PleinAireCottageArtists

Indian Rocks Beach or IRB for short, in our language means Is Really Beautiful Painting this beautiful corner of the world is what we do. Recently Fox TV filmed a short documentary on life in our Community Come visit us. You will not be disappointed

My day by: Mary Rose Holmes Early morning sunshine, the birds are singing and the waves are gently lapping on the shore. I toss my flip flops and walk along the warm sand to my commissioned painting for today. I have picked up a steaming hot cappucino from the Lighthouse. I unfold the legs of my French easel and work begins. My pallette of colors I have already squeezed out and organized. I absolutely love what I do. This is a charming home, full of love and attention. The minutes turn into hours and before I know "Little Bear" my dog has arrived to tell me that it is lunch time. I am happy with my painting. What do you think? Life is wonderful here on the Gulf of Mexico in one of the most beautiful beaches on the World.

The rains arrived yesterday and washed and groomed the streets. It watered plants, sea grass and thirsty annuals. Plein Aire painting is very much on our minds and masterpieces are being created daily. Bespoke, or in other words, commissioned paintings are taking much of our time. A commissioned painting allows the owner to have a one of a kind, unique piece of art. Original art brings energy and life to a home, just like fresh flowers. Sadly silk flowers, prints and gicleees lack this energy. An art collection can start in a small way. We recommend one original piece to start and then collect and add as ones budget allows. The Plein Aire Cottage Artists will be delighted to consult in the planning and hanging of artwork.

http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/belleair_bee/content_articles/051210_bee-02.txt This pair of osprey choose Indian Rocks Beach as their home. We are thrilled to have them as our residents and want them to stay and we want their off spring to be with us too. We will anxiously look forward to new babies each Spring. The triptych pictured was painted by left to Right Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta (Shtumeyzen-Chandler) and Helen Tilston.

Each year, the Plein Aire Cottage Artists (Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Shtumeyzen-Chandler and Helen Tilston) present four awards, two for businesses and two for cottages. The awards are presented to the owners who have maintained and restored and made major improvements to their properties. 2010 winners are: Amy Steinkeller for restoring her two bedroom cottage on Gulf Blvd. John Gold and Gary Day for restoring their three cottages at Gulf Blvd and Walsingham. T.J's Italian Restaurant and Chic a Si Cottages owned by Hal and Marion Flowers

History is being made in the State of Florida Governor Crist is resigning as Governor and will run for a Senate Seat in the Federal elections. What is interesting for the Plein Aire Cottage Artist is that each time Governor Crist is interviewed one of our paintings is behind him. So far, Mary Rose's "Sunset of IRB" and "Koral House" has been shown. Helen Tilston's paintig of "boat waiting to sail" and "Shrimp Boat unloading" has also been featured. Violetta's "wedding chapel? and "Mansion on Snell Island". Also our polytych which is a 5 panel painting of the Bridge That Takes People Home has had several shots. If only these paintings could talk? hmmmm.

The Exhibition is beautifully hung at the Cabinet Meeting Room in beautiful Tallahassee The show will remain until July 1 2010 Please visit the show should your travels take you to the State Capitol