Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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. "

Monday, October 26, 2009

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.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

EVENING ROSE demonstration


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

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Friday, October 23, 2009

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

Thursday, October 22, 2009

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

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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

Monday, October 19, 2009

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!"

Saturday, October 17, 2009

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.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

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

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

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

Sunday, October 11, 2009

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

Saturday, October 10, 2009

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!"

Friday, October 9, 2009

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

Thursday, October 8, 2009

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

Monday, October 5, 2009

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

Sunday, October 4, 2009

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.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

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

Friday, October 2, 2009

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

Thursday, October 1, 2009

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