PleinAireCottageArtists

Mary Rose and Violetta at Leepa Rattner Museum - painting by Mary Rose, Violetta and Helen The colour blue in various shades, tones and values from dark to  navy blue to medium blue is appearing in finer homes as the latest  fashion trend. We have selected some paintings which will look spectacular when hung on blue walls.  This selection of hand painted wallpaper by Farrow & Ball may appeal to you. Farrow and Ball Wallpapers As painters and colour consultants we are often asked to assist in choosing colours for the home.Art work and in particular oil paintings pop when displayed on coloured walls.  The lighting is of extreme importance in displaying art work, in particular oil paintings painted en plein air.  We are always more than happy to assist. As always we treasure your comments Do you like blue walls?

Helen looking forward to entertaining her freinds with good news The slogan "Tell me you want prayer but only bring me the good news"which we three have adopted as our mantra and motto  are the words expressed by Violetta's grandmother to all who visited her. She lived till the wonderful age of 95 yrs and died in Satasota, Florida. Born in Russia, lived through numerous wars and hardship yet she was a beacon of hope. In meeting her she radiated with joy and kindness.  She was a listener, she had compassion, she cared deeply.  Her feeling was if one imparted sad or bad news to her, her sisters who were at another corner of the world would sense her pain and become sad.  She said sadness and joy is transmitted through the universe in whatever source to those we love regardless of geography.  She was also spiritual. Olga, daughter of Violetta  great grandaughter of a wise woman When the three of us paint we always remember this wisdom.  When going out to paint,

Ciao Venezia Helen bids goodbye to Venice Welcome back friends, As we sing Goodbye Venice Goodbye  Here we are at the car rental counter at Venice Airport. All three of us sign on as drivers and when the man hands forth the key, Violetta and Mary Rose have both disappeared. I accept the car keys.  They inform me that I have more experience driving in mountains (both are  Florida drivers which is at sea level). We soon find ourselves on the autostrata and the sign points to Firenze.  Lunch time finds us pulling into the Autogrill, conveniently located off the autostrata. (The choice of food is excellent, other countries please follow suit). Panini sandwiches and salads are selected.  One can also purchase meats, cheeses, water, wine (almost like Whole Foods in USA) and essentials here and also top up on gas/petrol. Autogrill meat and cheese counter cappucinos fresh fruit and delicious bread and produce stairs to our farmhouse door loggia at our farmhouse, seve

Painting outside our little Inn Planning our next venture Beside where we stay in Venice Italy is like a second home for the three of us.  We have a path worn to Tuscany and Venice and we are always looking forward to our next trip. When we travel as three painters and friends, we are very serious about painting and it takes priority. Our needs are simple, we love to travel, love to dress beautifully and love to paint. Recently a 16 days trip found us flying into Venice and painting for 6 days which was in a way a little too short.  We stayed at our favourite little Inn in the Dorsoduro region, which is perfect, climb down the stairs, stumble on to the sidewalk and set up the easels and so many motifs to choose. A typical day finds us up at dawn, out walking, sketching and taking pictures and looking at the sunrise.  Early breakfast and by 9.30 we are set up and painting.  We usually paint two to three small studies each day.  We all love to walk and explore and nat