Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele

Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele

Above in a work in progress.


I am making a lot of progress with my 10 paintings done all at once. Yay!

To see photos of my progress check out the blog OK?

http://artistwatch.blogspot.com/

This is a Hawaiiana Series in honor of Merry Monarch Fest.

This is my latest blurb from that blog:

This is ... I 'think' going to be my favorite when done.(image on my blog) It is so far a toss up between this one and one other. I tend to like more edgy paintings rather than things that include landscapes so that is partly why. This is a 30x40 canvas. I LOVE doing giant faces for impact. This is just the first session of face tones, I will probably have at least couple more. The orchids will be done once I am pretty sure of the face.

Laying down really dark colors on a face like this is VERY uncomfortable at first. I fight myself over it. I know it is the right thing to do so I just say to myself... 'do it or you are going to be sorry because it will just have to be repainted to achieve what could have been done in the first place.

I lay down the colors from dark to light. I look for colors. I search out greens, especially. If you look long enough you will see them in the face tones.

Each one of the paintings I will be posting now will be of their first facial tone session. I do not walk away from it or let it dry, I want to be able to blend the colors. I am VERY careful not to muddy the work. This is another good reason for painting so many works at the same time. I can acknowledge that something is finished easier, not overwork. I do not think I will ever paint less than 10 at a time because of this. I also have less nightmares. Painting one at a time keeps me up at night. I can't think of anything else. With 10 going at once small errors are not such a big deal. I know I will get back to them and things will be fine.

I want to add something about studio space. I have been thinking about that. I have done full series in a 500 sq.-ft. duplex before. I painted my Victorian Series in that kitchen. You can imagine how small the kitchen was if the whole place was 500 sq. ft. I will do just about anything to stay by the beach!
I have had large spaces and small spaces... NO EXCUSES not to paint...EVER!


ART IN ACTION BLOG for my new series and "One Woman Show':



"Ala o Pele"



April 2,2007

Wailoa Center

State Building

Hilo, Hawaii





The blog I have created showing the progress of this series is at:





Artist Watch "Ala o Pele"


http://artistwatch.blogspot.com/



I think it would be great if more artists shared art in action... yeah?



Blessings and Aloha to you all!



Kathy


Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

Free Art Gifts:

http://www.kathysart.com/

Mystical Faries at www.kathysart.com

Pixie Faries; Mystical Faries; Elves in Folklore and Myths

I stood outside the doorway
looking down the path
I thought of the box
set out on my table.
I had not opened it as yet.


I stood there feeling the sun
warm measures of new days met my name.
I had picked flowers earlier in the day
defined their unspoken pleasure
set them in vases with branches from trees...
trees I do not know the name of.

I thought of the box
pixie faries
mystical faries
all those elves in folklore and myths.
I thought of the box
ribbons of gold
tape keeping it well sealed
the contents inside
feeling most alone.

I had just returned
the mountains of Africa
had been my pathway.
I met the stride with optimism
and hope.
I had known an adventure
I would never be the same.

What would all the mystical faries say?
I had not mentioned them before
not out loud.

Now...
I stood in the doorway
back home again
wondering about them.
Wondering about myself
if I would ever be able to sing
all those old tunes again.
I would always cherish their lyrics
their melody had been my comfort
my enemy
my confusion at times.
Pixie faries
mystical faries
did they understand?
Had they been patient?
Did they wait for me?
I had known them so well
once long ago.
My childhood held out for fantasy.
I left them there though
somewhere on the path to adulthood.

I long to charm them again.
I hope they will accept my fragile promise
said when I was young.
I would always love them
remember elves in folklore and myth
see fantasy in the flowers
climb trees and see far beyond the grove.

I turned back toward the contents of the box
it sits beneath a vase of roses
on a table inscribed with Chinese drawings.
I left my necklace made of seeds there
purchased for remembrance
the mountains of Africa forever at my call.
A book of Rumi
pages open
setting a stage for sentiments
and understanding.
I walked inside the room
picked up the box.
I looked up sensing a presence
and there you stood
holding the ribbons
already knowing
what was inside.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

www.kathysart.com

KathysArt Website

Traveling to Kauai, Hawaii? Here are some happeings:

E KANIKAPILA KAKOU 2007 opened on Monday, February 12 in the true spirit of Kanikapila with two songbirds from Maui -- Lei'ohu Ryder and Maydeen I'ao.

New to the Garden Island Arts Council's popular Hawaiian music program, this delightful "package deal" comprised of two talented composer/musicians/hula dancer really GOT the grassroots concept of the program and delivered in style to the packed house audience of EKK regulars from Kaua'i, mainland snowbirds, and many first time visitors and local folks. All the new folks wondered why they had been missing such a great time all these years; all the returnees left with "it's another great year for EKK!"

Beginning with an hour for the ukulele gang where over fifty instrument-strumming participants had some special attention learning the chords and strumming of a beautiful prayer, visitors and returnees were welcomed with leis of aloha made by Fran Nestel.

GIAC co-founder Arnold Meister and EKK coordinator for ten years Nathan Kalama were recognized. Nathan chanted an "oli" for Grandma Isabella Iida who had attended EKK for the past 23 years until her recent passing. Also, acknowledged was Dave Boynton who was taken from us this past week.

Lei'ohu shared her genealogy and her family connections to Kaua'i which goes back several generations. The songs she composed had wonderful stories steeped in mythology, history, and the values held dear by her ancestors. So many practices she learned and accepted as a child took on new meaning as she came to understand them as an adult; many of these practices are written into the lyrics of her songs. She pointed out that ancestors navigate us through our lives by teaching us the values that are important, and she passes these values on in her songs.

She shared stories about growing up and how very little went unnoticed in the very small community she called home. She and other kids who helped themselves to the delicious legs of the octopus drying on the lines could not go unpunished because everyone was related so everyone's misdeed was easily found out.

A seventh grade teacher at I'ao school, Lei'ohu wanted her students to experience life that is authentic and learn the excitement of plugging into the earth. She wrote grants that made it possible to take 50 - 60 students out to the "rainbow classroom" -- the great outdoors. It was a true learning experience and reality check for the young student who brought her blow dryer along to no avail and to the colleagues who asked, "Where's the toilet?" followed by a look of dismay when Lei'ohu pointed out to the bushes.

She later shared with me that young Ikaika Brown was her student and wrote his first song at age 12 called "Kalo Man", a song that came out of such experiences that go beyond the four walls. Ikaika, his Dad Kevin Brown and sister Kaena are EKK favorites who presented at EKK several years ago.

She pointed out the importance of being free so that when the song keeps coming out from the drawer where the ukulele is stored or when the music moves, you, you need to be free to create. She and Maydeen shared the song "Kapua Hele O Kalani" which came to her when she was traveling in Switzerland. "Kaula", a haunting melody about what is left of the sacred island; legend says that Kauai and Niihau were once one island which blew apart when the first sacrifice was made. "Kilauano" is a song that offers joy to Kauai and is birthed to remember families that went before us.

Four songs were taught to the audience; it was amazing to hear so many voices harmonizing in song. In addition to the melodies that the participants found so wonderful to sing, Maydeen is like a petite bombshell that explodes into hula bringing the songs to life. For one song she invited members of the audience to dance with her.

"Na Mele O Kilauiano" speaks of the winds of Polihale. She shared the meanings hidden in the translations of the lyrics, describing the mountains and the stories and records of the ancestors that lived in the area called Polihale. This is a song she wrote with her grandmother and mentor, Mahilani Poepoe.

"Wailau", written by Lei'ohu, is a song that talks about the cloak or spirit of the ancestors. "Na Lei Oki A Kaha" is a song Lei'ohu composed for Halau Hula O Kalakaua in Okinawa.

"He Mele Ku'uipo", a wedding song that Lei'ohu had written for "George & Ewalina's wedding" was shared with the group and dedicated to newlyweds present that night -- longtime EKK participant Elaine Spence and new hubby Harold Clement who is a new receuit to EKK.

The prayer "Perfection of Grace", which was earlier taught to the ukulele group, was the last song shared. The evening was wrapped up with "Hawai'i Aloha", a song that never fails to bring a look of amazement to the faces of visitors.

This Sunday, we celebrate the 2007 EKK year with a formidable team of talents IN CONCERT -- the incomparable Ledward Kaapana, one of the slack key legends featured on the Grammy award winning Hawaiian music CD*, entertainer extraordinaire Brother Noland whose musical messages run deep and reach out to many, fantastic kiho'alu artist Hawaiian Boy Mike Kaawa, and one of the youngest and fastest rising musical talents Brittni Paiva.

The Concert is on Sunday, February 18, 7:00 pm at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are available at the door.

On Monday at 6:00 pm. Noland, Mike and Brittni continue the sharing in the intimate setting of the Island School mainhall with the second week of E Kanikapila Kakou.

Not a weekend to be missed!!! Come and enjoy a Kaua'i style musical experience - E Kanikapila Kakou.

Carol Kouchi Yotsuda

Celebrating 30 years of "bringing ARTS to the people and people to the ARTS
E Kanikapila Kakou Hawaiian Music Program is funded in part by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, the County of Kaua'i Office of Economic Development, and Garden Island Arts Council supporters. Space generously provided by Island School.

Garden Island Arts Council programs are supported in part by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through appropriations from the Legislature of the State of Hawai'i and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

*"Hawaiian Slack Key Legends - Maui Live" produced by Daniel Ho and George Kahumoku, Jr.


Note: My painting above is called "Old Man" from my Hawaiian Legacy Series. It is a 36x48 oil on canvas. Check out my store at Cafe Press for gift items and more.

Kathy

ART IN THE IRON WORKS

Painting above titled "HILO PORT" is by Rod Cameron

ART IN THE IRON WORKS
1266 Kamehameha Ave.
Hilo, HI 96721
808-935-2300

What’s Happening At - ART IN THE IRON WORKS
Sponsored in part by Hilo Art & Glass Supply
Hilo Art & Glass Supply Collaborates with Art in the Ironworks
Aloha friends of the ironworks! This is the new collaborative newsletter of Art in the Ironworks, and Hilo Art & Glass Supply. For 2007, Art in the Ironworks is offering a full slate of art classes as well as its on-going exhibits. I, Eva Anderson, have stepped up to facilitate the workshop program through my store, Hilo Art & Glass Supply, open seven days a week for your convenience! I will continue to send out this newsletter to those still interested in hearing about the exhibits and workshops at Art in the Ironworks, my glass art classes at the East Hawaii Cultural Center, as well as exhibits and sales events at Hilo Art & Glass Supply. Thanks for all your support of Art in the Ironworks.

Current Art Exhibits
Art in the Ironworks is pleased to announce its latest group exhibit “7 Artists.” This exhibit of abstract expressionism, realism, monoprints, mixed media, oil and acrylic paintings features:

Rod Cameron -- Oil and charcoal drawings
Shirley Gibson -- Handpainted Textiles
David Hubbard-- oil Paintings
Laura J. McDonnell -- oils, mixed media & prints
Jacob Medina -- Oils, Acrylics, prints, mixed media
Elfie Wilkens-Nacht -- Oil, mixed media
Hope Northway -- monoprints & prints
Hilo Art & Glass Supply is pleased to announce its Employee Show

The latest showing of art by the talented art store staff. Please join us for a reception with pupus 4PM -- 6PM on Friday February 16th. This is a great time to be in downtown Hilo because the Chinese New Year festivities will be going on complete with the Lion dance visits and fireworks and a performance at the Palace.

Workshop Changes:

Hilo Art & Glass Supply is now your sign-up and information station for workshops at Art in the Ironworks, one of the few places for quality private art instruction in Hilo. Also available is the skinny on my glass classes at the East Hawaii Cultural Center, glass bead making, fusing, and stained glass. We have set up a tentative schedule for the entire year, so if the current class schedule doesn’t work for you, a later class session may fit into your plans. All students enrolled in workshops at the ironworks will receive a 10% discount on their purchases at Hilo Art & Glass Supply for the duration of their class. We are open seven days a week and can handle payments and sign-up by phone at 935-9967

We offer free mini art classes on Sundays from noon to 4PM.

The remaining Sunday classes in February are:

Sunday February 18th: Jacob Medina will demonstrate Casein paint, a water-soluable, heavy bodied paint that works similarly to oils without the smell and mess!
Sunday February 25th: Drawing Faces with Eva Anderson, avid drawer of people.
Thanks for checking out our new workshop line-up, and please stop by Hilo Art & Glass Supply between Feb 12th and 18th for our Valentines/Chinese New Year Sidewalk sale!
Mahalo!

Beginning Oil Painting: with David Hubbard

This is the most comfortable, enlightening, common sense way to learn to paint with oils.


Beginning Watercolor: with Kerri Ligatich

Kerri is a wealth of important information about watercolor painting. She will demonstrate an impressive breadth of watercolor techniques and materials to jump-start your watercolor experience.


Beginning Drawing for Adults: with Jacob Medina

Thought you weren’t born with it? Always wished you had learned to draw, but thought it was too late? This is the class for you! Jacob Medina can teach anyone to draw with more skill. Believe it!


Advanced Drawing; the Mysteries of Chiarro-scurro: with Bob Dittbenner

This is an excellent class for students with some experience in drawing who want to take their drawing to the next level. Bob Dittbenner, renown for his ultra-realistic drawings, will help you to refine your drawings in order to elevate them from sketches to works of art.


Painting in the Taoist Sense: with David Hubbard

This is a fabulous class for the oil painter with some experience, or even a lot of experience.


Independent Watercolor Study: with Kerri Ligatich

This is an open studio session for Kerri’s existing students. Though not formally instructed, this session is an excellent way for students who have taken Kerri’s classes to work on their own paintings with Kerri close at hand to offer guidance.


Open Studio with David Hubbard -- Tuesday mornings

David invites you to participate in these informal painting sessions as a wonderful addition or follow-up to one of his classes.


Intro To Glass Fusing: w/ Eva Anderson -- at the East Hawaii Cultural Center 961-5711

Glass Fusing is one of the easiest methods for working with hot glass to make objects and art! Join Eva for this eye-opener of a class where students will learn to cut, shape, and arrange glass to melt or “fuse” it into one gorgeous piece. During this intro level class, students will make several small pieces that can be used in jewelry, nightlights, and small dishes.


Beginning Glass Beadmaking: w/Eva -- at the East Hawaii Cultural Center 961-5711

This is your chance to play with fire and have something beautiful to show for it! Learn to make glass beads in a torch in this neat class for everyone. This one-weekend class will give you a jump start in hot glass by introducing glass bead technique.

Fine Art Whimsical Angels Commission Me, So I Paint Precious Images

Check it out:


My website tells the story of creative adventure... it goes along with the images that I painted. It is all about the search for self and our acceptance of who we are and who we hope to be.

My newsletters are along the same vein of my website. Holding a single leaf and realizing how amazing it is. Wow... how much more amazing are we?

Greeting Cards; Posters; and Fine Art Giclees (digital photos) on Canvas are available for sale on my website as well! Yay!


Free gifts on my website for signing up for my mailing list.


Blessings and Aloha,

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
http:www.kathysart.com




"Passages"36x48 oil on canvas