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| Helen, Mary Rose and Violetta painting a triptych |
Your emails have touched my heart. I am happy to report that I am well and in good health.
Our art show continues at Salt Rock Grill and has been one of our best ever.
As Plein Aire Painters we take to the streets in all kinds of weather and some days recently have been in the hgh 70's. Shade is precious on such days, as the reflections in the palms will show. One could say we are like ducks all in a row.
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| Our generous visitors who are now new friends |
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| A tribute to Gaudi in honour of our upcoming trip to Spain |
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| Homage to Gaudi at Indian Rocks Beach |
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| Julie returning from the market and her gift to us |
Next, our friend Julie, the owner of one of the houses being immortalized in our painting (triptych) returns from the market. Her car is packed with all types of herbs and the perfume of lavender, sage, bergamot and basil meets with our oil and turpentine. Had Tom Ford been here a new perfume would have been born. We exchange pleasantries. She then produces freshly baked cookies. Pleasantly satiated, we decide to skip lunch and return to our easels.
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| Indian Rocks Beach Florida |
Hello Helen:
ReplyDeleteFirst, we are so delighted that the exhibition has been such a success.
Secondly, we can readily imagine the way in which you have been treated by people at Indian Rocks for you are all such generous, thoughtful and kind people yourselves who, we are certain, radiate happiness and well being wherever you set up your easels.
The Gaudiesque sandcastle is superb and so imaginative. What a lovely idea and one which will have been appreciated by you all. And now what fun to be off to Barcelona, a city which we have long wished to visit, and one with such a rich artistic heritage.
Dearest Jane and Lance
DeleteThank you for your kind words. It is always a surprise and unexpected when one is treated with kindness, thoughtfulness and extreme generosity. It certainly enhances the day and puts a bounce on the paint brush.
Many hours of our day are spent dreaming of Barcelona and looking forward to being there. I know when you visit a place you explore thoroughly, as we do. One could not call you a traveller whose sole purpose is to obtain passport stamps.
Have a glorious weekend and I hope birthday celebrations are still in progress in Budapest.
Helen xx
How kind of those ladies Helen ……. it fills your heart with warmth when people show such kindness doesn't it ?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that you've been poorly ….. we haven't been having the best time. My husband has been in hospital but, he is now home so, I have not been posting or commenting over the last couple of weeks.
Wishing you well and hope to be back on track soon. XXXX
Hello Jacqueline.
DeleteYou are right, kindness simply melts that heart and when unexpected it means so much more.
I am happy to hear your husband is back home and receiving tender loving care. I can understand why you are not posting and commenting. I have been guilty also.
It is always a joy to hear from you and I love your blog. You have such a way in bringing joy.
Helen xx
Indian Rocks looks and sounds like such a friendly, welcoming place. The Gaudi sandcastle is fabulous, and I love the pictures of the tryptich being painted--it feels timeless.
ReplyDeleteHello Jen
DeleteYes, Indian Rocks Beach is a special place. It has a heart and a community who care. There are 5000 homeowners here and many are involved in the community and give back.
Our triptych will require one or two more sessions, en plein aire.
Hope your weekend is special.
Helen xx
I really love your life, Helen.
ReplyDeleteHello Marsha
DeleteThank you dear friend. I am very grateful for my life and all the wonderful people who make it so special. You also contribute to my joy
Have a great week
Helen xx
How inspiring you all are! The paintings and painters all look delightful and so does Indian Rock. I also envy you the wonderful weather.
ReplyDeleteWe, too, are off to Barcelona later this summer, mainly so that we can admire the work of Gaudi.
Best wishes and bob voyage to you.
Cheers Gillian
Hello Gillian
DeleteIt was a glorious day and yes, the weather here is georgous and Spring is in full swing.
I will be looking forward to reading all about your Barcelona experience.
Have a glorious week
Helen xx
So much kindness ans switness from people you don't even know! Generosity in the heart and the soul, this is the meaning of being civilized I think and even more...Oh, Barcelona, I've been there several years ago, it's a very vibrant city!
ReplyDeleteTake care and hugs from me dear Helen!
Olympia
Dear Olympia
DeleteI very much agree with your philosophy on being civilized. It is so beautiful when kindness and generosity is practiced.
We are very much looking forward to Barcelona, as it will be my first visit to this city. I know I will have to be dragged away from it.
Thank you for your good wishes and love
I return the love and friendship to you. I am sure Greece is blooming in its glory.
I am humming "Till the White Rose Blooms Again" by Nana Mouskouri
Helen xx
Enjoyed your update and hearing about the kindnesses you received.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit and yes kindness and goodness will prevail and I thank you my friend for your loyalty.
DeleteHelen xx
Dear Helen, your posts are always a treat, a breath of sunshine and beauty. Indian Rocks has a great beach, and that is the perfect sandcastle: evoking Gaudi, I love it! The sight of you three painting en plein aire brings out the best in friends and strangers, and I'm sure the cool water was most appreciated. Cookies too :) Wonderful that your exhibition is going so well, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHello Patricia
DeleteWe are delighted that our art show has had such success. It is our best ever and still going strong at Salt Rock Restaurant., an awesome venue.
A man recently stopped when we were painting, plein aire, and said "when I see you out painting I equate it to seeing a pod of dolphins in the ocean- it bring me the same joy".
Hope you have a wonderful week
Helen xx
Wonderfully refreshing pictures!! Good to know you are well and happy!! Cathy
ReplyDeleteHello Cathy
DeleteThank you for stopping by and for your good wishes. All is great here and thank you for caring.
Have a joyful week
Helen xx
Hi Helen,
ReplyDeleteSuch vitality surrounding you and your fellow Pleine Aire painters, with the offerings of such wonderful and generous folks, admiring and observing you in action. Looks like fun, despite the heat, refreshments abound! So lovely to hear from you!
Happy weekend!
xo
Poppy
Hello Poppy
DeleteThe weather is simply perfect here and so many wonderful vistas capture our hearts as we stroll around. Just not enough hours in the day.
Hope all is great where you are and wishing you a wonderful week
Helen xx
Upper 70s, painting in plein aire, fresh baked cookies - sigh! And Barcelona coming up? Wow! Make sure to visit the Picasso and Miro museums. I know you three artists will really enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Loi
Dear Loi
DeleteYou say it so well and in a nutshell yes, life is wonderful and so much so when kindness and goodness is given.
We are very much looking forward to Barcelona. Curious that you would mention Jean Miro...one of our more recent collectors has a sketch by Miro (he lived beside Miro in Spain in the early 1960's and we have heard great stories).
Hope your week is awesome
Helenxx
I am SO RELIEVED to hear you are OK, Helen! Thank you for visiting. I will be back, I will not stop, but a decrease in comments has me thinking that my writing is too sad or maudlin or too straightforward for some, because many people have stopped contacting me. But what is an artist to do? Keep on. And I will. But for now, I have to take a break. Thank you for commenting. Anita
ReplyDeleteDear Anita
DeletePlease do not give up. Your blog is special and you are very unique in your creativity and poetry. Perhaps some of your readers are simply busy and will be back.
It is always a joy to see your smiling face
Helen xx
What a lovely life you live!!! Love the colors the sun produces, don't you? So glad you're having fun again at Indian Rocks. Thanks for stopping by !
ReplyDeleteHello Becky
DeleteWe are both very fortunate to be able to enjoy the beautiful climate here in Florida. Hope your week is full of joy
Helen xx
You always look like such cool cookies whilst you are creating in those temps Helen. Pleased to hear that you are OK and looking forward to your upcoming travels, have fun!
ReplyDeletePaul :)
Dear Paul
DeleteYou made me giggle with that comment Paul. Haa Haa.
We are very much looking forward to Barcelona.
Have a great week
Helen xx
It is always wonderful to hear about your adventures. Barcelona? How exciting!
ReplyDeleteHello Bonnie
DeleteThank you for stopping by and it is always lovely hearing from you. Yes, Barcelona is occupying out thoughts presently
Have a wonderful week
Helen xx
What a treat to find a post from you today! We. Have been in Greece for nearly two weeks. . .chasing daydreams one might say and I have beenissing my blog friends. Good to hear from you!!
ReplyDeleteHello Jackie
DeleteI'm happy to hear from you and will look forward to hearing all about your trip to Greece
Wishing you a great day
Helenx
It is so good to hear from you again through your posts. Assumed you were extremely busy with your painting, and so you are. People do amaze us with their kindness and it gives us a renewed confidence in mankind/womankind! How exciting for you that a trip is on the horizon!
ReplyDeleteHello Sanda
DeleteThis time of year seems extremely busy. Our art show consumes us. We also are awarding the Plein Aire Cottage Artists Awards and are on the selection committee for nominations. Our annual calender goes into production too. Great variety but little time for what I love, visiting my favourite bloggers.
Wishing you a week of joy and kindness
Helenxx
Happy to hear from you again Helen! Your trip to Barcelona sounds really exciting!
ReplyDeleteIt must be lovely to work on plein air and meeting all those kind people!!
Happy week!
Madelief x
Hello Madelief
DeleteWe are looking forward to Barcelona. It is always exciting visiting a new city.
The community here at Indian Rocks Beach are very special and unique. My husband says "Indian Rocks Beach has a heart"
Hope your garden blooms this week. Spring in Holland is spectacular
Helen xx
Helen, I can't wait to ser your new work A guest staying with us said Sunset cottage was a part of it...they just loved having you there. You three are IRB precious gemstones. Gary Day SunTiki cottage s
ReplyDeleteHello Gary
DeleteHow lovely to hear from you. Yes, your pink Sun Tiki cottage is part of of the triptych. This painting is working out very well and already has so much goodness inhaled into the brushstrokes.
Your guests are delightful and they spoke very fondly of you, though they have not met you yet.
We all conclude that your taste in paints for exterior colours rivals Farrow & Ball. You know how to enhance a home that sits beneath the Florida sky, a true gift that is rare.
Hope to see you soon
Helenxx
.Helen, I cannot wait to see your new work, I heard sunset cottage appears in a part of it. A guest staying with us told me about it and they just loved having you out there painting.they just thought it was the coolest things I've ever seen.I'm looking at two of the three paintings that you have done for us and they always bring a smile to my faceyou three are truly Indian Rocks Beach precious gemstones
ReplyDeleteHello Gary
DeleteYou know how much I love your homes on Gulf Blvd. They are like candy to a child. I do believe it is the love contained within these homes that overflows and calls me to immortalize them on canvas.
You are so kind to say we are gemstones. I shall certainly pass the beuaituful compliment to Mary Rose and Violetta
Have a glorious week
Helen xx
I strongly favor the scent of bergamot, Helen.
ReplyDeleteAs I am just catching up here, I hope all is well with you. It sounds like you are on the mend?
Hello Suze
DeleteThank you for visiting and I am keeping you in my prayers at this time.
Take good care of yourself dear Suze
Yes I agree with you on bergamot. Do you also enjoy Earl Gray Tea, which contains the herb.
Helenxx
Such bliss! It warms my heart to see your paintings, photos, and the lovely area that surrounds you! Smiles...Susan
ReplyDeleteHello Susan
DeleteIndian Rocks Beach is a wonderful place - still old fashioned and friendly
with fine individually owner businesses.
Thanks for visiting
How wonderful! You know someone likes you when they make you cookies. :o)
ReplyDeleteI had not thought of that but you are so right. I shall remember that in future
DeleteThanks for visiting and have a delightful da
How lovely it is to hear of such lovely people around and about you. That mood of largesse surely comes across in your paintings I am quite sure! Ooh cookies!!!!
ReplyDelete;)))))))))
Hugs Jane x
Hello Jane
DeleteThe goodness of people continues to surprise us. We are blessed to live in a community such as Indian Rocks Beach.
Happy Easter
Helen x
Looking forward to seeing your new work, Helen. Love the way you work and meet new people.
ReplyDeleteAnd Barcelona?! That sounds interesting and I can only imagine the treasures you will bring back. Have a great trip. Take care.
I'm really glad to know that you are good and in good health. Every time I read your posts, they make me feel happy and refreshed. The sandcastle looks great and it really looks like Gaudi's.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for your comment on my blog the other day. Looking forward to seeing your new paintings!!