There is no Other Place I’d Rather be But All Washed Up on The Shores of Kauai

I love all the Hawaiian islands for different reasons, but Kauai is my favorite.  I think for me it is because I long for solitude and this island is the least busiest and therefore more quiet. This island is the oldest in the Hawaiian chain and it has transformed into a place of complete lush greenery and jagged rock formations that can only be created with millions of years of rain and erosion shaping and chiseling this unique terrain.

I call this new painting that I completed 9/16/10 "All Washed Up on Kauai's Shores" well because there is no other place I'd rather be all washed up and renewed!

It has been awhile since I last blogged and I will try to do better going forward.  There is so much to write about, and so little time it seems.  To be more faithful to the blog process I plan to post all my NEW paintings here and write about the inspiration, process, and big or small details. 

For the past two years, I continue to teach art and for eight years work my MauiVision vacation rental business. I feel blessed that I can do both self created jobs.  I have always said if there is a will (dream) there is a way.  It is wonderful to work from home and in an art gallery painting with flexible hours. I have been building up to this day.  I am 3/4 way complete with my first book draft.  I need to stay focused and get this project done.  I have been working on it for several years just gathering material.  The hard part is to organize my thoughts and force myself to do a lot of cutting to make this book strong and interesting.  They say if your book bores you it will surely bore others.  I keep this in mind as I continue to create and edit it.  I really hope to have this project done 2010 but with anything big I have attempted my projections are usually off from my ambitious time line.  But nonetheless I will get it done!

I have been painting a lot and participating in art shows and events trying to get exposure as a new artist. I have been marketing myself for a few years now and still trying to figure out what the best strategy is to get noticed.  People recommend getting a FaceBook business page hmmmm something else to keep track of.  I don't know I'm not totally convinced it is something I should do.  As a creative person with goals I have to watch how time is spent and not spread myself too thin.

That's all folks!  At least for today!

Mahalo for visiting.

My Paintings on Sale on Etsy!

MauiVision Kihei Akahi Rentals DISCOUNTED Summer/Fall 2010

Working on the dreams

Aloha!




It has been awhile since I have written anything here on this new blog site of mine. I had good intentions on posting thoughts and ideas on a faithful and consistent basis, but life and opportunities keep rolling in like high tide and I can barely keep my head above water. It is a blessing to have this many opportunities. Life is never boring as I nurture and wait patiently for the young seedlings of opportunity to grow into a healthy money tree. If anyone can survive these challenging economic times then one will only prosper. And so, this is my mantra “faith and perseverance.”

I have 24 hours a day that I keep very full and all the while try to maintain a healthy family life and run my businesses and stay responsible. What little time I seem to have as of late, I try to convey ideas on canvas and there are many visions I have yet to express in this visual format. It is a wonderful feeling to get lost in the world of creativity and even better when a painting is complete that I feel proud of. This creates a sense of accomplishment and pride.

I have been painting a lot with my students and we learn and grow together. The old saying is true, a teacher can learn from their student. It is a two way street. I love teaching art it is a very rewarding career. I’m glad I was encouraged to take this path almost 2 years ago when my art teacher retired and moved to Texas and gave me his student base. Since then, I have grown it with referrals and some advertisement efforts. But referrals are the biggest contributor to the growth of my art business.

More than 5 years ago, I have been working on several book ideas. However, being scattered and busy it has been hard to stay focused. But nonetheless, over the years, I would add to the database of thoughts knowing one day I would sit down and organize all of the information I have been gathering.

Recently, February 2010 I decided to faithfully work on one of my book ideas with focus and attention. As of this blog posting I am over half way through the revising, cutting, organizing, researching phase and I continue to add new material. I set my first draft deadline for March 1st. I did not make it. I set a new deadline for April 1st, I will not make it. I admit it is just a bit frustrating. However, it is only because another opportunity came up for me early March. I had to do something. I had to make a decision and thus another delay. The opportunity is the gallery/studio space Art on the Lane. I currently share the space with two other talented artists, but for financial reasons, the other two artists wanted to walk and go to a co-op where rent was much less to teach their classes. Part of me was tempted to follow, but in the end, I decided instead I would keep the gallery open myself and produce a new more flourishing art co-op. I have experienced a few and I want to do it better by creating an environment that is positive and a win/win in terms of fairness and profitability for all involved. There are still a few more spots to fill.

I and my two fellow artists have been waiting for over a year now for the empty space next door to our gallery to be leased to a restaurant. Approximately 8 months ago it was secured by The Wild Vine Bistro. They were supposed to open up for business back in October but the town of Danville held them up due to permits, inspections and the waiting time is long unfortunately. They are now scheduled to open April 10th 2010. I feel this restaurant will bring life and exposure to our gallery. This is the reason I did not want to leave. So now, I am now the proud owner and manager of The Art on the Lane beginning May 1st. And until then I am busy preparing for the new opening day. I will share the space with many more artists to make it work financially and to help keep the gallery open longer hours to coincide with our new neighbor. I look forward to supporting my fellow artists while being able to also thrive and continue my art school in its same location.

I feel everyone has a book in them that they could write, because isn’t life just interesting! I know as I progress each day in my own life, a new page is being written each morning I awake.
I have a new draft deadline for my first book June 1st 2010. Until then I will keep my nose to the creative grindstone!

Kathy

Great Party! Art, Live Music, Great Food and Wine. Don't Miss the Fun!

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/

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