Friday, October 30, 2009

Great Movie - Local Color

If you have a dream, and especially if you are an artist of any skill level or attracted to the beauty and wonders of art as an appreciator, then you will love this gem of a movie. I found it at Block Buster by happenstance while searching the aisles for a new movie. I have never heard of this independent film but it won many, many awards. I can see why! And hey, it is about two oil painters, one a teacher and mentor and the other a student. That sold me. Since I am a dreamer, artist, and teacher, this movie struck a chord with me on a very personal level. I had to learn more

This movie is based on writer/director George Gallo’s real life story when he himself was a young artist. Actor Trevor Morgan portrays his character.

Nicholi Seroff is a Russian representational artist, played by actor Armin Mueller-Stahl and his “want to be student” Johnny Talia is played by actor Trevor Morgan. Johnny is a young passionate artist who discovers, through his local frame shop, that this Russian master lives nearby. Johnny wants to learn from this man who he has always admired. He keeps trying to get Seroff to talk art with him but with no success. Until finally one day Seroff decides to take on this eager student.

Seroff is a gruff character on the outside who has become disenchanted with the art world. However, on the inside, this character reveals the beauty of what it is to be an artist and while he shares his life lessons with young artist John Talia he also teaches the viewer on a subtle level how to see the splendor of our world with eyes wide open.

George Gallo writes beautifully, poetically and the lines and images in this movie are sure to inspire. As an artist and teacher myself, I found this movie surprising educational.

I highly recommend this movie it is one of the best I have seen this year. I wonder if it even made it to the big screen. Sometimes the best movies do not get the recognition in this arena, but are recognized by the public after the fact and by word of mouth. These are the best treasures! This movie encompasses what I feel is hard to put into words on what it is to be human, creative, and alive. There is also a sprinkle of good humor throughout the film. The story is beautiful from start to finish.

The actors in this movie are well known. They basically worked for nothing to make this film a reality: Armin Mueller-Stahl, Trevor Morgan, Ray Liotta, Samantha Mathis, Ron Pearlman, Diana Scarwid, and Charles Durning.

This movie has real substance that will fill your soul with good heartfelt nourishment. This movie doesn’t fill the viewer’s time with an empty plot like so many violent movies out there today that leave you empty and anemic emotionally. So rent this movie and enjoy or better yet buy it for your personal movie collection. It is a keeper!

You can learn more about this director and his story at: http://blog.localcolormovie.com/

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Order Cards via Greeting Card Universe

I discovered a great greeting card site that supports artist of all types and mediums. I now sell my cards on this site. There is no charge for the service to the artist you make a small commission on each card sold in your store. You, the customer, can also create your own verse in the card you decide to purchase. Customize the card and make it personal. Check it out. It is a great service that supports the artist and a great deal for you the consumer!

Visit my store to learn more. Copy and paste link below into your browser: http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/community/store.asp?store_id=837&gcu=41645231210

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Introduction to the Little Hawaiian Artist - Once Upon a Time....


Aloha and Hello!

I am Kathy McCartney, a tropical artist who use to live in Oahu, Hawaii. I believe I was almost 3 years old when me and my family arrived to this tropical oasis.

When you are young and your eyes are first open to the world you naturally want take in the beauty that surrounds you. I was fascinated with lights, colors, gadgets, music, voices, smells, sweet foods etc. I was blessed to first come awake into this earthly plane where heaven and earth exist this Hawaii nei (beloved Hawaii).

I have always loved things that are beautiful, and I think this true for everyone. It is a way to find peace and comfort for one's soul and we must feed our soul things that are good to keep it healthy. What you put in is what comes out. What comes out is what we share with the rest of the world. If we want world peace, we must begin with ourselves.

As humans we are attracted to the arts, be it visual, music, fine food, beautiful settings, entertainment etc. A mood and feeling is evoked in each of us when we are exposed to certain people, places, things, and any artistic creation.

I am an artist today who paints with oil on canvas tropical moods and feelings that I call McCartney Tropical Expressions. I paint because it makes me feel good to create something from seemingly nothing. To paint a picture and create effects on canvas is like being a magician. This wonderment with art has never ceased for me. Other artist have inspired me with their magic and I hope to do the same for others. This is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching art. I love to see my students be in ah when they have successful moments during their creative process. Making their painting come to life.

I am working on a educational book and DVD as well as a book sharing my personal artistic journey. I hope what I create and share will inspire, give hope, and a belief in yourself that you too can make your dreams come true.

I started a new page on my art website. It is my gallery in progress. Here you can see me form new paintings. Each day I paint be it 30 minutues or an hour or two I will take a picture and post it. It is a fascinating process and further details will be documented in my books: WORK IN PROGRESS GALLERY