PleinAireCottageArtists

Guests arriving at Martini + Matisse Gala Martini's + Matisse annual Gala is a much anticipated soiree.  The extravagent generosity of artists, restaurants, services, designers, administrators  and people of enormous talent who tirelessly combine their creativity to create an evening that rivals the Hollywood Awards. Arriving courtyard at Frank Crum Building in Clearwater Florida is truly magical. This year, was a sold out event and  attended by some 800 guests, primarly in the medical profession.  More than one hundred artists donate  art, which is carefully juried.  The inaugural event, some years ago,  showcased  " Featured Artist"  Sophie Matisse, the great grand daughter of French painter Henri Matisse. Sophie's abstract painting was in high demand that evening.  We had the pleasure of meeting Sophie, who in her humble manner, complimented our art by saying "someday I hope to paint as good as you"  (our paintings hang behind Mary Rose)

Violetta, Helen & Mary Rose - Photo Karen Altpeter Coastal Cottages Series 10 found us welcoming many familiar and new collectors at Guppy's Restaurant and Gallery this Sunday past.    It was a dream come true, the show was at capacity and many returned this week when it was quieter and viewing of pieces more intimate.  We find many love to hear the story behind the painting and what events happened when painting the scene. The show continues through February. Mary Rose Holmes - Collectors - Helen Tilston As Guppy's is a very popular restaurant and when paintings sell, we must replace with a new painting, so this week found us back on the by-ways painting.  Art Opening - Karen Altpeter wearing glasses, Amy and Beverley and Jan has her back to us We had a scheduled a photo shoot with Karen Altpeter on Tuesday.  Karen is a very accomplished and experienced photographer.  Her portfolio includes Photo Editor at National Geographic.    She is in town for a short

Helen Tilston painting Guppy's Indian Rocks Beach A favourite expression of my mother's is:  "if a job is worth doing; it is worth doing well"  and "no one will ask how long it took to complete a job but they will ask who did it" words of Kathleen Bohannon Glynn. As you will recall from a previous post  RCS Helps The Gift of Food selected us as the artist for their fundraising card.  Thank you to all who have generously donated, including followers and one specifically namely Carolynn Cecilia who blogs under The Anchor and the Bird . Imagine my surprise to open her blog and note she carried my posting on RCS Helps.   Carolynn Cecilia began her "Days of Deeds" this past May and planned to do one good deed daily for 31 days and to her surprise she could not stop here.  Carolyn Cecilia and I have not met but have become friends through blogging and I am always happy to see her new post.  Carolyn Cecilia you are person of such integrity and h