Spotlight on Art Gallery Maui Hands

Spotlight on Art Gallery Maui Hands

Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.

Maui Hands is a local Hawaiian art gallery featuring a variety of exceptional, contemporary artwork and over 300 artists, jewelers, crafters, glassblowers, and more. Maui Hands is an outstanding exhibition of distinctive Hawaiian life and culture, and it has been representing Hawaii’s fine artists for more than 20 years.

Artist Kathy McCartney painting in the Maui Hands Gallery Paia, HI
This painting is in progress should be completed soon visit McCartneyFineArt.com to view completed metal art painting.

"Falling in Love All Over Again." by Kathy McCartney
Mixed medium etched metal, oil, acrylic paint, and clear coat

"Reflection" original oil painting on
canvas sold.  Now available in
giclee on canvas or metal by
artist Kathy McCartney 

From original fine art paintings, prints, crafty ceramics, gorgeous jewelry, and intimate woodwork, Maui Hands highlights the cultural diversity of Hawaii and the divine talent of its artists. Today’s 2016 artists include MauiVision’s very own Kathy McCartney, Derek Fine, Christine Waara, Luana Kama, and Patricia Heath, to name a few.

In June, watercolor painter Luana Kama featured her vibrant artwork at Maui Hands’ Lahaina location on Front Street. Here’s what she had to say…

“I have always loved art and did take classes throughout my life but when I got married and started to raise my family (5 boys), drawing and painting were pushed to the side. Today, I’m still living in Lahaina and having a great time painting like crazy,” said Kama.

“My other interests are sewing, reading, cooking and baking, crafts, and I take classes and teach Hula.”

Maui Hands features a wide-range of artists, including fine textiles and basket artists like Ipo Kudlich and Neola Caveny. Glass artists include Daniel Moe, Shelly Batha, Jim Graper, and Steve Tillman. Maui Hands features a top-quality selection of local, talented, multi-skilled, and multimedia artists who all add extra creativity and excitement to the thriving island of Maui.

With four locations in Maui, Maui Hands knows how to impress people from all across the world with their distinct artwork. The gallery supports over hundreds of artists, potters, glassblowers, sculptors, and woodworkers, and gives Hawaiian art and culture an unique name!

Visit Maui Hands in one of their locations — Makawao, Paia, Hyatt, or Lahaina — to get a taste of their highly exceptional and lively artists and to recognize the true beauty of art. 

New Maui Vision Rental Property OCEAN FRONT / VIEW

Aloha everyone!

Sugar Beach right outside Kanai A Nalu

Ma'alaea Harbor less than a mile away

Sorry for not posting.  I was busy transitioning from California to Maui, Hawaii!  I have lived here now for over a year closer to two.  My first year was getting settled and I did it slowly.  I wanted to soak in the Maui living experience as a local.  I can see why Maui is the BEST!  There is so much to do.  Island fever is not in my vocabulary!

If you need a vacation getaway and would like to visit Maui for 3 days or longer we have some nice properties most with ocean views.  Rates vary per property:  www.MauiVision.com

Today we have a GREAT SPECIAL on a new property we added to our network.  It is a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo located near Ma'alaea Harbor.  It is close to Haycraft Park and on beautiful Sugar Beach. 


Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath condo ocean front Kanai A Nalu.  Views, views, views!

The complex is Kanai A Nalu (click to visit web page and view more pictures)

To see virtual tour (click here)

The owner would like to rent her available space long-term month to month.  It is available starting check-in 05/18/14 to check-out 10/28/14 the longer you stay the lower the rent:
 

3 month (90 days) $2,900

 

2 months (60 days) $3,300

1 month (30 days) $3,600

Please add 13.42% tax

Ocean front ocean view! Quiet home listen to the sounds of the sea

Welcome to Kana'i A Nalu a quiet resort that sits on the ocean away from the road.  This property has the BEST ocean front views of Molokini Crater and Kaho'Olawe Island.  There is a swimming pool and BBQs for your use.  This two bedroom two full bath 952 sq ft full ocean view, ocean front property is located on the beach and first floor.  Access the beach from your lanai.  Enjoy sunsets year round over the ocean.  This is a great location year round particularly during the winter months; humpback whales can be seen in abundance.  This unit includes window A/C in the living room and 3 ceiling fans, FREE Wi-Fi Internet access for your laptop.  This unit is spacious and bright. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishwasher, stove/oven; linens and towels supplied; washer/dryer inside the unit; a telephone for free local calls, cable TV, CD/stereo. The master bedroom has a King size bed for your sleeping comfort. The second bedroom has two single beds that can be pushed together to make a King. This home is a wonderful value for large parties and sleeps four guests VERY comfortably. We will allow up to 6 people please ask permission. 

 

This complex sits directly on a 3-mile stretch of white sand beach that spans almost the entire Ma'alaea Bay.   This setting is wonderful for a romantic sunset stroll.  For the more active person this is a great beach to run on as you can do so for miles in peace away from the crowds.  The west end of the beach is Haycraft Park and Ma'alaea Harbor. If there is a big south swell, the wave off the harbor, "Freight Trains," can be one of the best in the world attracting expert surfers.   Towards the east of Ma'alaea is a great spot for windsurfing, during both trade and Kona winds. This property is located less than a mile walking distance to Ma'alaea Harbor and it is centrally located on the island between South and North Maui.

 

Kathy McCartney

www.mauivision.com

www.mccartneyfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/MauiVisionRentals

808-989-6369

 

Question of the day for me and my fellow artists: What inspired you to become a professional artist?

I asked my fellow artist and colleagues the following question:   What inspired you to become a professional artist?  When did you know and at what moment did you decide to take the plunge.  Here are the stories in the artists own words written on another blog I keep for our art gallery Art on the Lane

My personal response:

Kathy McCartney

My love affair with Hawaii began at the tender age of 3 this is when I first opened my eyes to the world around me on the island of Oahu where me and my family were lucky enough to live.  I fell deeply in love with nature, so much so, that my mother and I would battle Monday through Friday to get me back in the house and ready for school in time to catch the bus.  I spent hours in the back yard and would sometimes sneak off to roam the neighborhood by myself.  I remember one day making it to a place where I could see the ocean.  More than once a concerned neighbor would tell me to go home.  I can honestly say today that I still have an obsession with the Hawaiian Island and this is reflected in my art.

"Soul Sister"

16"x20" acrylic painting canvas board

on sale for $195 unframed

The first famous artist I learned about was when I was 5. My dad and I watched a TV program about Vincent van Gogh. I remembered at the end of the program how they said his art was worth millions. I thought that was a happy ending. I said to my father I want to be a famous and rich artist like Vincent van Gogh. My father reminded his little girl with stars in her eyes that his paintings were not worth anything until after his death. I sat there silent for a minute and thought what a bummer. I don't want that kind of ending. I declared to my father then and there that I will be different, successful while alive! So in the back of my mind I held on to this positive notion that it could be different for an artist and a happy ending.

I continued to draw during my early years and won two art contests. My first win was at the public library’s annual art contest. I was in the 3rd grade and painted the characters from the Best Nest. I got my picture in the local newspaper and a 3rd place ribbon. My next victory was in the 6th grade.  We were approaching 1976, our country's 200th birthday. My elementary school had a Bi-Centennial art contest judged by a local women's group. I think the judges favored more my subject matter. I drew my first female hero, Betsy Ross, sewing the American flag. The grand prize was a $25 check. I was very proud and this fueled my ambition.

Over the years, "real life" took over…work, marriage, divorce, single motherhood, bills and responsibilities. But that urge to create never subsided. I held on to my childhood dream. At times, it seemed far out of reach and impossible from where I stood. However, I held on to this vision to pursue a creative career. I have always loved nature and never thought that I would be spending most of my adult life indoors in a cubicle. And yet this is where I found myself. I did not want to live a mediocre life or with regrets. So I found ways to educate myself at home and after work by taking oil painting classes with a great teacher Tom Anderson. He helped propel my growth. I never missed a class. I found painting therapeutic and a great way to escape the mundane and workaholic life. It was empowering, satisfying and made me feel unique and special.

I really felt I was on my way when in 2007 I sold my first painting to a woman in Brighton England via the Internet. My first sale to someone that was not a friend or relative! 

I had some savings and when the Internet bubble burst, so went my steady job. This was a blessing in disguise. I decided in year 2008 that I would take a big chance and heed the calling of my dreams with full focus. I ignored the nay Sayers. I persevered through the challenges of starting a business and overcoming obstacles. And today, I can honestly say that I am glad I did not give up. I created something out of nothing.  Two of the best jobs perfect for me.  Creative and free.  I now divide my time between painting, selling my art work and teaching art to children and adults. I also have another business that allows me to work from home, my Hawaii vacation rental business. Both are growing as am I. The hardest thing in the beginning of this endeavor was to give up a steady paycheck and earn less income, but I see it as a temporary adjustment. I took a leap of faith and my vision and dreams are still in its infancy. This journey is not for the faint of heart…I am working on my first book with additional personal stories.  Please contact me for more information.  

Kathy McCartney

www.McCartneyFineArt.com and www.MauiVision.com

Mark Twain expresses it best - “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

2012 Oil and Acrylic Painting Classes - Children and Adults

ART CLASSES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS AND ADULTS

Explore Your Creative Self!

Art is Therapeutic and Fun!

We offer various workshops on different subject matters

We teach all skill levels on how to draw and paint

CLASS SCHEDULE 2012

Ocean and Seascape Workshop with Oil Paint

Instructor Kathy McCartney
In this class you will paint a beautiful, tropical ocean scene. Kathy will demonstrate and you the student follow along.

This oil painting class will take 4 sessions and is offered different times/dates to suit your schedule. Please visit the link below for class schedule, costs and other details: Ocean Workshop or call 925-876-4985

YOUR PET PROJECT – ANIMAL WORKSHOP with Oil Paint

Instructor Kathy McCartney
In this class we will paint your dog, cat, bird or whatever your favorite animal is. Kathy will guide you and take you step by step to help you create your animal portrait.

This oil painting class will take 4 sessions and is offered different times/dates to suit your schedule. Please visit the link below for dates/times, costs and other details: Your Pet Project or call 925-876-4985

Instructor Kathy McCartney – Acrylic and Oil painting classes for Teens and Adults. You Name It We'll Paint It! Click on Link below for details.

General Class Schedule Teens and Adults

Instructor Kathy McCartney – Acrylic and Oil painting classes for Teens and Adults. You Name It We'll Paint It! Click on Link below for details.

General Class Schedule for Children and Teens or call 925-876-4985


Please visit my Student Art Gallery to see some examples of what my students have produced in class:  Student Art Gallery
and
Student and Customer Testimony

We have a N-E-W art gallery and classroom in beautiful downtown Danville! I share this space with many talented artists! I feel fortunate to work along side these creative types and I hope to learn from them. You never stop growing! Our artwork is on display at this new location and a few of the artists, besides myself, teach here. I started a new blog for the gallery. You can visit the Art On the Lane blog to see some fantastic art work from my fellow colleagues and see the 1 minute virtual tour here on Art On the Lane YouTube of our new space.  We opened our gallery doors October 2011.  Please visit us!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

New Painting Just Completed. Rendition of "Tropical Jewel"




18"x24" my rendition of painting "Tropical Jewel"

 



Aloha All!

I have been busy teaching art classes.  It is a fun job to create with others.  It is rewarding to be a teacher especially when you see a student really get it and excel in their skill.  Some leave the class feeling very proud of their work.  It boosts ones confidence.  When you create art you are tapping into another part of yourself.  To get really good at anything it takes practice, practice, and more practice.  Then one day you will flow and painting becomes more intuitive.  For some it can take less than a year but for most it takes 3 to 10 years.  It all depends on the natural talent of the individual and how often they PRACTICE!

I just finished this painting in one of the classes I teach.  It is the second time I have painted it with students.  But I altered this rendition originally created by artist Steve Powers called "Tropical Jewel."  I call this one my second rendition because I sold the first one or earlier version I did last summer.

It is a beautiful place I wish to be so it is fun to paint it.  It is a way for me and my students to escape into another reality.  This place I do not know if it was inspired by a real place or not, but it is truly a Tropical Eden!

If you are looking for an art teacher please write or telephone me (see my websites for more details).  I teach oil painting classes to children and adults and teach just about any subject under the sun.  We work from photographs to create our own original ideas or do renditions of other artists' work we admire.  You name it, we'll paint it!

This rendition is listed for sale on my website www.McCartneyFineArt.com for $700 US dollars, but I am discounting it to $399.00 US dollars on Etsy for a limited time or until October 6th 2011:   http://www.etsy.com/shop/TropicalExpression

Keep yourself inspired!

Kathy McCartney

http://www.mccartneyfineart.com/

http://www.mauivision.com/

Painting of My Son Finished (for now)

Aloha and thank you for visiting my blog.

My portrait of my son Ryan is complete.  I need to step away from it for a week and I might tweak it a little (the flowers and background), but overall I am happy with the results and will call it a day.  I am not selling the original, but I am available for commission work.  If you have a family member you would like painted please contact me. 

For commission work the cost depends on the size of the canvas and how many people are in the portrait and the detail and background.  The portrait of my son measures 11"x14" and the cost today is $465.00 US dollars. 

An original oil painting makes a great one of a kind gift.

Kathy
www.McCartneyFineArt.com
www.MauiVision.com

New Painting of My Son Ryan



This is where I ended up today.  See more images below to see how I got this far.



Aloha everyone and thank you for visiting my blog!

I am working on several new paintings currently, but I have chosen this one to blog about. It has nothing to do with the South Pacific or Hawaii. It is not a place, but it is a special person in my life. It is a portrait of my son Ryan who is now 17 years old, however, I took this picture of him when he was about 3 years old. I love this picture of him.

I am currently teaching people portraits in one of my art classes and I thought I really need to do this painting of my son. This image has been pulling me for awhile.

I also miss my son who is away living at a US military camp attending a 5 month long high school program. What a great experience for him. I am proud of how focused he is and his great attitude. He is motivated to do something good with his life. As a mother we all wish for our children to grow up and contribute to society in a positive way.  He does make me proud.  He is a wonderful young man. Okay enough personal stories, but this is another reason I felt it is time to paint him, plus I am sharing the progress of this painting with him via snail mail.  I like to kill 2 birds with one stone whenever possible.

I started with a white canvas measuring 11”x14.” It is gallery wrap canvas so I will paint the edges. With a gallery wrap canvas there is no need to purchase a frame, it is optional. By the way, I try and use canvases that are the same size as standard frames. Meaning you can buy frames already made to fit your canvas.  It cost a lot less money versus having a custom frame made. I also paint a lot so it is good to be able to switch my same size paintings in and out of frames that I already own.

(You can click on the images to see the image enlarged)

Step one; I paint the canvas with grey gesso. This dries quickly. I then scan in the image of my original photograph. I do not want to mark up my original photo. Plus it makes my life easier to do grid method if I crop and size a new version of this photo to better fit the 11”x14” canvas. If you divide 11” by 2 you get 5.5” and if you divide 14” by 2 you get 7”. I crop and size my scanned image to fit this dimension exactly. So the printed picture measures 5.5”x7.” I draw lines using my T-square on the canvas and make 2” squares horizontal and vertical. On my photocopy I make similar lines or squares in 1” marks. This is half the size of the canvas. The canvas and photocopy now have the same number of boxes. I number the boxes on the canvas and on the photo. I then draw my image with a number 2 pencil (lightly) to match what I see on my photocopy (do not use charcoal pencil it smears in your paint).  I find this to be a very quick and accurate way to get my image on the canvas. It also helps improves ones drawing skill.

 I have done portraits with straight color but I do prefer starting in gray tones. I find it easier to correct my drawing as I go along and it helps me see the values of light, medium and dark. This is a good exercise to strengthen ones artistic eye to see values. I also think it is cool to see your painting come alive like a black and white photograph. Flesh tones are a little more challenging so starting in black and white lays down a foundation to place the color on top of later.

I see some errors in my initial drawing and my gray scale painting. I fix the angle of his ear and the front of his face needs adjusting. I shrink the chin and lips. I do this with more gray/white paint but I also shrink the features of the face with yellow paint that I am thinking will be my sky color, however, I will probably tone it down or make it another color entirely.


I often times use my paint brush or ruler as a sighting tool to compare angles from my photograph to the painting itself. You can catch mistakes this way.

In all I took about 2.5 hours.

I will blog once a week until this painting is complete.

Kathy McCartney

Artist and Art Teacher

www.mccartneyfineart.com

www.mauivision.com