Island Art and Life

Still Life Staging

2010-04-22T15:06:00.003-10:00

Thanks to a wonderful article on Wet Canvas by Ruth Cox, I was inspired a couple of years ago to set up a simple shadow box for still life staging.

It needed some repairs recently and I decided to snap a couple of pictures to share this great and handy little setup.

Since I am a fan of dramatic color and big lights and darks, I used Frederix canvas board coated in black gesso. You can use regular cardboard, but since I have a bunch of these canvas boards laying around, and black gesso as a painting ground scares me a little, it seemed like a great opportunity to get some use out of both.

You will also need tape, a light source, and a boxcutter.

I set up the box to have three sides and a top, since my studio has a skylight (I do not recommend studio skylights, by the way). I also kept a spare top piece in plain white canvas board. As you can see, the sides pieces are slightly larger than the back piece, in case I ever want to drape background fabric down the back of the panel.

I cut a hole about 4 x 6 inches out of the left panel, and clamped a light on the table top.
A cardboard box and some silk fabric help position the subject in relation to the light source.

Not exactly rocket science, but the results are great!!

A picture is worth a thousand words, so here goes.....

Oooooh........!! Ahhhhhh!!!! Magic!!!!

As you can see, an adjustment in the lighting or the position of the object(s) can dramatically shift the mood of the set up.

Ah....lemons in a blue bowl, what is prettier?
Here is a simple staging and the small oil painting that followed.

Still Life - Lemons in Blue Bowl

Oil on Canvas - 9 x 12

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T00:26:00.001-10:00

Its Wordless Wednesday!!

Macro Monday - Ornamental Banana

2010-04-12T00:01:00.013-10:00

The color and lovely shape of the ornamental bananas we commonly find here always catch my eye. One of my favorite destinations is Lava Trees State Park, which has a good selection of these beauties.

Musa Ornata "Lavender"

The banana is the number one exported fruit in the world. Although, botanically speaking, it is a berry, and the plant itself is an herb. There are about 300 species of bananas....I love to paint them, and am lucky to have a a couple of different varieties in the garden. Enjoy!!

Macro Monday is hosted here.

Scenic Sunday

2010-04-11T02:03:00.005-10:00

Wainaku River, above Hilo Town

The River
Mary Chapin Carpenter

River full of stones when there's no rain
River full and rushing when the clouds let loose again
River every season like a prayer
We're standing in the shallows making crosses in the air..

River like a poem to the trees
River telling stories to the rushes and the leaves
River every season like a vow
We're standing in the shallows wondering who will save us now...

River from the currents to the pools
River turning kinder turning suddenly too cruel
River every season like a dream
We're standing in the shallows wading in to wash us clean

Want to build the strongest bridge
Want to love you the best I can
Feel no fear upon the edge
Here's my heart, baby take my hand...

Want to hold you close to me, never fail you, never falter
Seeing all that love can see,
reflecting on the water...

Scenic Sunday is hosted here.

The River is from Mary Chapin Carpenter's
Between Here and Gone

Macro Flowers Saturday

2010-04-10T00:29:00.000-10:00

Crazy Beautiful hibiscus up Kaiwiki Road near Hilo Town...

Macro Flowers Saturday is hosted here

Friday Wanderings . . . Close to Home

2010-04-09T14:07:00.003-10:00

Todays wanderings were limited to my own yard, or more prescisely, yards...

First up, a trip to the New Property to build a shelter for some work we need to do on the beams and rafters for the new construction.

The overarching theme up there is MUD!!!

We can't even drive up there. It's the kind of sticky, thick, gooey red clay that will pull your boots right off your feet.

So, very little actual wandering took place and we got on with the task at hand.

Unfortunately, a minor bungee cord injury cut our plans short, and we hurried home for ice and painkillers. Once settled in, I took the opportunity to wander the garden between downpours.

The day is a bit dreary, but I thought my road looked particularly peaceful and even a little bit appealing after this week's resurfacing, a term which makes me smile every time I pay my road maintenance bill. Not really.

The bog lilies along my fenceline caught my eye. Several years ago I did a large painting of bog lilies, and it sold before I had a change to snap even a single picture. I have been meaning to get back to painting them, along with several other white flowers. We have two varieties of bog lilies (cousin to the spider lily), the white, and the purple, called Queen Emma, after Hawai'i's Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV. They are called specifically Crinum augustum 'Queen Emma'

The white are in the foreground.

The only photo of the painting...a work-in progress taken very early on.

Anyway, back to the garden......

Crinum augustum 'Queen Emma'

I realized I was the morning's entertainment for one of the locals....This is the American anole, or Anolis carolinensis, one of three species of lizard that are abundant here in my yard. The other two are gecko varieties. These anoles change color, like a chameleon, but this one was either asleep, distracted, or complacent.

Interesting to see one of them stay green on a brown leaf....

Last but not least, the most controversial resident of the Big Island...
a coqui hanging out in the pond.

A downpour cut Friday's wanderings short, and left me some time to head into the studio!

Merrie Monarch Happenings and Poster Signings

2010-04-08T14:45:00.007-10:00

This year's Merrie Monarch Festival is underway.

Tonight's event is the Miss Aloha Hula competition. Visit the Merrie Monarch official website for more scheduling information and behind the scenes videos.

The artist for this year's Merrie Monarch poster is Rod Cameron, who will be on hand for signings this week. Friday, April 9, Rod will be at the Volccano Arts Center, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from 11:00AM to 2:00 PM. Later that same day, the original painting can be viewed at Deja Vu at 38 Waianuenue, in downtown Hilo, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Be sure to stop by the Arthur Johnsen Gallery two doors up to see what's new, the Gallery will be open late Friday evening!

Kau'lani o Puna, the hula dancer who posed for the original painting for the Merrie Monarch poster will be on hand with Rod this Saturday April 10, at Dreams of Paradise Gallery, next to Cafe Pesto in Downtown Hilo.

The new time is for this event is 9:30 AM.. She will be in full regalia and posing for photos during the signing.

A hui hou!!

Wordless Wednesday...on Thursday

2010-04-08T13:05:00.003-10:00

Wordless Wednesday is hosted here.

More Mushroom Mania

2010-04-06T00:30:00.001-10:00

Mushrooms have been capturing my attention lately.

I have been stumbling across them everywhere.

With some help from UH professor and author Don Hemmes, I was able to identify a few of them. Don is the author of the wonderful book, Mushrooms of Hawai'i: An Identification Guide.

Mud Land Magic

Oil on Canvas

8 x 10

Mike and Dawn's Garden Guests

Oil on Canvas

8 x 10

White Wood Ear

Oil on Canvas

8 x 10

Papa'aloa Parasols

Oil on Canvas

8 x 10

Macro Monday

2010-04-05T00:36:00.004-10:00

Macro Mushroom Monday

Photo Credit to Rachel, who loves mushrooms as much as I do!

Macro Monday is hosted here.
And I have a serious mushroom addiction, I cant get enough of them.
Mushrooms are my latest celebration. Look for new mushroom paintings in an upcoming post!

Scenic Sunday: What Petunia Sees

2010-04-03T19:38:00.002-10:00

Happy Scenic Sunday! And Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Petunia is our wonderful Appaloosa mare, who is lucky enough to have secured employment at our lovely neighbors' home in Papaikou. Petunia is lucky enough to have a spectacular view of Mauna Kea, and an ocean view any horse would rightly envy.

Cruise Ship Golden Princess in Hilo Harbor

Petunia can almost see California

Herself

Petunia says, "Thank You Peg and Jane, for your hospitality!! You are fantastic neigh-bors"

Scenic Sunday is hosted here.

Upcoming Events at Volcano Art Center

2010-04-03T17:21:00.007-10:00

Daily, Through April 19, 2010

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Legends of the Hula, an exhibit of black-and-white and hand-colored block prints by award-winning artist and author Caren Loebel-Fried, is featured at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565. or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Mondays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2010

9:30 a.m.

Niaulani Nature Walk - Free Forest Tour in Volcano. This one-hour nature walk travels through a lush portion of an old-growth Hawaiian rain forest on an easy, 1/7-mile loop trail. The walk introduces individuals, families, and groups to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Guides focus not only on the biological, ecological, and geological features of the area, but also the cultural usages of flora and fauna by native Hawaiians. Offered every Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village. Free; donations appreciated. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Seven Mondays, April 5 - May 24, 2010 (skip 5/3/10)

Beg: 5:15 - 6:15 p.m
Inter: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Pilates Matwork with UH-Hilo Dance Division head Celeste Anderson Staton, who is trained in authentic Pilates Matwork techniques and can modify the work to benefit any level of student. This 7-week class focuses on building core strength of the central body while lengthening muscle and instilling a sense of well being for the whole person. Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village. $65 (financial aid available). Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Thursday, April 8,2010

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Author-printmaker Caren Loebel-Fried is giving tours of her Legends of the Hula exhibit, demonstrating her block printing methods, and signing copies of the books she’s written and illustrated. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org

Friday, April 9,2010

11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Rod Cameron is signing copies of the Merrie Monarch poster which features his portrait of a hula kahiko dancer. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org

Saturday, April 10,2010

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Printmaker-painter Dietrich Varez is introducing his newest painting, “Pele’s Dream.” He also signs prints from his huge collection of affordable prints. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org

Saturday, April 17, 2010

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Native Species Art Hike-Kohala with Melora Purell, coordinator for the Kohala Watershed Partnership, and Jack Jeffrey, naturalists and wildlife photographer. This unique hike is for amateur and professional artists of all ages who plan to submit artwork for the juried show "Hawai‘i Nei 2010" held June 12 to July 26. The exhibit will feature artwork in any medium that highlights native flora and fauna (those not introduced by humans) found from ridge to reef. Bring water, lunch, and boots and be prepared for wet weather. Limited to 10 participants. Cosponsored by the Three Mountain Alliance and the Volcano Art Center. Free. To sign up, call the Volcano Art Center at (808) 967-8222.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Growing Lei Plants with Tim Tunison, retired vegetation specialist for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Offered in celebration of Lei Day and VAC's upcoming Lei Day Festival on May 1, 2010. Learn how to propagate a number of native plants used for lei making in your home garden or landscaping. The workshop includes going into the field to see habitats of selected plants and a lecture/demonstration at Tunison's residential garden to learn more about growing pala’a, palapalai, ohi‘a, ki, maile, pai‘niu and more. $65 (financial aid available) includes cuttings and handout. Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

9:00 a.m. - noon

Niaulani Forest Work Day. Niaulani Forest Work Day. Individuals, families, and small groups are invited to connect with Kilauea’s unique nature while volunteering to help preserve the beauty and diversity of this native, old-growth rainforest. Tools provided. Raingear and sturdy closed-toe shoes required. Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village. Free. Advance registration recommended. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday April 24, 2010

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Opening reception for The Artful Taste of Volcano, a group show of tableware and related treasures by Volcano artists. Meet the artists, plus enjoy after-hours shopping and pupus. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free. Park entrance fees may apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org

Daily, April 24 - June 1, 2010

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Artful Taste of Volcano, a group show of ceramic tableware and related treasures. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free. Park entrance fees apply. Call (808) 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Friday, April 30, 2009

7:00 p.m.
Fireside Stories in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the history, culture, and people of Hawai’i in this series of informal talks sponsored by the Volcano Art Center in conjunction with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Lei Day eve talk on “Lei; Iconic Emblems of Hawai‘i and Aloha,” is presented by Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah. Hear about some of the many styles of lei and how the skills to make them came to Hawai`i. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free. Park entrance fees may apply. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

MAY 2010

Saturday, May 1, 2010

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
First Annual May Day is Lei Day Festival. A family event celebrating “May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i” for all ages-residents and visitors alike. Join in the creative and cultural sharing of lei-making demonstrations, lei contest and display, hula and ‘ukulele performances, talk-story sessions, guided tours of the native forest and more. Lei contest is open to all ages, and cash prizes are awarded for outstanding entries. Lei entries become part of a silent auction fundraiser for VAC. Contest rules and criteria available on-line. Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. Free; donations appreciated. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Macro Flowers Saturday

2010-04-03T14:54:00.003-10:00

We had a stunningly beautiful day in East Hawai'i yesterday. My daughter and I decided to head out to the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center to enjoy the spectacular views . . . and the lunch buffet. The 'Imiloa has a lovely garden of "canoe plants" including the Ohi'a 'Ai, or mountain apple. We were lucky enough to catch this little fellow hard at work on our way into lunch.

White Mountain Apple Blossom

Imiloa Astronomy Center, Hilo, Hawai'i

Macro Flowers Saturday is hosted here.

Friday Wanderings....'Imiloa Astronomy Center

2010-04-02T15:18:00.001-10:00

Rachel and I decided to have lunch at the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center to enjoy the view and check out lunch buffet offerings.

After a little wander in the Native Garden, we had a wonderful lunch buffet in the Sky Garden restaurant. We often forget the great restaurant at the 'Imiloa. Apart from the spectacular view, we always love that it has breakfast all day.

But the most spectacular feature of the 'Imiloa is of course the titanium covered cones, which represent the three main mountains that make up the Big Island: Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai.

For those of you who are in town, the 'Imiloa is hosting several workshops in conjunction with the upcoming Merrie Monarch Festival which begins tomorrow!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T00:30:00.003-10:00

Happy Wordless Wednesday!!

Macro Monday

2010-03-29T16:41:00.001-10:00

Welcome to Macro Monday!!
This is my first Macro Monday post. Thank you to Lisaschaos for hosting Macro Monday!

Fern frond unfurling...

Upcoming Art Show!!

2010-03-28T04:16:00.003-10:00

The 34th Annual Spring Arts Show at the East Hawaii Cultural Center gets underway soon!

Intake was yesterday, artists could submit up to three pieces for this juried show. I expected a larger crowd, but of course I was quite early to arrive, a hour before the close of intake, rather than my usual 10 minutes before the doors close. I hope there were plenty of submissions at the final buzzer! It lookes to me like there were some interesting pieces.

Opening night is Friday April 2nd from 5:30 to 7:30.
See you there!!

Scenic Sunday

2010-03-27T16:56:00.001-10:00

Wow, I have nearly half the week covered.

Scenic Sunday is hosted here.

Moon Over Mountain View, Big Island of Hawai‘i

Macro Flowers Saturday

2010-03-27T13:08:00.004-10:00

Welcome to Macro Flowers Saturday!!
This is my first contribution, thank you Macro Flower Pictures for hosting this meme!!

While on a trip to the other side of the island, I found a gorgeous Crown Flower bush in bloom across from Kawaihae Harbor. The crown flower is a member of the milkweed family, also called Giant Milkweed or Calptropis gigantea. brought to Hawai‘i from India in 1888, it remains a garden a favorite here because whose flowers can be used to make long-lasting leis.

White Crown Flowers, Kawaihae

Macro flowers Saturday is hosted here.

Celebrating Red

2010-03-19T14:19:00.003-10:00

I celebrate color every day, but I celebrate red the most, I think....

My red laquer conga drum....

Celebrating red on canvas occupies a fair bit of my time!
Almost as much as the hunt for The Perfect Red. But that is a story for another post....

My latest large red celebration....

Celebrating Red

24 x 48

Oil On Canvas

Jumping Back In The Water

2010-03-19T13:41:00.003-10:00

It's been a long absence, AGAIN!!!

But not to worry, I have been busy. I want to post here at least once a week, I realize that sounds a bit ambitious after several months of nothing, but I am eternally optimistic in all things. . So, let's raise our glasses to new beginnings, again!!

I appreciate everyone who has hung in there with me over the last year and a half (more!!) while I have been living life and trying to get some art out, too.

I want to jump back in the blog water with a new painting.....

Torch Gingers are my ballerinas, my haystacks, my water lilies, if I may be so bold. I cannot get enough of them. In the gap between this post and last, I have added over a thousand reference pictures to my library, and I am happy to say that some of them have broken through the veil and made it onto canvas....

I use reference photos, but I don't take them too literally.

Here is the latest Torch Ginger to make it onto canvas...
12 x 24

I have included some work-in-progress photos as well.

Finally finished, February 2010

White Ginger, 2010

12 x 24, oil on canvas.

Thank you for joining me...AGAIN!

Life and Art and Life Again

2008-07-08T21:44:00.003-10:00

Wow.....

Clearly life has been interfering with art for some time now.

Sometimes, life is hard. Even when life is busy, and good...it is hard. Even sad.

I visited this blog today and almost did not recognize myself.

A few hours ago, someone commented on how I see the world in pictures. I forgot that that is special.

Yes indeed . . . everything is a picture. An image.

A piece of music, the characters in a story told by a friend. I dont so much hear it -- I see it.

I got lost for a while.

I think I will be back soon. I surely hope to be.

A Trip to Waimea

2006-05-01T18:12:00.001-10:00

This last week has been decidedly more about Life in Hawai'i than Art in Hawai'i. A long week's preparations culminated in a long weekend trip to the the northern part of the Island, historic Waimea town, also called Kamuela. Kamuela is Hawaiian for Samuel, and I recently learned that the town was named either for Postmaster Samuel Spencer, or for Samuel Parker, of the Parker Ranch Parkers. Somebody knows for sure, but it's not I.

About a half hour from Waimea, or an hour or so out of Hilo, in Honokaa town, we stopped at Tex Drive In, noted for its malasadas, which are rather like sugar doughnuts. I wanted iced tea, they make a good batch there.
But, for me, the main reason I stop is the beautiful accidental hibiscus garden right next to the drive-through window.

(By the way, don't let the fact that there is a drive through window lead you to believe this is fast food, because it is old style diner food, local style.) Theyalso have created a little botanical garden, which I never miss. This time, I was enchanted to find these tiny pineapples. Some kind of bromeliad, for sure . . . but for me, it's more fun to call them tiny pineapples.

I just love the little miracles of nature. Once I cut open a pineapple that was full of seeds. Pineapples can surprise you, I guess.

The main event was the horse show at Waimea. Lucy and I were there as support staff only, not horse-showers. Lucy also took her job of spectator very seriously.

I see the world in paintable vignettes. Most artists do. For me, the most spectacular vignettes of the weekend were from the hills above, overlooking the town all the way to the coast. If I were even a little bit of a plein air painter, I would have whipped out the easel and gotten to work. But this day, I was there to take care of horses and the girls that ride them . . . .

These shots were taken from the paddocks of the HPA horses. I like to think they know how good they have it....

Tags ~ art, Hawaii, Big Island, Waimea, Kamuela, bromeliads

Pigments, Redux

2006-04-25T19:09:00.000-10:00

Good grief. I left Natural Pigments out of my last post on pigments and color. This great site has:

Recipes, Tips & Tricks
The Long and Short of Old Master's Paint
Making Your Own Water-Based Paint
Gesso Grounds from Ancient Recipes
Articles, like "Why Some Paints are Transparent or Opaque"

And .......SHOPPING!!!

But what brings it to mind today is this--
A public lecture at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.

"Origins of Color: Pigments of the Old Masters"

Public lecture by George O'Hanlon, Natural Pigments LLC

Date: May 11, 2006 2:30 p.m.
Location: East Building Small Auditorium, National Gallery, Washington, DC

George O'Hanlon has traveled the world in search of unique sources of pigment. As founder of Natural Pigments, an artists' materials company, he brings his expertise to focus on the origins of pigments used by medieval and Renaissance artists as well as their revival by contemporary artists. He will discuss the physical and visual characteristics of many common and exotic pigments. The lecture will be accompanied by digital image projection.

Well, for me, as Rick Blaine so aptly put it, "the geography may be a little difficult to arrange"

Previous post: Color, Pigments, and more

Tags ~ art, oil painting, pigments, oil painting techniques, watercolor, color wheel

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i

2006-04-25T09:59:00.000-10:00

I thought it would be good to give a little head's up on this, since it's just around the corner. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii. This year, the Palace Theatre's Second Annual May Day Festival is being held on May 7. From the Palace Theatre's website:

In celebration of the Hawaiian art form of lei making, the Historic Palace Theater presents its 2nd annual "May Day Lei Day Festival" on Sunday, May 7th. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. with continuous activity and entertainment, and is FREE to the community.

Highlights include:

ON STAGE: live music, hula, and special guest kupuna
ON SCREEN: historic films and photos, video interviews with lei masters
LOBBY: spectacular lei display including "keiki lei corner", Lei Contest with $100 cash prizes, and silent auction
TENT: lei making demonstrations-visitor participation
The event, which will be digitally filmed, concludes with a community sing-along of "May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i" and "Hawai'i Aloha" accompanied by the historic Palace pipe organ.

Everyone is welcome to join in this creative collaboration between the Aloha Spirit and Mother Nature! For more information call 808-934-7010.

May Day used to be a huge day in all the schools in Hawai'i'. During the Centennial of the Ola'a School (Now Kea'au Elementary and Middle School), we dug up some great old photos of the May Day court at the school. Here is an undated photo from that collection.

While writing this, I stumbled across this great site, which includes a reminiscence of lei days gone by. I know from my work with the Centennial that many of our local celebrations have been greatly reduced in scale, and it is a shame. So, give a lei this Lei Day!

For a schedule of events on Oahu, click here.

A collection of leis at a previous Lei Day celebration.

I will try to post again on this, as the time gets closer. Until then,

Aloha!

Sample including the picture...

Tags ~ art, May Day, Hawai'i, Big Island, photography, hula

Color, Pigments, and More

2006-04-24T15:23:00.000-10:00

Photo Credit ~ Jonathan Patriarca, Surfers Flow Yoga

Don't you love it! Huge piles of color. I would love to sink my hands into them up to my elbows. But of course that is not recommended, these things are best handled in tiny amounts, and with great care so as to keep them out of your eyes, and of course, lungs. Still, it's fun to dream and thanks to Jonathan for sending this amazing image from his travels in India.

Pigments and paintmaking are fascinating topics, and I thought this would be a good place to include some of my favorite links and information on the subject. I think it's important to know as much about your materials as you can. Fading, flaking, yellowing, and unexpectedly hideous color mixes (in my case greens seem to be particularly troublesome) are among the pitfalls of not knowing your materials or how they interact with one another, or with time.

I don't profess to be an expert on this subject, but I try to learn as much as I can, and in the interest of sharing, I wanted to include some notable sites on this colorful subject.

What's in YOUR paint???

Well if you are talking watercolors, your tube holds a not-so-mystical concoction consisting of pigment(s), a binder such as gum arabic, an extender for bulk, a humectant like honey or corn syrup, and maybe even a little water.

Want to know more?

Bruce MacEvoy's exquisite site, Handprint includes a section that he calls "The world's finest guide to watercolor painting." I don't think Bruce is exaggerating one bit. In fact, I think he is selling himself short. This site is a wondrous font of information on all things pigmentary.

This is information that can be used regardless of what medium you have chosen to get the colors out of your head and onto paper, canvas, silk, or whatever you have chosen to get them out on.

For an excellent description of how watercolors are made, grab a cup of something and settle in for some very interesting reading on paints, pigments, and how the magic happens when you crack open a tube of your favorite watercolors.

OILS

Oil Paint is perhaps a bit more simple ingredient-wise, at least in terms of what's in the tube. Pigment; a binder, in this case, oil; perhaps stabilizers and/or fillers, but not always. Sinopia's site includes information on oils, encaustics, and more. The site also includes a section called How to Make Oil Paint.

You can also read up on inks, dyes, and pastels.

If, like me, you are interested in mixing up a batch of your own medium using Balsam, Spike, Walnut oil or other such treasures, visit Studio Products to learn more, and browse through their catalog of hard to find ingredients. The recipes section will help you figure out how to pull it all together. The message boards here and on the worth-its-weight-in-gold site Wet Canvas will yield what I can only describe as a ton of information, suggestions, debates, and tips on how to get the most out of your paint. These are not the only sites to find such information, they happen to be the ones I use the most.

I also have to nod to Robert Gamblin's site. Robert and his wife Martha make and sell paint to a vast and growing market. I use several types of paint in my work, and my palette does include some Gamblin colors, as well as some other brands like Maimeri, Old Holland, and Doak, which are all quite loaded with pigment. I particularly appreciate very much the informative nature of the Gamblin website, and their willingness to answer emails, even by telephone. They bill their site as "turning color theory into color mixing," and with their guide to color space and guide to their own selection colors (take a look at the blue section), you can make some informed decisions on what to use and what to include in your personal palette. (Mine is usually slathered with a dozen reds . . .) I am not trying to sell Gamblin paint here, but I am saying that I sure do appreciate their passion for information and they make a nice product line.

Finally, any mention of color, pigments, and palettes would be woefully incomplete without a shout out to Don Jusko's amazing site, Real Color Wheel. Its more than a color wheel. Good grief, that's an understatement!

It's a history of painting, pigments, color theory, gallery, reading room, resource list, and overall amazing collection of links to all things color. And the actual Real Color Wheel itself allows you to click on matching pigments. Even if you are not yet sophisticated in the selection of pigments, this is an indispensable tool, and free to use and download. A visit to the site is well worth your while. What are you waiting for??? Get over there now! Don's work is amazing, and he does lovely things with water and light and every manner of thing.

The Society of Dyers and Colorists has a great site called The Virtual Colour Museum, which has lots of interesting facts and information on the history and application of colors in various media.

Last but certainly not least, I quote from Handprint . . .

Explanations are not as interesting as art, so I ask you to redeem the time you spend here by reaffirming your commitment to painting, and painting often. Bruce McEvoy

Tags ~ art, oil painting, pigments, oil painting techniques, watercolor, color wheel

Merrie Monarch Festival in Town

2006-04-20T08:51:00.000-10:00

The week following Easter means one thing in Hilo. Hula. The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual celebration of the art of hula and Hawaiian culture. Yes, the Merrie Monarch Festival has come to town and its hula hula everywhere. There is definitely a festive air downtown, and of course the added influx of visitors has not escaped anyone's notice. Tickets are scarce and alas my schedule this week did not have a lot of space for hula, but nonetheless I thought I would share some art on display this week, and some hula links.

In Hilo, the Festival also means a festival of art relating to this wonderful dance form. Art in the Iron Works is featuring an exhibit on this theme, and many local venues are crowded with arts and crafts vendors from throughout the Islands.

DANCER WITH TI AND WHITE PLUMERIA
Original Acrylic by Suzy Papanikolas

What is the Merrie Monarch???

The "Merrie Monarch" is King David Kalakaua, Hawaii's king from 1874 to 1891. From the official Merrie Monarch webpage,

[King David] Kalakaua almost single-handedly restored many of the nearly extinct cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people. These included myths and legends, and the hula, which had been forbidden by the missionaries for over 70 years.

Ancient Hawaiians had no written language. Instead, all communication beyond the spoken word took place in the form of chants and the dance called hula. Hula and its accompanying chants recorded Hawaiian genealogy, mythology, and prayers of the heart and mind. The hula was the means by which the culture, history, stories and almost every aspect of Hawaiian life was expressed and passed down through generations.

Because the Merrie Monarch Festival has maintained strict standards of authenticity, the true history and culture of the ancient Hawaiian people is being perpetuated. Without such educational and cultural organizations as the Merrie Monarch Festival, the history and unique traditions of the Hawaiian people will be lost forever.

More links to the history of the Festival, as well as an overview of the dance are found at the end of this post. In the meantime, another of Suzy's paintings insipred by hula. This work is also part of the specatular collection at Art in the Iron Works this month.

HULA HANDS
Original Acrylic by Suzy Papanikolas

This brings me to one of my favorite places in Hilo, Wailoa Park and the the Wailoa Art Center at its center. This month the Wailoa Center is all about the Hawaiian Quilt . . .The quilt show goes until April 28. Here is a photo I shot in 2002, an overview of the park and a view of snow on distant Mauna Kea.

A unique feature is the Park's series of arched brides . . .

The Wailoa Center features rotating exhibits in both of its galleries, and also houses a permanent exhibit of the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis.

There are endless goings-on for the Merrie Monarch Festival. Here are some links to keep you in the hula loop. Take some time to read the PBS articles, they give a wonderful overview of the hula in the context of Hawaiian culture and history.

Festival Home Page

Coverage of the Festival in Local News Channel KITV

An excellent overview of the hula from PBS, includes streaming videos.

Mele, the Art of Hula

Nice article from the 1997 Coffee Times

The Hula Source

Aloha!

Technorati Tags ~ art, oil painting, Hawai'i, Big Island, Plein Air, hula

Volcano Arts Center - Upcoming Classes and Concert

2006-04-19T13:34:00.000-10:00

Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Colors of Light II: An Intermediate Pastels Workshop with artist Vicky Penney-Rohner. In this 2-day weekend workshop, experienced and returning students are challenged with exercises on color theory, light, and shadow; experiment with new paper and under-painting techniques; and receive individual attention as well as help with composition and problem solving--all while completing pastel paintings. $125 includes supplies (financial aid available). Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Understanding Your Digital Camera with professional photographer Robert Frutos. Learn all phases of digital photography, from setting up your particular camera for optimum use to information about digital imaging software and downloading from camera to computer. This hands-on workshop covers not only the craft and science of digital photography but also the art. $50 (financial aid available). Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Photography & Photoshop: The Digital Darkroom with professional photographer Robert Frutos. This in-depth and fun class is designed to guide you through the steps of digital photography, from shooting the digital image to "developing" the finished photograph, using Photoshop as an electronic darkroom. All you need is a basic understanding of computer use, a digital camera, and a laptop (if possible) loaded with Photoshop 4 to 8. $50 (financial aid available). Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Saturday, May 6, 7:30 p.m.

Hawaiian Music Concert with the Lim Family of Kohala. Enjoy traditional, classic, and contemporary Hawaiian music, song, and hula with this award-winning Big Island musical family. Aunty Mary Ann Lim is joined by her children and extended 'ohana in a special performance inspired by the beauty and power of Kilauea. Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. $14 adults / $12 seniors (65 &amp; up) and children (12 & under). Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Two New Small Paintings

2006-04-17T15:36:00.000-10:00

Usually, I paint big. But sometimes I dont have a lot of time, and I want to have that experience of something finished. Also, I want to be able to paint looser, and this is something that comes from practice, and confidence. For me, 9 x 12 is tiny!! I finished these two, each in a couple of hours, which, for me, is something of a miracle. They are at the gallery already!

Cabana Daydreamin'
9 x 12
Oil on Canvas Board

Sometimes we go to the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Well, once a year. It's a birthday tradition for my daughter. I dont know what to say about the Hilton, really. It's big and over the top. Its crazy, there is a monorail and little boats you can ride from here to there. I don't know, its a lot to take in, and pretty high energy and high impact. It's fun for the kids, and at Christmas there is a fantastic miniature train wonderland in the lobby.

I go to the west side of the island to get out of the rain, and to see the sunset.

I miss those things from the mainland. For the past two years I have perfect the cabana method of experiencing the resort. I have to get up at the crack of dawn to snag a cabana, but its pretty much the only way to insure shade and quiet. I am more at home in smaller, more relaxed places, but with a strategically placed cabana, I can pretend I am in my own corner of paradise. . . . By the way, the hotel has a webcam now, which is a fairly good way to tell what the weather is like on Hawaii's gold coast.

Thurston Lave Tube
9 x 12
Oil on Canvas Board

Now this place is more my style. This was from a photo taken on a rainy day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I love to visit the park in all sorts of weather, and this is one of my favorite areas of the park. Besides the Art Center.

Thurson Lava Tube is a wonderful cave that has, for me, the happy advantage of being lit with electric lights.

Caves freak me out!

I have been caving a couple of times and invariably one of the "highlights" of the day is to turn off all the flashlights and experience the pitch black. For me, feeling like I am in a bottle of ink isn't a highlight. But I like Thurston Lava tube, it's a friendly cave. If you happen to visit, and want the thrill plunging yourself into inky blackness, there is an unlit section, so if you have a flashlight you are free to wander into through the little gate at the exit end of the cave and have a real cave experience.

The path through the ohia and hapu'u forest to the lava tube is a gorgeous walk, and though it does not include the spectabular lava features of the park, it is a beautiful cool enviroment that is equally inviting on a misty morning or sunny afternoon.

In The Garden

2006-04-13T15:01:00.000-10:00

I am fortunate to have a large tropical garden. Though it is at times wild and weedy, it is always an inspiration.

Birds Nest Fern in the monkeypod tree

Asplenium nidus

Hawaiian 'ekaha, 'ekaha kuahiwi

Air Plant in Ohia Tree
Kalanchoe pinnate

In the Garden of Life . . .

It is good if you can follow the shade while you work.

You need to keep your tools sharp, oiled, and where you can find them.

When your gloves get soggy, it is good to take a rest.

Sometimes you have to cut things back to the ground for them to grow again.

Sometimes something you plant doesn’t turn out to be something you want to keep.

There are surprises where you least expect them.

Some plants reveal their best nature when you crush their leaves.

Sometimes one thing can choke out another.

Untended, things can get out of hand.

Sometimes things get old and have to be removed.

Sometimes things don’t grow where you plant them.

It is hard to untangle things once they get entwined. Things can even get broken while you are trying to do it.

Things are persistent

Things need attention.

Even the simplest garden needs tending.

Clean your weed piles up as you go, otherwise it is overwhelming.

Lots of little creatures live under the leaves.

Things can scratch or cut you unexpectedly.

Some things insist on turning toward the light.

The things that really can grow in the shade of other things are usually smaller but can be beautiful, too.

There are things that really are pests.

When you find the right place for a thing, it thrives.

You need an open mind.

You need to be in the right mood for a strenuous day in the garden.

It's is good to get help with the big chores.

If you don’t get the harvest, someone else will.

Some things just tend toward abundance, despite your lack of attention...

(C) Pattie Rechtman 2003

Big Island Newspapers and More

2006-04-13T12:39:00.000-10:00

I stopped subscribing to the Hilo Tribune-Herald years ago. Not so much owing to a philosophical disagreement with the direction the paper took on issues, but because the delivery woke up every dog in the neighborhood at 5 AM. Not much of a heavy sleeper, I too was awakened when the truck made a quick U-turn on the cinder road I live on. In any event, thanks to the information superhighway, I can read the paper online, though I must say I do miss the daily arrest reports. I dont know why.

Hilo Tribune-Herald - Our very own little paper. All the news that's fit to print...
West Hawaii Today - News of the Big Island from the Kona side.
Hawaii Island Journal - Alternative? Liberal? Balanced? Green? You decide.

Chamber of Commerce Newsletter - From Hilo

Hawaii County Weekly News- Whats happening on the Big Island

Thats pretty much it for the Big Island.

Most larger Hawai'i papers are online, and I don't want to leave out anybody...Here is a list of other papers online.

Haiku The Maui Examiner
Haleiwa North Shore News
Honolulu Downtown Planet
Honolulu Hawaii Reporter.com
Honolulu Honolulu Advertiser RSS
Honolulu Honolulu Star-Bulletin RSS
Honolulu Honolulu Weekly
Honolulu Pacific Business News
Kaneohe Sun Press Midweek

Kauai KauaiWorld.com

Makawao Haleakala Times
Maunaloa The Dispatch
Wailuku Maui News

University of Hawaii-Manona Ka Leo O Hawaii

Happy reading....

Good Day at the Gallery

2006-04-12T12:10:00.000-10:00

The Arthur Johnsen Gallery is a group effort, with Arthur at the helm. Each of the artists takes a turn working at the Gallery, which works well for all of us, and of course keeps costs in check to a certain extent. Some days are quiet; others are profitable; others bring in an interesting selection of visitors and welcome talk-story breaks. My day is Wednesday, which I share with Arthur. The weather is finally improving, so we saw an increase in visitors to the Avenue.

Hilo is a small town with a typical small town familiar rythmn— of running into people you know, people you used to know, or people who know people you know. At the Gallery we also get plenty of visitors from the mainland and all over the world. Today Honolulu photographer and Friend of Arthur (FOA) Franco Salmoiraghi dropped in for a visit, and Arthur brought in some great new prints.

Some Music to Paint By

2006-04-11T13:08:00.000-10:00

I have eclectic taste in music. Then again, who doesn't. I find some music great to paint by. It just keeps me in the creative place, and I dont mind just hitting the repeat button if I am in the middle of something and I dont feel like getting my paint smeared fingers all over the CDs. They hate that.

Lately I have been using the IPOD a lot. I just have the 4 GB Ipod mini. I wish I had gotten the one that you can load photos on, too. And of course now they have huge ones that you can load a billion things onto. In the studio, I plug it into a JVC dock that has great sound and recharges it at the same time. I really love that you can load hours and hours of songs and organize them however you like. I dont know how I lived without the thing, actually. I am not very electronically hip, but when my daughter got hers, I finally saw the light. I know there are other MP3 players, but really the little ipod is just so asthetically pleasing and easy to use. I download tunes sometimes, but mostly I loaded my favorite CDs onto it....

Music I paint by....

Norah Jones, Come Away with Me and Feels Like Home are just great. Though I do prefer Come Away with Me, personally.

I pretty much love everything Dar Williams does. She has her roots in the great folk traditions of American Music. She is a brilliant songwriter. Listen for guests like John Prine and others...

The Honesty Room
Mortal City
My Better Self
End of the Summer
The Beauty of the Rain

I treated myself to some old Joni Mitchell stuff. This is music I can listen to over and over....There are lots of old favorites on Hits, but its great to listen to great albums like Court and Spark, and Blue

Lúnasa is an Irish band. My favorite CD is The Merry Sisters of Fate. We were lucky enough to see Lunasa in concert here in Hawaii at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. That was a splendid evening, and of course we had to buy their new album Se at the shows. We also enjoyed selections from an album the recorden in California called Redwood. Its also great music to drive to.....

Speaking of such things, Loreena McKennitt is another favorite of mine. So far, my favorite album is The Book of Secrets, though The Visit and The Mask and Mirror all very fine musical journeys and great company in the studio.

Well that's it for now. Of course the studio has CDs scattered all over the place, but this is about all I can list for now. I will add more later. My new paints arrived today and I want to try them!!!

Happy Listening!

Hawaii Plein Air Painters

2006-04-10T18:37:00.000-10:00

Writing about Kauai reminded me about a plein aire painter over there called Pierre Bouret, who also happens to be the contact person for the Kauai Outdoor Painters Association (KOPA).

I thought this might be a good time to mention a couple of associations of Plein Air Painters on the Islands. I myself am not a plein aire painter, though I admire them enormously.

These are statewide organizations. I know the Big Island has a couple of local groups and as soon as I can get contact information, I will post it.

Plein Air Painters of Hawaii
Islanders - Hawaii Plein Air Painters

Check out the paintings at the First Annual Maui Plein Air Invitational in February 2006

Aloha!

It is that rare impressionist painting where people don't judge the light, but rather are judged by it. Alexandra Johnson on Terrace at Sainte-Adresse by Claude Monet

Home from Kauai

2006-04-10T18:21:00.000-10:00

Kauai was marvelous. This unexpected getaway came as a complete surprise, relatively unplanned, and completely splendid. We left from Kona on Friday, and arrived at the Princeville Resort in time to enjoy cocktails and a spectacular Bali Hai sunset.

It was my first time at the Resort, and in fact had never laid eyes on the planned community at Princeville. This resort is definitely something special. The location is, of course, a major part of this, but all in all I must say that they do a world class job of making you feel like you are the most important person in the world, which normally doesn't happen much in the normal comings and goings of life. Thankfully a client paid for the trip otherwise we would not have stayed in such posh digs.

I was hoping to take some good reference photos for some future paintings, but the weather was not cooperative. Kauai has had relentless rain for weeks, and clouds prevented me from getting good light in my shots. But the clouds did not dampen the experience, the bay is gorgeous and if you haven't been to Kauai by all means go. Till then, enjoy the view from the Living Room at the Resort.

The Weekend is Afoot

2006-04-06T21:32:00.000-10:00

Off to Kauai this weekend. I hope to take some good reference shots to paint later. I am not much of a plein aire painter, but I do enjoy working on landscapes. After several weeks of relentless rain, I am trying to be optimistic that we will have good weather. Either way, a change of scenery will be marvelous.

On another note, I was able to put a couple of new paintings in the gallery this week, the Mountain Apple Blossoms, "Sunlit 'Ulu," and a new painting of hapu'u (tree ferns). We are hoping the gallery website will be up and running soon.

This weekend is First Friday in Hilo, by the way. The weather looks like it will cooperate some, though we always cast a wary eye skyward these days. This should be a real happenin' FF, as there is an opening at the East Hawaii Cultural Center, and Art in the Iron Works, too! Local businesses will have late hours, music, and hopefully, pupus. Have fun downtown.

See you next week!!!

How often have we all come to that crucial point in a painting where it is practically "begging" us to stop before we ruin it? We have all had that experience and we risk failure, or at the least mediocrity, if we ignore the voice in our art. Richard Schmid

A Good Book

2006-04-04T13:13:00.000-10:00

Ahab's Wife. This is a great book. It has amazing imagry and is certainly a book to get lost in. Though, who has time for that??? Here is an excerpt...

…When the Camel came into New Bedford port, I was swept with sorrow for the forests, for here, it seemed, in the multitudinous masts of ships, stood all the straightest, tallest most majestic trunks of North America. But their branches were all broken off and stripped away, their roots planted only in the barren pots of boats. Sails might have suggested the cloak of leaf-filled branches, but sails were furled and the nakedness of the timbers stood in jumbled display. The standing rigging was in place, to be sure, but would you drape the mighty spine of a tree in cobwebs and call it clothed? Bare as crucifixes, the ships at rest seemed nothing like the unfurled fairy-swans that skimmed the oceans. Is there always, under the glory of white wings and graceful speed, the scaffolding of a cross?

This is not a Christian question but one applicable to India and China and Africa. If you meet a woman of whatever complexion who sails her life with strength and grace and assurance talk to her! And what you will find is that there has been a suffering, that at some time she has left herself for hanging dead.

Works in Progress

2006-03-31T17:21:00.000-10:00

Lots of paintings swimming around my head at the moment. I am hoping to finish a series of white flowers on 24 x 24 inch canvases.

In the meantime, today was the intake for the All Hawaii show at the EHCC. Alas, my paintings did not get in, but congratulations to all whose were selected.....

When the color achieves richness, the form attains its fullness also. Paul Cezanne

Big Show Coming Up

2006-03-31T12:27:00.000-10:00

It's been all about art the past few weeks. After a long, long slump, I have finished two paintings for the All Hawaii Juried Art Exhibition coming up at the East Hawai'i Cultural Center. Ulu, and Mountain Apple Blossoms. The third is "Full Bloom," one of my favorite torch ginger paintings. ...I hope one of these will get into the show!

There are connoisseurs of blue just as there are connoisseurs of wine. Colette