling face.
    It is a good day when we can be outdoors painting. Tomorrow is promised sunny and we are meeting at 9 a.m. We stop for lunch and then resume painting till 4 pm
    Thanks for your good wishes

    Helen xx

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  22. Things and ThoughtsJanuary 28, 2014 at 9:25 AM

    Sometimes blogging becomes more exciting than expected!And it must be a real pleasure to create art in the fresh air, the three of you! Lucky girls! I wish you endless inspiration and a lot of energy and I would like to thank you Helen for your sweet words, they are appreciated.
    Have a creative and wonderful New Year!
    Olympia

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  23. La Petite GalleryFebruary 1, 2014 at 4:00 AM

    I am going to paint out doors this Summer. You must have such a wonderful day painting together. yvonne

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  24. driftwoodFebruary 2, 2014 at 1:42 AM

    good luck at the art show, I hope it goes well for you. and enjoy your sunshine, it has been terribly grey here recently. x

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  25. Jenny WoolfFebruary 2, 2014 at 2:28 PM

    I expect you are waiting till the end of February with bated breath. Thank you for taking time to write this nice post.

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  26. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and AcornsFebruary 3, 2014 at 8:11 PM

    Helen, it sounds as if you are keeping yourself busy to say the least. I cannot wait to hear more about the show. I am sure it will be a great success.

    It is such a pleasure to wake each day and read blogs by writers, painters, chefs,gardeners and more. I too purchase many bloggger books and I have enjoyed them all. I will have to go and check out Henny!

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  27. I Dream OfFebruary 14, 2014 at 7:41 AM

    Hope you find more hours in your day, Helen! Hope these last two weeks of February are very productive for you. I love Henny! What a sweet book. XOXO

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  28. Jackie @TravelnWriteFebruary 24, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    Oh Helen, I just had to tell you that I have made new friends in the blogosphere again thanks to your wonderful blog. You have introduced me to many! They wrote the most wonderful comment on my blog and mentioned you; I just wrote them and said we had experienced watching the Plein Aire event in Maui and I had been thinking of you. . .may be far in distance, but close in thought.

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  29. gillyflowerFebruary 25, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    It's always a pleasure to visit here Helen as there is always something of beauty and interest to be found. I love to see your colourful photos of you and your colleagues painting outside, always beautiful views or lovely houses, and always in such stylish and colourful clothes - no boring paint-spattered jeans and old t-shirts!
    Good luck and have fun with the forthcoming art show Helen - I expect you are frantically busy, and I hope it's a huge success!
    Gill xx

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