A Message to My Fellow Artists on, Why I Love Artists

A Message to My Fellow Artists on, Why I Love Artists
By Michele A. Ross ©2009

When art get’s the raves, too often artists aren’t always thought of as well as their art.

Well, I am in love with my fellow artists, every one of you.

No matter your chosen medium, crafters in paint, light, sound, words, stone, wood, metal..all, you are near and dear to my heart, and I thank you for your continued enrichment of my life. I really do. A day without art for me is a day most barren and desolate, not just as a creator of art, but as a receiver of the art of others.

You are a most courageous lot, daring to be there and communicate. Did you know that is the worst crime in the universe?, daring to just be there and communicate?

Yet you continue to improve and apply your skill and send your messages out like spacecraft into the void seeking exploration and destination, not always knowing what and where that will be. Bravo!

Courageous? Absolutely! - like Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.” So don’t you dare lose your nerve, don’t you dare! Stumble perhaps, but get up again, continue.

You are extremely important, even vital! When a culture fades, who and what is remembered and who shapes the thoughts and ideas of the new? Art and artists. What do we know and remember most of history and ancient cultures? The products of artists! The words, sculpture, paintings, music, crafts, and ideas created with such skill, beauty and impact. The images of a culture are those created by artists, and artists dream the dreams that science runs hard to catch up to and make a reality.

History has tried to make you crazy or just seem crazy and unimportant because you haven’t always agreed with “the norm” but choose instead to forge new territory, or because the products of your vision and labor don’t seem to be “necessary” to the living of life.

That is a lie. You are necessary, and you are some of the most valuable beings on the planet as far as I am concerned. Art has brought hope to and seen many individuals through the toughest of times. Some individuals are threatened by artists because you have the power to influence ideas, vision, direction, and inspire and capture men’s souls. Artists and art can completely alter lives for better, or worse- you choose. Really, what those who try to make less of you are trying to do is enslave you knowing you wield such power- hoping they will somehow get that power for their own (usually not good) use.

You are also ambassadors from one culture to another which is a very powerful thing indeed. You and your art can cut right through the barriers of customs, language, religion, and location and appeal directly to the essence of one being to another.
But perhaps you already know this, but in case you don’t…

Yes, you are very powerful, so never disparage your own power. You have the power to make someone ecstatic or plummet them into despair. You make people smile, laugh, weep, hope, and believe in their own power and worth faster than any other group I know. You command people’s attention and emotions and take them to places they never dreamed of or thought possible! I know you do for me.

So lift each other up and don’t invalidate yourselves. There’s enough invalidation available out there already should we choose to listen and agree to it. Creating art can be a solitary activity, alone in our studios facing the next blank canvas, or sitting at the piano wrestling with notes, or facing a blank page and trying to create just the right impact with your words, origination can be an awfully lonely, solitary activity and must to a large part remain so at that stage. Art is about making our own, individual communication after all. Even a director is there to coordinate the individual efforts of the actors to result in one overall single communication.

However, in making our art known, and our community known, I believe we can be even more powerful as a group, or working in groups, and thus I work to find ways to enhance and broaden that aspect of our lives because I do believe in the incredible value of art and artists to all of mankind.

Meanwhile dear artist, know this:

I see you or hear you and know that you are there.
I see or hear your work and I appreciate what you do.
You and your work are very worthwhile to me and I am honored to know you and call you friend and fellow artist.
You greatly enhance, and enrich my life, and I am grateful to you for that.

Please continue.


Have a Wonderful Holiday and a most art filled New Year and beyond!

My Very Best,

Michele “Mikala” Ross

WHITE FRANGIPANI- Watercolor

Original available at http://michelerossfineartist.com/detail/64.html

I absolutely love white frangipani, or plumerias as they are called in Hawaii. White ones are so showy and of course the scent is simply divine.

Reviews so far:
"The sunshine is wonderful."
"Just awesome! "
"Exquisite! Love the shadows in the flowers. "
"killer droplets!!!! "

BEACH OUTRIGGER- giclee available

available as a giclee at http://michelerossfineartist.com/detail/33.html

Who can resist the turquoise and aquamarine waters of Tahiti? This is on Moorea island from one of the "motu" or little islands that ring the lagoon.

HONOKOHAU HARBOR SUNSET

HONOKOHAU HARBOR SUNSET
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist
Original and prints available at http://michelerossfineartist.com/detail/63.html

After a full day of snorkeling up and down the Kona Coast last April, we pulled back into the marina at Honokohau in time to enjoy a beautifully lit sky.

SPOONER'S COVE -Oil Painting

available at www.michelerossfineartist.com

Another oil painting...
This one is in California on the Central Coast just south of Morro Bay. It's in a beautiful park named Montana De Oro (Mountains of Gold) state park- lots of hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

KUA BAY WAVE -Oil Painting

Available at http://www.michelerossfineartist.com/

A wonderful day out at Kua Bay on the island of Hawaii a few years ago with a dear friend. The waves were perfect as was the weather. I could have watched the kids playing there for much longer had the light lasted.

SPOONER'S COVE SURF- Oil

SPOONER'S COVE SURF- Oil
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist

I do work in oil at times as well...
This one is Sold already

Tips for the Holiday Season...

Tips for the Holiday Season (with smiles)

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Most Important Tip of all: Have a great Holiday Season!

YELLOW HIBISCUS #4 -Watercolor

YELLOW HIBISCUS #4 -Watercolor
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist
original and prints available at http://www.michelerossfineartist.com/

Today's Watercolor. I do love the yellow hibiscus and have dozens of photos of them. This one was near my home here in Southern California.

Reviews so far:

"Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

"Gorgeous! "

"A beautiful image, so thoughtfully painted"

"Wonderful watercolor !!! Very pretty !!!! "

"This is a beauty. I've been poking through your art set and love what I see. Very sensitive and beautiful work. Love your sense of color too! "

"Beautiful !!! "

SURVEY FOR ARTISTS #2

Dear Fellow Artists, Please take my 2nd Survey now at
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TNS58L3

Results on Survey of Artists Regarding Groups-Nov 2009

41 artists took my survey by November 27th when I made this tabulation. To all of you who took it, I really do appreciate all your answers, comments and observations- of all types. Here’s what I have. (Note: If the numbers don’t add up, it means that question was not answered)

Question 1
Is belonging to a group of artists with a common purpose…
10 answered GOOD
0 answered BAD
16 answered VALUABLE or somewhat valuable
9 answered WORTHWHILE
0 answered UNWANTED

Question 2
A group of artists banded together to make positive change for mankind is…
11 answered GOOD
0 answered BAD
13 answered VALUABLE or somewhat valuable
12 answered WORTHWHILE
1 answered UNWANTED

Question 3
A way to pool resources for the betterment of others and yourself is…
15 answered GOOD
0 answered BAD
15 answered VALUABLE or somewhat valuable
11 answered WORTHWHILE
0 answered UNWANTED

Question 4
Getting your art into fast moving markets is…
13 answered GOOD
0 answered BAD
22 answered VALUABLE or somewhat valuable
4 answered WORTHWHILE
1 answered UNWANTED

Question 5
The concept of belonging to a guild to promote and protect quality artists is…
15 answered GOOD
0 answered BAD
14 answered VALUABLE or somewhat valuable
10 answered WORTHWHILE
1 answered UNWANTED

On, “Which of the above is most valuable?”
#1 had 8
#2 had 9
#3 had 6
#4 had 7
#5 had 11

On, “Which of the above is the least valuable?”
#1 had 5
#2 had 6
#3 had 2
#4 had 14
#5 had 10

On, “If a guild as stated above started, would you want to be notified?”
25 said YES
4 said NO
The rest didn’t answer

Observations:
The first thing I discovered is that there is both confusion and hostility to the term and concept of a guild. This was new to me. Some have had the experience that guilds are in the business of regulating and evaluating artistic output, both type and quality and this is very much unwanted (understandable). Some experienced guilds that acted more like unions or exclusive clubs and weren’t really there on behalf of the artists in general.

The other observation I have on this is that mostly artists would like to help each other more, but often don’t really know how best to go about it, and being individualists by nature, don’t understand how best to align their efforts for mutual results.

My own purpose for this research is not to in any way get into the artistic/ creative output side of things which is up to every individual artist. My research has to do with coming up with some new and innovative ways that artista can group together to assist in marketing, promotion and selling more of everyone’s art. Basically to use the power of a group more effectively to provide more selling and marketing power to all members of the group.

With that I need a little more research, so I’d like to ask you all (if you are an artist) to take my next survey here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TNS58L3


or click the link on the above right- this survey is to be taken anonymously, I do not need your identity for this one unless you want to give to me.

GERANIUMS AND BANANA TREES-watercolor

GERANIUMS AND BANANA TREES
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist
Available at www.michelerossfineartist.com
or in my Ebay Store

Watercolor Study for November 22nd-

Reviews so far

"Oh wow! Pretty! Love, love the colors! "

"Wonderful artwork !!! Beautiful colours and composition !!! "

"GREAT ARTWORK AND DETAIL!! BRAVO!!! "

"This is wonderful! "

"Fantastic! I love the delicacy of the geraniums against the power of the strong trunks of the bananas. "

"It's very great composition, it's original and brings nice and clear effect of light, congrats."

Survey for Artists

I am surveying my fellow artists on the value of guilds and groups for a project I'm doing. I really would like to hear from you and I really appreciate your help on this.

Just click the link on the upper right and you will be directed to the Survey. Thanks!

PUNALUU HONU- watercolor

PUNALUU HONU- watercolor
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist
Available at www.michelerossfineartist.com
or on Etsy or Ebay- first come, first serve etc.

Watercolor on 12x16 in (31x41cm) Arches 140lb CP

KEALAKEKUA PLUMERIA-watercolor

KEALAKEKUA PLUMERIA-watercolor
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist

Watercolor on 12x16in (31x41cm) Arches 140lb CP
Available on Ebay or Etsy or just contact me directly

Why I love Veteran's............ thoughts on Veteran's Day, Warriors, and Taking a Stand

L: My dad as a young Army Officer

R: My husband as a young sailor

I wrote this last Memorial Day and an resharing it for Veteran's Day Nov 11, 2009

(Written May 23rd 2009)

I was thinking early this morning about this and actually got a little emotional.
First of all, I'm married to a veteran. My husband Bob was in the US Navy for 7 years during Viet Nam and shortly after. And I'm also the daughter of one. My father was a career Army Officer in the US Army and a veteran of 3 wars, WW II, Korea, and Viet Nam.
Even if I don't agree with all the circumstances of each of these wars, there's something wonderful about someone who will hold a post and put himself or herself in harm's way to protect their group. Someone who will stand there and hold the line and say "I'm going to follow orders and get the job done for my god and my country- my group and my beliefs!" There's something above the crowd about doing that.

When I was a child in Hawaii, we were stationed at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. One of my most poignant memories of that era was looking at the drill field covered in coffins and knowing those boxes were filled with men who had died for their country and that their bodies were on their way back to families who are grief stricken and in pain. That was the 60's and there were a lot of conflicting viewpoints about that mess over in southeast Asia. Yes, there was a lot of waste in that endeavor, but that was never any reason to dishonor those who did their job, held their posts correctly and held the line for the rest of us.

I know just a very little about what my husband and my father went through. My father spent time behind enemy lines in China and Korea and he was in Hanoi during negotiations. My husband Bob was there at the evacuation of Saigon. I can't pretend to know what emotions they felt in such environments nor what nonsense they had to weed through and put up with from both the enemy as well as lousy commanders, unethical comrades and being asked to do things that I'm sure pushed them violently up against the wall of their own integrity. I'm sure there are things that have plagued them both from time to time and still......, there's something about a guy who is willing to take up arms, stand a post, and hold a line for their group because right or wrong at times its still their group....... I just know that while I was playing on the beaches at Waikiki, Waianae, and the North Shore, there were others who were elsewhere in the jungles of Viet Nam trying to get that job done against incredible odds from all sides. And as Memorial Day and my childhood memories testify, many, many were lost in those efforts. Many, many warriors lost. Yes, I've walked through Arlington National Cemetery- and I dare you to without sheading at least one tear.

War is not the answer and I've always known that- however, what would I do to defend my group, my home and my country? What would you do? We can't handle lack of accord and understanding when the communications have become bullets and missiles, however in the right context I don't think I'd personally hesitate to use such means. Yes, I'd take up arms and hold a post if necessary..

We still need our warriors, and in today's times, we must all step up to the line. Today's greatest and most urgent battles are for our own personal freedoms, our minds, our self-determinism, our bodies, our religions and the state of our immortal being. The battlefields are sometimes intentionally confused and hidden behind big media's disinformation, big Pharma, unethical legislation and leaders, and destructive technologies who run a constant campaign to make us think they are there to help and that their particular brand of bullets aren't really bullets at all. They are lying through their teeth! The corpses from those campaigns are hidden behind advertising, legislation and propaganda campaigns- but like those coffins on the fields at Schofield Barracks, they are there and they are just as real.

So, today I honor ALL the fallen warriors, those who have fought and died, and those who have served and lost a part of themselves in the effort whether it be in body, mind or spirit.
I also honor all the warriors still in there slugging on in today's battlefields both physical, mental, spiritual and ethical. Those who ARE holding a post, taking a stand, holding the line and forging ahead for their group, their beliefs, and their integrity against incredible opposition and suppression.

For Memorial Day I also ask myself and you too- What kind of warrior am I? What post am I holding?- what post are you? What do I stand for- what do you? What arms am I taking up for my group, my beliefs, my spirit, my religion, my honor and my integrity?As the old saying goes- "The man who won't take a stand, stands for nothing". I love true warriors!
Our own neck is only as precious as our fellow group member's is.

Find your Cause

Take a Stand

Hold a Post

Be constantly vigilant

Hold the Line

Push ahead for a better world no matter the odds.

Be a warrior on your chosen battlefield and don't let the line be broken under any circumstances.
And today honor all those who have served in battle, their chosen ones or not, and who held their post, did their job and have fallen before us.

Thank you Veterans of all Wars! Personally, I thank you very much!-

Michele Ross aka Mikala Ross

BOATS AT SUNSET -Watercolor Painting

This is a Watercolor Painting done by me, artist Michele Mikala Ross on 12x16 inch (31x41cm) Arces CP 140lb WC paper. The painting is unmatted and unframed for ease of shipping and so you can choose your own.

Original available for $195.00 US plus shipping
Prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping

"ADMIRATION" giclee print

Giclee Print - image size is 11x14 on high quality archival watercolor stock.
$165.00 US plus shipping

ENJOYING THE SHADE-Watercolor

ENJOYING THE SHADE-Watercolor
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist

Today's Watercolor
You probably already guessed that I really love plumerias- they are often warm up paintings for me- but this one, I'm pretty darned happy with. Hope you like it too.

Watercolor on 7x10 inch lanaquarelle cold pressed rough
Original $69.00 US plus shipping- prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping.

BEACH MORNING GLORY-watercolor

BEACH MORNING GLORY-watercolor
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist

Called Pohuehue in Hawaii, the beach Morning Glory in several colors, grows throughout tropical regions. I love how it casts shadows on white sands.
Watercolor on 9 x 12 Lanaquarelle

Original available for $95.00 US plus shipping-Prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping

Reviews so far:

"Lovely flowers !!! Beautiful watercolour !!! "

"Oh my! This is just exquisite!!! "

"Fabulous painting. Morning glories are among my favorite flowers. Great variety of color in this. "

KONA LONGHORNS-oil on canvas

KONA LONGHORNS-oil on canvas
Originally uploaded by Mikalaartist

It's gone now, but there used to be a small corral with these fellows right on Alii drive in downtown Kailua-Kona. I took several photos of them a few years ago. This oil painting took exactly 4 days to sell once I offered it! Whew!

Sorry- neither original or prints are available- but it's still one of my personal favorites. I might just paint it again.

EVENING ROSE demonstration

This shows the layering steps I used for creating a more complex background for the watercolor "Evening Rose".

Does anyone have experience with this site? Global Art Collectors http://ping.fm/OnMsm

Today's watercolor on my blog
http://ping.fm/kyTxv

EVENING ROSE- watercolor

EVENING ROSE- watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Today's watercolor I call "Evening Rose" - sort of like the last rose of summer which is just now winding down here in Southern California. It's done in late afternoon fall light and the background I took from a piece of stone (malachite) that I have in my posession.
Watercolor on Lanaquarelle 9x12

Original available for $95.00 US plus shipping- Prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping

Reviews so far:

"Beautiful....I love the shadows!!!! "

Great idea- Business woman is working with the US Post Office to help local businesses. check it out! http://ping.fm/cESxL

San Diego starts new artist mentoring program
http://ow.ly/w8VC

I always knew the arts were vital to literacy and competence- but here's a study on it.
http://ping.fm/VzrEl

If only I could make it to this- Waikiki tomorrow night...http://ping.fm/WJrwK

Oops- here's the store link with all the current listings
http://ping.fm/rOuQS

several very inexpensive prints in my ebay store closing in 1 hour- more will be listed this weekend.
http://ping.fm/v1edH

Just posted the first watercolor for today on my blog- have a look
http://ping.fm/82Qqb

"CEREUS" GECKO- watercolor

"CEREUS" GECKO- watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Well, it's a bit surreal, but that was my mood. The night blooming cereus is a common site in Hawaii and of course so is his friend the green gecko.

Watercolor on Lanaquarelle 9x12 done on October 22, 2009
original available for $65.00 US plus shipping
Prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping

Here are a few reviews and comments I've received on this piece:

"I love how you've put the night sky behind it. The bloom itself is fantastic ... and I love the head position of the cute little gecko. Brilliant all around! "

"I love geckos......so I think he is the perfect addition to your beautiful flower! "

"Beautiful painting of the flower and the insurance icon :)"

"What a beauty!!! "

"Out of this world. So delicate, so Hawaiian. "

Good Description of the basics of marketing and it's purpose
http://ping.fm/BBSxL

Hi everyone! Today is a painting day for me, would you prefere flowers, landscapes or abstract?-what are all of you doing?
http://ping.fm/o2JVM

SHELL GINGER- watercolor

SHELL GINGER- watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Here's an older piece from several years ago- the original has long since been sold and I don't even have a very good scan. I love these flowers which I found on the east coast of Hawaii island.
Watercolor on Arches

Original is SOLD- sorry no prints available.

Okay all you creative types, what are you creating today?

Twitter link

You can now follow me on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/MicheleARoss

Sweet Ginger- watercolor

Sweet Ginger- watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Ahhh..., sweet white ginger blossoms after a rain. The smell is pure heaven.
Watercolor on 7x10 lanaquarelle cold pressed rough

Original available for $95.00 US plus shipping- prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping- payment accepted through paypal- please email me with questions

Reviews so far:
"so beautiful.. "
"Fantastic...your droplets are wonderful!!!!! "

TWILIGHT DOVES- watercolor

TWILIGHT DOVES- watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

A couple of little Hawaiian doves cozying up in a tree after dusk. Watercolor on Lanaquarelle rough 7x10

ON THE MOTU- watercolor

ON THE MOTU
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

A motu is a smaller outer island at the edge of a lagoon. Motu in Tahitian and Moku in Hawaiian- it means a smaller outer island. This view is from a motu off Moorea near Tahiti and the crisp white outrigger canoe is typical of this region.
Watercolor on Arches 140 lb cold pressed

Small prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping

Giclee prints available for $165.00 US plus shipping

Reviews so far:
"This is really lovely...makes me think of warm breezes....ahhhhhh!"

Business Tips for Artists….. We All Need BIGGER Lists!

A minute of your time from my business person's hat.....

I attended a fine art show yesterday with a lot of great vendors and artists present. I had fun looking over the new and innovative business concepts there.

One vendor I visited had been in business for 5 years and when I asked where their guestbook was so I could sign up for their mailing list, he gave me a blank look and said “Gosh, we don’t have one!”. Since it was the first day of a 3 day show, I suggested he get out some paper right now and start collecting names, and I was the first one on that list because I really liked his product.

I cannot stress how important keeping a list of contacts is and to add to that list continually and persistently. Even if people don’t buy something from you today, if they stopped to see you whether it’s online or in person- there was some sort of interest and they could very well buy something from you in the future.

My 10 plus years experience in consulting small businesses has shown me that if you persistently and consistently promote to existing publics (meaning people who have purchased anything from you in the past no matter how small), as well as constantly add new names of new publics and promote to them- you will get a return. The average good return is 1-2% from my experience, so if you want to get 20-40 reaches a month then you’d better have a list of at least 2000 names and keep the list maintained and consistently promote to it.

My motto this month is in fact “WE ALL NEED BIGGER LISTS!”

So, let’s all get out there and promote and flourish as business people who are artisans!

Michele Ross / Artist and Artist Advocate

WHITE WATER LILY- watercolor

WHITE WATER LILY- watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

An oldie but goodie- Original is SOLD

Prints available for $22.00 each US plus shipping.
Payment accepted via Paypal- just email me.

WATERLILY AT NOON- watercolor

Waterlily at Noon
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

A local office building had these lilies blooming in their pond a couple of years ago. I just love them.
Watercolor on Lanaquarelle

Original available for $95.00 US plus shipping-
prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping- just email me

OIL PAINTINGS- Blue tropics

OIL PAINTINGS
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

People have asked me recently if I work in oil. Well, honestly not for many months. But the easels are back up and I'm warming up to do some new stuff! I love working with oil- it's a very seductive medium.
These two are older peaces- about 8 years ago and in the family collection. They are both scenes based on photgraphs I've taken during trips to the big island of Hawaii.
oils on 8x10 cotton canvas
Left: Kohala Moon
Right: Hello Honu

PINK LOTUS BLOSSOMS

PINK LOTUS BLOSSOMS
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

I love water lilies and lotus blossoms. In Bangkok, Thailand where I was born, they are ususally pink, and float along the klongs (canals) of this Venice of the Orient.
Watercolor on lanaquarelle

Original- $95.00 US plus shipping, prints are $22.00 US plus shipping- just email me

ANTHURIUM CONTEMPLATION

ANTHURIUM CONTEMPLATION
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Anthuriums are great big blossoms that are leaves and yet blossoms. On Hawaii island they are very prolific especially on the east coast. A trip to the Hilo farmers market will score you a large bunch for little cash.
Watercolor on Lanaquarelle 9x12 inch

Original is $95.00 US plus shipping-prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping. email me with questions

TAHITIAN BREEZE

TAHITIAN BREEZE
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

watercolor on 7x10 Lanaquarelle- Original available for $65.00 US plus shipping- prints available for $19.00 US plus shipping- payment accepted via paypal. Please email with any questions

WHITE FRANGIPANI

WHITE FRANGIPANI
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Yes I do love these flowers by any name. Franipani or plumeria, they are all wonderful!

Original is SOLD, prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping- payment accepted via paypal- email me with any questions

Reviews so far:
"Fantastic Frangipani - nicely illustrated "
"Gorgeous !!! Congrats !!! "
"I love this plumeria!"

HIGHLAND SHEEP

Highland Sheep
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

A recent party at a Scottish friend's home- complete with bagpipes and dancing inspired this watercolor which I put together from a composite of photos. A little different from my usual tropical stuff- but my husband lived in Scotland years ago for a few years and we both love it there.
Watercolor on Lanaquarelle 10x14 inches

Original available for $105.00 US, prints available for $22.00 US- payment accepted via paypal- email with any questions

Peach Frangipani-Watercolor

Peach Frangipani-Watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Frangipani flowers as they are called throughout asia and the south pacific are called plumerias in Hawaii. I love their heavenly scent and th simple boldness of color.
Watercolor on Arches cold pressed rag about 7x10 inches

Original available for $65.00 US, prints available for $22.00 US- payment accepted via Paypal- email with any questions at all

BEACH PARKING-Watercolor

BEACH PARKING-Watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

There are some parking spaces worth finding- especially when it's for your canoe on a remote Hawaiian beach after just having paddled from cove to cove.
Watercolor on Lanaquarelle 7x10

Original available for $65.00 US plus shipping-prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping- payment accepted via Paypal- email with any questions

CAFE GIRL- watercolor

CAFE GIRL- watercolor
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Watercolor on Lanquarelle cold pressed 9x12 inches

Original available for $95.00 US plus shipping, prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping, payment accepted via paypal- email me with any questions.

BEACH BOY-watercolor

BEACH BOY
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

This is a small watercolor I did for an aquaintance. The beach is on the lagoon of the Polynesian island called Huahine and the child is the client's son.
Watercolor on Arches 140lb cold pressed rag

Prints available for $19.00 US plus shipping- payment accepted via Paypal- please email with any questions

TAHITIAN CHILDREN-watercolor

This is a practice watercolor I did of a photograph taken by famous tahitian photographer Erwin Christian. I love the combincation of flowers in the head or "haku" leis.

Watercolor on Arches 140lb cold pressed rag

Original in private collection- not for sale - no prints for sale

FRESH COCONUTS

FRESH COCONUTS
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Fresh coconut is a favorite roadside snack when I'm in Hawaii. Local boys sell them by the road and there's nothing more satisfying after a morning's swim at the beach.
Watercolor on Lanaquarelle

DREAMING OF MAUI

DREAMING OF MAUI
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Haleakala Crater is often visible from the north Kona and Kohala Coasts on the big island of Hawaii. This view is from Kua Bay north of Kailua-Kona.
Watercolor on Arches 140lb cold pressed rag

GECKO GARDEN

GECKO GARDEN
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

Well, I do love the green geckos. In Kona, above Kealakekua Bay there's a great place called the Coffee Shack. Great coffee and breakfasts, splendid views and geckos everywhere- I must have taken dozens of shots of them over the years and never tire of doing their portraits.
Watercolor on Arches 140 lb cold pressed rag

WHITE BUTTERFLY ORCHID

WHITE BUTTERFLY ORCHID
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

I love orchids- and usually have several growing around the house. These were in my kitchen window a few years ago when I took several photographs and then put this little painting together. The other leaves are the philadendron plant that was competing for sunlight with the orchid.
Watercolor on Arches 140lb cold pressed rag

HALAU SISTERS

HALAU SISTERS
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

From a local Aloha Festival in Southern California a few years ago. I went to photograph the dancers and came away with some good material and new friends. These girls were getting ready to perform- just walking onto the state with their "halau" or school.
Watercolor on arches 140 lb cold pressed

HUALALAI FROM KALOKO-HONOKOHAU

HUALALAI FROM KALOKO
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

"Ha'ina ka inoa o hualalai, Kuahiwi ku kilakila "
Hualalai is the volcano just behind Kailua-Kona town on Hawaii island. Her 8,271 foot summit may be dwarfed by her more famous neighbors, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa- both just shy of 14, 000 feet from the sea, but she is quite celebrated and beautiful.-

Hanohano Hualalai e ku mai la
Distinguished Hualalai standing

E ho’ohiwahiwa ana a’i na Kona
Adorning the district of Kona

Hualali is frequently seen with a garland of clouds that ring around her like a lei. This is caused by the currents of air weaving around the 5 mountains of this island together with the heat and steam from the Kiluea eruptions to the south east.

The painting is watercolor on Arches cold pressed rag- the bay is Kaloko-Honokohau just north of Kailua Kona

Mahaiula Cove

Maha'i Ula Cove
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

On Hawaii island, north of Kailua-Kona, there's a park called Kekaha Kai. You drive down through the dusty barren lava fields to the shore and then walk over another lava path and you come to Mahai'ula Cove. It's beautiful, uncrowded, white sand against black lava and crystal clear water- perfect for a day of snorkeling and just enjoying the beauty. This watercolor is from my April 2009 visit.

LOVE WHITE PLUMERIAS

LOVE WHITE PLUMERIAS
Originally uploaded by thetaartist

I really love white plumerias! Fresh scent, beautiful, soft as velvet and made for adorning!

Watercolor on 10x14 Lanaquarelle- Original available for $95.00 US plus shipping, prints available for $22.00 US plus shipping- payments accepted via Paypal- please email with any questions

Reviews:
"Really a pretty one. I like this one a lot! "