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

www.kathysart.com for Free ART gifts!

I got the word from Robert Hogge from Monkdogz Urban Art in Chelsea about my New York show yesterday! YAY!

check out www.monkdogz.com for current show.

The show will be called "Damez" and will be an all woman show with women from all around the world. There will be around 7 of us. The show is set for April 26th- June 2nd, 2007. Opening night April 26th.

YAY!! I also have a "One Woman Show" in April at Wailoa State Building in Hilo. Wow! I better get to my painting for the day!


Thank you so much Nicole Stevenson for my radio interview with you. You have such a wonderful way about you that it is easy to feel at ease. Blessings for that.

Thank you too for your inclusion of my website and offer of free gifts. Legends of Mermaids, Fantasy Fairies, Goddess Art along with a Letter from the Tooth Fairy Dallyanna.

YES! I know her by name. She brings me wonderful teas and stephanotis from the mountains of Africa. We chat for hours of her many adventures.

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!

Blessings and Aloha,

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
http:www.kathysart.com

"The Forest Mind" group art show in S.CA.

Free ART at Kathysart.com

The Art of Negotiation, Investing in ART, Investing in YOU, Its About the MONEY Honey!

As an artist it is hard to not feel flattered when approached by a gallery. If you are a professional or hope to be one having a gallery is at the top of your list. There are other ways of marketing art these days, over the internet, home studio tours but the mystic of having a gallery is always there. Who can resist the glamor of having an opening with Champagne and fine food? Maybe add a three piece band to add just that extra touch of class. New York galleries being first on the list with ideas of going international. Ahhh I LOVE it!

There are things to consider when entering a gallery though and that is why I wrote the title "The Art of Negotiation, Investing in ART, Its About the MONEY Honey!". It is in the end about the MONEY! It is not just about the money for the gallery but for the artist as well obviously. Past opening night, maybe a strawberry or two, having your art viewed, important people seeing it hopefully, at the very least your family gets to see you meeting some sort of success, past all of that it is about the MONEY!

You have no doubt worked hard on your art to be at a point where you want to start showing it and joining the people who you consider to be 'big time' artists. It is a dream and one that has been on your mind no doubt for a long, long time.

So! Don't lose your head!

Read all you can about the art of cutting a good deal for yourself.


Ask questions, sheesh, never be afraid to ask questions.

Don't be intimidated by people, they had a first day in kindergarten as well, don't let people fool you. We all have a beginning to every single thing. Compare your information with others and define your own set of standards that you want to allow as part of your artful deal making.

Feel good about yourself. You have worked at your technique and it has cost you MONEY to get to where you are. Brushes alone are quite expensive. If you don't take care of them like me you are buying them constantly. Paints add up and then there is the space you paint in or sculpt in. It all adds up.

The Art of Negotiation, Investing in yourself is you trying to get some money, and energy back. Don't shortchange yourself on that. Be your own cheering section to give yourself some extra confidence when that gallery does come along.

Consider all the costs involved. Just because a gallery has a pre-written contract and the confidence to hand it to you does not necessarily make it a good deal for you.

What about shipping? Is there a trial period? That can kill you right there alone. If they expect you to pay for shipping both going and coming and the trial is only three weeks, is that a good investment on your part? How confident are you that your art will indeed sell? Don't ship your work anywhere until you know that. Do your homework!

Learn all you can before signing anything on any subject right? Right!

Free ART at Kathysart.com

The Art of Negotiation, Investing in ART, Investing in YOU, Its About the MONEY Honey!

As an artist it is hard to not feel flattered when approached by a gallery. If you are a professional or hope to be one having a gallery is at the top of your list. There are other ways of marketing art these days, over the internet, home studio tours but the mystic of having a gallery is always there. Who can resist the glamor of having an opening with Champagne and fine food? Maybe add a three piece band to add just that extra touch of class. New York galleries being first on the list with ideas of going international. Ahhh I LOVE it!

There are things to consider when entering a gallery though and that is why I wrote the title "The Art of Negotiation, Investing in ART, Its About the MONEY Honey!". It is in the end about the MONEY! It is not just about the money for the gallery but for the artist as well obviously. Past opening night, maybe a strawberry or two, having your art viewed, important people seeing it hopefully, at the very least your family gets to see you meeting some sort of success, past all of that it is about the MONEY!

You have no doubt worked hard on your art to be at a point where you want to start showing it and joining the people who you consider to be 'big time' artists. It is a dream and one that has been on your mind no doubt for a long, long time.

So! Don't lose your head!

Read all you can about the art of cutting a good deal for yourself.






Ask questions, sheesh, never be afraid to ask questions.

Don't be intimidated by people, they had a first day in kindergarten as well, don't let people fool you. We all have a beginning to every single thing. Compare your information with others and define your own set of standards that you want to allow as part of your artful deal making.

Feel good about yourself. You have worked at your technique and it has cost you MONEY to get to where you are. Brushes alone are quite expensive. If you don't take care of them like me you are buying them constantly. Paints add up and then there is the space you paint in or sculpt in. It all adds up.

The Art of Negotiation, Investing in yourself is you trying to get some money, and energy back. Don't shortchange yourself on that. Be your own cheering section to give yourself some extra confidence when that gallery does come along.

Consider all the costs involved. Just because a gallery has a pre-written contract and the confidence to hand it to you does not necessarily make it a good deal for you.

What about shipping? Is there a trial period? That can kill you right there alone. If they expect you to pay for shipping both going and coming and the trial is only three weeks, is that a good investment on your part? How confident are you that your art will indeed sell? Don't ship your work anywhere until you know that. Do your homework!

Learn all you can before signing anything on any subject right? Right!

Free ART at Kathysart.com

Fantasy Fairies In Flight, Fantasy Fairies and Castles, Fairy Coloring Pages

Fairy Coloring Pages
I can do anything my heart says that is so
I keep ideas in a basket
I created long ago.

Flight for the commando
I hold a rock in hand.
You will not enter my fort of mud and dirt.
I have lined the edges with sticks and branches
I have gathered an army of old dollies
They sit at a table set for tea.

I have blocked its doorway
the entrance now is closed.
No enemy of fantasy fairies allowed!
I yell.

I swim far and wide
a tiny doughboy pool.
I grab hold of a never ending length of seaweed
a garden hose if you please.
It leads me to the Gandolf of the sea
the treasure worth the underwater journey.
Mermaid greet me
I offer them my dollies supper.

I build a little house
adobe brick I saw on TV.
I form them from the dirt
in my fathers garden
tiny squares
a castle it will be.
I shape them with my fingers
seeing their magnificence
imagining their length into the sky.
I line them up on a brick
and watch them as they dry.

My dog comes by and licks me
a funny little lad.
I offer him some sandwich
my mother made me
'tis lunchtime in the grove.
Potted meat
don't ever read
the ingredients she says
or you will never eat these yummy
tasty
sandwiches again.

I bounce up and down
a pogo stick meets my feat
I bounce for hours
just to see
It some time limit I can meet.

I walk on stilts
taller still
than any monster be
I quote my father
when he is angry
Just let me be.

Looking out into the sky
I feel the lonely night
remembering those adventures
that filled a little girl with fantasy and flight.
Remarkable today
no competition will be felt
for all those magical moment
I knew when I was young.
a little girl, a fantasy fairy
the captain of the fort.
I hold those days with awe
and kiss them on this day.

Art In The Iron Works

Art in the Iron Works
An Innovative Art Gallery in Hawaii
http://artintheironworks.com

An Innovative Art Gallery overlooking Hilo Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii. We are located on the second floor of the historic Hilo Iron Works building. Our exhibits includes all media. We focus on the finest selection of artists and our changing venue showcases amazing talent. From the ambience to the art – an experience not to be missed.

We offer ongoing and special workshops and often in conjunction with our exhibit we feature art films or a special event and host the Hawaii Island Writers Salon (every third Friday. Often we present some very unique “Happenings” So be sure to Check the website “Events Schedule” for the most up to date and detailed information.

This East Hawaii art gallery offers a unique view of Hawaiian artists and their artwork. Artist’s displays are complimented by the historical Hilo Hawaii building. Art lovers will enjoy new art show openings and artistic class opportunities on Big Island Hawaii.

About Art in the Iron Works
STEEPED IN HISTORY

The Historic Iron Works Building was designed By Charles William Dickey. CW Dickey bestowed upon Hawai`i a remarkably rich architectural heritage. As the long list of his designs would attest, he is noteworthy by any criteria: variety, quantity, quality. His legacy includes many of the buildings which, today, are considered among Hawai`i’s best architecture.

Located at the confluence of the Wialoa River and picturesque Hilo Bay, the building is steeped in local history. Having survived 2 major tsunami’s, it was at one time used as an infirmary for the tsunami victims. The building was designed as an office for the Hilo Iron Works that was established to build the railroad for the booming sugar cane industry. The outlying buildings were used as a Pinapple cannery.

Art in The Iron works gallery opened in this historic building on April 18th, 2004. Since it’s inception it has featured 9 major exhibits of local artists. Our goal is to promote beauty in the world and bring communities together using the arts as our language.

Contact:

Art in the Iron Works
1266 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

808- 935-2300

Artist's:

Beverly Jackson, Bob Dittbenner, David Hubbard, Elfie Wilkins, Elizabeth Miller, Eve Furchgott , Henry Bianchini, Hope Northway, Laura McDonnell, Margaret Godfrey

PRESENT EXHIBIT: Raymond Clement, Reva Collins, Rod Cameron, Suzy Papanikolas, William P. McKnight

"Three Perspectives"
A collection of works by 3 artists.
Opening reception, January 5th from 6-9pm.

Gloria Tinker’s large floral watercolors are imbued with exquisite detail and a unique sense of fantasy. They are “up close and personal.” She is currently an art instructor at Lane Community College in Oregon. Her works are displayed in private and corporate collections throughout the United States and abroad. She paints for commercial galleries, museums and exhibitions from her studio in the McKenzie River area of rural Oregon. In 2006 Gloria made her international debut at, Abbazia Di Novacella, considered the largest cultural center for Art and Literature in Northern Italy.

Ralph Curtis Royer creates earthy and primative large format sculpture and water fountains. He is also a painter. His work has been exhibited throughout California and have been featured in prominant magazines including; Coastal Homes and Sunset. This exhibit will feature 7 of his sculptures in copper and resin and two of his abstract paintings.

Adrienne Dooling recently moved to the mainland, via Hawaii from Dingle Ireland where her works were featured in many fine art galleries. Four of her abstract oil paintings, inspired by the energy of the sea will be on exhibit. Also a collection of watercolor prints inspiried by her time spent living and teaching in Hawaii will be available.

Workshops

* January 2007 Event Schedule
* WATERCOLOR CLASSES January 3rd -31st. Feb. schedule to be announced
* LIFE DRAWING (changes)

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen | kathysart.com

It is never ending this magic that I love and fills my soul with music.

I dream of, whimsical angel pictures, legends of mermaids and fairies in art. Tiny angels whisper fantasy art, these innocent angels guide me. I also paint fantasy art of exotic women.

I began my career at four years old, in the back seat of my parents car, as they travelled the countryside. I have been exhilarated and tormented by art ever since. I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night thinking about it.

I paint and sculpt women primarily; in their daily lives, in lives they might be afraid of, and in lives they wish they had. My goal has always remained the same; to hear them breathing and to know the passion I feel in my soul is met by theirs.

In every single one of my paintings my objective is to 'know them' . To let each one reveal their own vision or message. I am often astounded as their presence unfolds & I am met with who they are. I then realize that who 'they' are, defines me as well. My hope is that my paintings & sculptures relate to you, their audience & that they give you the message you need for your own heart and soul.

Awake from dawn til dusk I paint and sculpt female fantasy art and map faery tale adventures. Free poems, whimsical musicians artwork, fantasy art of exotic women, & a bit of fairy advise fill my website. I offer free gifts and treasures to tiny angel fans.

I illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I also illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My painting "Tradewinds in My Hair" is on page 84 in the book "The Spirit of Hula" by Leilani Petranek.

Giclee canvas art work, greeting cards and posters available for sale on my website along with free gifts for signing up for my mailing list.

My paintings and sculptures are collected worldwide.

"Earth Goddess Art | Bed of Dreams"

"Earth Goddess Art | Bed of Dreams"
Greeting Cards,Posters,Giclee Fine Art Prints on my website www.kathysart.com
Sign up for my mailing list and get FREE GIFTS!


I have many blogs. Every one of my series from my "In Search of Klimt" series, which is defined as "Fantasy Art Woman-Beautiful Women Goddess Art," to my endeavors in watercolors of flowers, portraiture, landscapes and animals, has its own blog where I write individual thoughts and feelings on each work. If you read my biography you will see that I spent twenty years making my living with pottery. Working with clay is second nature to me. I have done extensive work in sculpture and continue to enjoy that form of creativity. My work in sculpture thus far can 'only' be seen on my sculpture blog.

Blogs offer a wonderful opportunity for the artist to not only post their work but describe it in great detail. I find that by writing about my own work I discover new things about myself and more about what actually motivated me to do the pieces described. People always tell you to stick with one style, for me that feels impossible. I paint or sculpt all of my different artistic adventures in 'series'; I take each one seriously. Each Series is considered, has its own muse and brings me to a different mind frame than any other. They all stand on their own and yet are connected with my appreciation of the human form and emotional makeup of the people I paint or sculpt. Human beings are complex and no one has one single track of thinking all of the time. So it is with my art and expression.



ARTIST FRIENDS I would like to introduce you to.

I will from time to time be introducing sculptors, painters of passion and lighter fare like my Victorian Series. I will post "Kathysart Notes" after each artist with my feelings about their work. I will also post some of the artists own thoughts as they relate to their personal form of creativity. I have been involved with beautiful women goddess art as some of the artists I will post are. There are many ways to express the world in art though as you will note by going through these artists amazing talents. There is so much creativity in the world. We are surely blessed!

Writers Looking For Illustrators; A Message From An Artist/Illustrator

I was recently asked by an author that if she purchased one of my paintings could she then use it for the cover of her book. It was 'her' painting right?... Wrong!

Let me define an illustrators perspective on marketing their art and writers using their work.

Buying a painting for you house or whatever and using one for the cover of your book are two different things.

Here is an example that might bring this to light:

If you purchased the original Mickey Mouse image for even fifteen million dollars..... you could hang it on your wall, 'that is all'. Obviously, Disney would not allow you to market the image.
Let me reverse this scenario from an authors perspective of getting ripped off:

If I bought an authors original manuscript, lets say someone famous like Donald Trump, to promote my art, for lets say ten thousand dollars, or maybe he had it online and I just copied it off; would it be reasonable for me to receive all the royalties; for both my artwork and the manuscript once published?

Do you think I might get a letter from Mr. Trumps lawyer?

Authors need to bite the bullet. No, they cannot use the artwork of an artist without permission and compensation, not even if they purchased the work to hang in their living room for fifteen million dollars. Authors are not lawfully allowed to use an artists work for promotional material without permission either. That is what copyright laws are all about.

Accept that you need to pay an artist the 'going rate', just as 'you' would expect to be paid. Check out the "2007 Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market' or earlier issues. They should have a copy at your local library. This will give you an education into what an artist expects on many levels as well as insight into publishing.

I have on occasion granted an author the use of my artwork both for the cover and promotion and their book. I have done this when it has appeared to be a potential benefit to me. It is to my advantage to get my name out there. But! On another note, I have collectors of my art and owe them, and myself for that matter, a certain responsibility to keep my prices at least at the level they purchased them at.

People who invest in art do it for two reasons, the first being of course because they like it. The second reason is for investment. They invest in a piece hoping the artist will prosper and that the value of their work goes up. Artists who wheel and deal with their work are usually not at a professional level. so I guess it goes back to getting what you as a writer 'hopefully' pay for.

Aloha Outpost www.alohaoutpost.com

I have about 50 paintings hanging in Aloha Outpost. Lamont is fantastic! Be sure to hunt him down if you ever come to the Big Island of Hawaii. Check out Puna Nation on this website too for some great music. I painted the above logo with the turntable, Lamont, and the volcano with flying disks. Lamont's idea. ~Kathy

The following is info about Aloha Outpost:


The Aloha Outpost is part tomorrow, part yesterday and all of each day. People have described it as “the sandwich joint,” “the information and communication hub”, “friendliest place in town” and “coffeehouse of tomorrow”. Established in 2002, the Outpost now is one of the largest businesses in Pahoa, and still provides that “small coffee shop” feel. Whether you are a visitor or resident, you’ll get the same down home welcome.

If you come to the Big Island of Hawaii and migrate to the Hilo side,
the 25 minute drive to the Outpost is a must!

The origin of the name “outpost” is from LaMont’s former days as a training and development manager for Restaurants Unlimited. “When I was traveling around the country helping open new restaurants “ LaMont explains, “ I would call the home office back in Seattle and say I was reporting from Outpost and use whatever unit number the store was. I guess it’s also a reference to all those westerns I watched as a kid as well. After I thought about it, I also remembered the Stuckey’s Restaurants that were the highlight of many road trips. You would find all kinds of interesting things there.”

“The aloha was somewhat an obvious call,” LaMont also explains. “You have to give back to the island.”


CHECK OUT Puna Nation:

New! PUNA AFTER DARK
Mixing classic Hip Hop, R&B and Rap and Dance, PAD is the nighttime beat of Pahoa. Get the head bobbin’ with us here in the café or anywhere else in the world This is your daddy’s old school. (Parental Advisory is in effect as lyrics in some selections played can be offensive.

ORIGIN OF THE MUSIC
After moving here three years ago, I quickly found out there was no radio station to suit my taste. Since I have DJ experience and do voice-overs, I went to the local radio station to peddle my wares. After hearing nothing I decided to start my own. We play lounge and club music, nothing too strong, just something to tap your fingers and toes to, or to hear in the background as you sip one of our beverages and chill here in the Café. If you listen to us through the internet, relax, close your eyes and imagine that you are here in the groove with us.

Lamont Carrol

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An Interview With Kathy Ostman-Magnusen (Part One)

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When did you first discover that art would be an important part of your adult life?


Several years back I worked at a craft co-op in Santa Barbara. It was the first time I realized that there was real money to be had doing crafts. There was a potter in the co-op who was making consistent sales. My ex husband made me a wheel, we took an Adult Ed night class and learned how to throw. After about the 6th class, during a question and answer session, my ex announced that we were going to make our living doing pottery. The whole room grew dead silent and everyone looked at him stunned with their mouths open...iINCLUDING ME!

We did in fact quit our jobs some 6 months later, moved to the mountains in N. California and did just that.

I just want to interject however that I don't consider the 'production' of anything as art, rather a craft that stems from art.

---------------------------------------------
How has creating art shaped you professionally and personally?


The souvenir pottery business gave me a lot of know how. One small step at a time while asking A LOT of questions along the way gave me a wonderful education and confidence.

Production pottery, production anything for that matter, is a soul robber. While I gained marketing tools and learned that to achieve my goals I needed to be a self starter, I also realized that money can turn someone into a machine. I painted during all of that time but I did not feel the freedom of expression I have found since I walked away from that business.

Marketing something that is mass produced, even though completely hand made is easier to handle than marketing art, from the heart. You take it pretty personally if someone rejects your soul on canvas. I find myself vulnerable to criticism but because my goal is also marketing my art I accept it. I want my work to get better and criticism is a part of that. I might cry and feel pathetic for a few days but then I press forward. I think I am a more balanced and centered person because of art. I AM also pretty spacie at times but as an artist but I don' apologize for that, it is just me going within.

-----------------------------------------


How has society influenced your art? Are there any social implications in your art?

Several years ago I was at a crafts fair with my pottery. I had two of my paintings there that I was delivering to a nearby gallery. These paintings were from my "Erotica Series". This series really does not show anything that might offend anyone except for the expression on the face or the setting, i.e. one of my pieces is "Lap Dancer", yet she has her hands over her breasts. The paintings at that show were much tamer than that though. A man came up to me quite upset and wanted me to take the paintings away. I asked him, "Why?" What did he think he was seeing? He had no answer because he was only seeing the suggestion of what he felt was wrong. He became very flustered and walked away. I must confess I kind of got off by toying with him, but that is not the reason I paint my "Erotica Series". I continue adding work to that series because I paint women in all contexts and scenarios and I just don't think sex is a bad thing.

I have many ongoing series; Hawaiian; African; Cosmopolitan; Fairy's and Mermaids; etc. My ethnic paintings have social relevance because history vrs.society is implicated by the subjects expression and attire. An example of this is many of my Hawaiian paintings are taken from historical photos during a very dark period for Hawaiians. They lost their land, their Queen and their culture in one clean sweep. Their faces reflect the emotions that anyone would feel under such oppression. I paint my African Series in a different context. My goal in that series is to paint triumph, pride and strength. My mermaids and fairy's convey the hope for magic that we all long for. I just think we are multi dimensional and should not limit our thinking. We have all struggled in one way or another and should try to relate in some way to others in their sorrow or fresh awakening to fantasy.

------------------------------------

What are your artistic influences? Has anyone inspired you?

Gustav Klimt, I have a series called "In Search of Klimt". I have tons of books that go on sale at Borders or wherever. Da Vinci and Michelangelo live in my house along with all the impressionists. I comb emotional content from anything I see including children's drawings. Art is everywhere and in everything. If a child or even an adult comes to me with a ball point pen drawing there is redemption in it and I look for that. When I find it, I find their heart and mine.

My husband has inspired me a lot because he believes in me and encourages me to create. I have a few friends like my friend and web-master Carrie who encourage and believe in me as well. They aspire to inspire and their gift to me is remarkable.

---------------------------------

Tell me a little about your background. Are your past experiences reflected in the work you do today? If so, how?


I am a self taught figurative artist and illustrator. I believe that talent is passion and desire and the rest is practice. I also feel that anything can be learned from a book and inspiration is found even in a fallen leaf.

As I already said I owned and operated my own souvenir pottery business in Northern California. I had eight contracted workers and one full time shipper. Products were created, hand sculpt, wheel thrown and personalized to meet each clients specific needs. My company shipped to most National Parks, Disney World, J C Penny and over 1000 specialty shops all over the US. After 20 years in the souvenir business I decided to focus on her painting and sculpting.

----------------------------------------

How long have you been a working artist?

When I was a little girl I actually peddled my work to neighbors. I have memories of charging my mothers friends a nickel for my theater shows and art lessons for their children.

A true marketing sense came to play when I had my pottery business though.

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If you could pinpoint the characteristics of people who collect your art, what would they be?

I think they relate to my passion. We seem to long for the same rainbow or dream.

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Discuss one of your pieces. (Let me know which one you are talking about."What were you thinking when you created it?

NOTE: I already have an article about 3 pieces posted on Buzzle and Ezine Articles. If you do not want all three then feel free to just pull one example. ~ Kathy



An Artists Journey of Color and Mood
This is a journey of sorts from one frame of mind to another and the colors and moods that guided me. I describe three paintings and their process.

"Anticipation" 36x24 oil on canvas, dated, Sept. 1998 part of my "Passion Series"*
was actually a breakthrough piece for me. I had been painting my "Victorian Series" for months, spending hours on modulating the colors. I paint a lot from photos. My goal with the "Victorian Series" was to put in as many colors in the skin tone as I could. Looking at a photo or life long enough a lot of colors begin to show themselves that normally go unnoticed. Modulating many colors I became frustrated and board after finishing 10 or so of them. I had a canvas that I had painted a dark blue and decided that maybe it would be ok to just play.....and not modulate at all. I found a picture that I liked, studied the colors, filled my brush a fresh for each stroke and applied them to my canvas. I have not modulated since. I continued painting with this color palette naming the series "The Passion Series". I still tried to fit every color in the rainbow on my palette as I do to this day adding small nuances wherever I can. I would add here too that the series before "The Passion Series" was "Hawaiian Legacy" which is predominantly done in sepia, tones.

"I thought I Killed Tony. WAAA! But It Wasn't My Fault After All"

I want to start this out by saying that I have never had bugs or lizards of snakes or anything like that in my house. I am indeed one of those women who screams if I see a spider. I have never liked little crawly things and have always considered the best place for them is outside.

" Well of course!" ... I can HEAR you thinking!

OK... but with all of that said, I live in Hawaii now and the rules have changed considerably.

If you visit Hawaii and stay in a hotel it is not likely that you will come across a gecko in your room. Hotels take special care (like poison) so you will not come across these little critters with suction cups on their widespread toes. Your loss unless you visit someone's home like mine.

I have lived in Hawaii for about nine years now and I have adjusted my thinking more than I would ever have imagined possible. Spiders that I once feared like the common Wolfie Spider is minor to me now. The Wolfie is dwarfed by the Cane Spider and might I just add a scream and an, "EWWW!" here because they are indeed that huge and that awful. Let's not even mention centipedes because I have this theory that whenever I talk about them much, they show up to remind me how horrible they are. I will tell you though, that I have seen them just about 10 inches long. OK, lets not go there. You see what I mean though about the Wolfie being a minor threat in comparison?

I don't spray for geckos like the hotels do nor do I put out those cruel sticky things, that people use for rats and mice, like some of my friends, to protect their computers and stuff. I think those sticky things are inhumane and should be banned. I don't do anything at all about the some 15-20 geckos and I am just guessing here, that live inside my house. YES! I said it and admit to it, they live INSIDE my house. They chirp at night and even sometimes poop on my paintings. After nine years I am indeed used to it and that is my only excuse.

So what about Tony? Who the heck is Tony, are you wondering? You have probably figured out by now that Tony is a gecko that I have chosen to name. I not only named him but allowed him to lick my cup after my nightly hot chocolate treat. This is a terrible habit I have gotten into, that really must go. as I can feel a few extra pounds because of it. Tony loved it though and I must say that I really thought is was the cutest thing ever to see him over the edge of my cup licking away. He had the cutest little tongue.

One night I was out of things to make hot chocolate. Tony sat... humm.. or stood? Well, whatever geckos do, he was there on my bed stand waiting for his nightly treat. I felt bad for his sugar addiction and related so well. I got myself a small handful of chocolate chips and gave Tony his own. He didn't seem to like it as much as the hot chocolate but his tiny tongue did lick it for quite awhile and then off he went.

The next night I made my regular hot chocolate. No Tony. No Tony last night either. WAAA! I told my husband that maybe I killed Tony with chocolate. You aren't supposed to give it to dogs and cats but Tony was already a seasoned addict. Yet, I felt bad. Why did I give Tony that chocolate chip!? It was too concentrated I worried.

We bought a fixer upper and all the electrical sockets are off. My husband discovered poor little Tony just about an hour ago... electrocuted? I kind of hope so. I so hope it wasn't the chocolate chip. WAAA!

Bless little Tony's heart! So funny isn't it how one little creature takes on a personality like none other because we give it special care. If I ever have another gecko come to my bedside for hot chocolate I will name him Tony Two and I will never give him a chocolate chip... just in case.

"Lydia and the Swans That Come Round"

Her soul is dark
She pins her dreams out on a clothesline
waiting for the sun to meet her in a closet
to revive unread plans.

I think she wore a jasmine in her hair
the last time that I saw her.
I can't remember.
I do remember that the swans came round
scolded me
for not accepting second chances.

Lydia had a box of sequins
that she kept inside her pocket.
She was seen sewing them to the moon
and making requests for sainthood.
I stood there in the glow
and admired her confidence.

I felt jealous of her travels
and her boldness.
She told me later that she saw me
standing in the doorway.
I did not tell her I was waiting for approval.

I keep in contact with her
now and then.
I ask her what to wear
and music she has heard
that I might like.
She always tells me I look best in lavender
but I know that isn't true.

I lost her trust many years ago.

We met at a train station
went on a journey.
We had intentions of creating fresh stories
new swan songs.
Well... she did at least.
I was haunted by a confined mind.
I could not think beyond the mermaid
she held captured in a jar.
I guess I related too much.
I could only think of how to free her.

It doesn't really matter
I say that to myself
as I unfold and refold
the pieces of art we made together.

Lydia's eyes are even darker now
that's the rumor.
Yet I will always admire her
and her quest to capture sparrows
unlocked by wings of depraved
but well meaning caretakers.
Lydia claims she means to heal them.


And the mermaid?
She traveled well.
I bring her jasmine in the summer
and gifts of chocolate and green tea.
I keep sequins in the jar she came in
reminding me of train stations
words that could not find their way
and swans that come round.

"Lavender Cloak" from my Victorian Series
available in greeting cards,posters and giclee



We all have a history that includes some regret by a certain age. I think remembering that history is something to learn from. I know if you are reading this that you do too. Yesterday I could not stop crying, yet today because of those tears, hopefully, I will notice someone else's. We get busy though don't we? We fail to see and hear the lives around us as we continue on our own pathways. Blades of grass are crumbled beneath our feet. I wrote "It is not I" so many times because of regret of course. We all hold ourselves in better esteem than someone who has missed an obvious a cry for help. I guess the goal is to do better 'today', to smell the rose sweeter in their honor.

"I Kiss Your Shadow"

It is not I
not in my soul nor heart.
I could not have missed your pitiful tear.
I saw you walk away,
after we spoke,
glances did not know.

I am a swan in spring
my wings deliver different outcomes.
Yesterday I missed the sunrise
but a swans song promises a following day.

Poor flower of mine
how did I miss your message?
Ohhh it was not I.

I wish so much to say
what I should have easily let go
had I known.
I have much to tell you
too late.

Ice blue tints missed thoughtfulness.
It was not I.

I need to go back and start over.
I could have planted flowers
we would both reminisce about tender beginnings
plan bouquets of caring
share emotions that would include possibilities.

My ship is lavender now.
Cold days blend with red roses.
I think of you often
hear forever your calling out for rescue.

I pack a suitcase to go back in time.
I am reproached by my own selfish needs
and not knowing what to do
not knowing what to wear to a young girls funeral.

I think of Lord Byron
a poem I memorized as a young girl
similar days
another friend lost to early frailties.

I whisper those words to you in part:

"And thou art dead as young and fair
as aught to mortal birth;
And form so soft, and charms so rare,
Too soon returned to Earth!
Though earth received them in her bed,
and o're the spot the crowd may tread
in carelessness or mirth,
There is an eye which could not brook
A moment on that grave to look"

Ah yes, so I beheld it not
I beheld them not.
It is not I.

I said those words so often
I bare no excuse at all.
It was not I?

Tender is this day
Colors seem muted
or is it that they are too bright?

Blades of grass remind me of your journey
as I walk I feel you all over again.

Worlds below the grass
things I never noticed.
I cannot bend the colors
nor the blades of grass
their day is set.

I sing only in shadow
now filled with regret.
It was not I.

We had pizza last night for dinner
frozen from the grocery store.
I fed the cats and dog this morning,
heard an airplane overhead,
people going places
living their lives
continuing on.

I think of you often
I remember that last day
and I kiss your shadow.

Yay Democrats! Onward!

Fantasy Art Woman (me) has a new squidoo site for you to check out:

http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart/

Also my regular website is getting a facelift! Stay tuned. There will be free monthly gifts for signing up on my mailing list. YAY!

"The Mask"


Fantasy Art Woman | Beautiful Women Goddess Art |kathysart.com

Coming Soon! Sign up on my comments and receive a free gift!

Be sure to signup for my mailing list I will from time to time offer free magical gifts. I'll also have a bit of fairy advise on mermaid, goddess, whimsical angel pictures, and other fantasy delights, gifts and ideas! Or sign up just to say, "Hi!"

Sign up 'this month' on my mailing list and receive a free printable letter from the tooth fairy. Ahhh yes, I know this tooth fairy well, her name is Dallyanna. She is most eloquent with lavender bows and ribbons attached to tiny pink satin roses on a whimsical sky blue chiffon dress. Her hair is held fast by a wreath of stephanotis and lobelia blossoms found from trees on African mountains where she is often seen traveling. She fills the air with laughter and always makes me happy. Soft fairy dust meets her pathway as mist wherever she flies as one might suspect. Once in awhile she flutters by just to say hello and offer a bit of conversation or to share her love of poetry. We sit at a round glass table topped with a white linen tablecloth and dine on green tea and crumpets. I always have special jams and jellies on hand to impress my dear guest of magic. Dallyanna often advises me on what gifts my friends, like you, might enjoy. We have a splendid time together as she shares legends of mermaids and her adventures of gifting children in exchange for their treasured tiny teeth.

My other gift to you this month is a "legends of mermaids" drawing. You can print it out for cards; transfer it to shrink art and use as a magnet or sun catcher; use it as a coloring page or reduce the size for clip art or stationary accent, just to name a few ideas.

PLEASE NOTE: My gifts to you are available for free use ONLY for non-profit, personal use only, and not to be distributed in any way or form. -Kathy

Future free gifts:

December:
Christmas drawings and a lovely whimsical angel picture

January:
free fairy coloring pages

February:
Valentine Day Images and ideas

March:
fantasy fairy paper dolls

April:
mood magnets (patterns for shrink art)

May:
legends of mermaids drawing

"Quiet The Lips Of An Angel, NO! A Fantasy Art Woman Speaks Out For Fairies Unknown"

It is nonsense to not believe in magic!
To quiet the lips of an angel
is utterly pathetic.
It is lonely without enchantment
no castles
no legends of mermaids
no fairy dust
how sad to not believe in what could be.
What a silly hoax!

Pick up all your numbers
fill up your tent
gather all your consequences
dreams never dreamt.
Figure out a timeline
travel in your loss
sip wine with dinner
look out on the horizon
measure
measure
measure
what you have lost.
But still you will not know
what you have never seen...
right?

It is nonsense to not believe in magic.
You silly man.
Yet for you it is pitifully true
legends of mermaids
whimsical angels
fantasy fairies
will not pause on your doorstep uninvited.

I am a mermaid
I knew I would be when I was young
I felt moisture on my skin
and swam to castles underwater
twas there I captured sailors
just like you.

I am a fantasy fairy
because flowers became my friend.
They taught me what is most important
to not lose site of my imagination
to never stop creating
to caress ideas close to my heart
and cradle them there
to allow them to stretch out their lacy wings
and fly.

I am the dragon
who lived in your closet
when you were young.
I am the smoke.
I am the fire that roars when danger calls me
I am the rescuer of my own story.
You my friend are left to your own fate of disbelief.

I am a swan
I came from distant lands
I stand in waiting for visions
of uninhibited stories.
I wear a crown
of the very same jewels
that you sweat and toil for.

A glorious prince beyond
I become the princess
that walks among the roses.
I smell the scent of bliss
and restore tears to laughter
or reminisce about the broken of heart
I am the lonely soldier
who mourns on unvisited graves.

I collect whimsical angel pictures
they become alive to me.
I can hear them breathing.
The wind rushes through my hair
I linger there and find life
beyond what others measure.

I am the entrance to a vision
the moon inside the dark
colors enlightened
pathways beyond doom
flowers that have found their voice
rainbows of promise
I am a playful tune.

Oh no!
Do not tell me magic is not real
you simply would not know.
Go home and count your change young man
build a mountain if you like.
Surmise and gather what is seen
put it in a bottle
and it will remain empty.
Without magic there will be no glow.
I know what you do not know
you silly man.

I do not quiet the lips of an angel
nor cover her wrath.
Legends of mermaids will always include tales
of the mermaids vengeful path.
Fantasy fairies know
they come to me with anger
they move the dragons smoke
their vision is everlasting
and holding out for hope.

Coming Soon!

"In Search Of Klimt" series is being expanded and will include new images and stories. There will also be a handy dandy shopping cart for purchases of prints, posters, greeting cards and fine art giclee prints. I also hope that you will sign up on my mailing list because I am going to have free gifts to share with you like a free downloadable letter from the tooth fairy and whimsical angel drawings.

"Have You Ever Read Anything So Beautiful?"


I poem I wrote this morning, perhaps to be continued.

"Inside This Fairies Heart"

She turned the page
To find the words
Of innocence
And she could barely speak.

Consequences she had unraveled
had no place
inside that fairies heart.

All the pitiful soldiers
Lined up as soldiers do
Who will speak for Lily
One soldier wants so know.

"The Mermaid Baby"



Last April I fell and broke my right arm. I also received nerve damage and it is not certain that I will regain full use of my hand back. An artist without the use of her right hand is almost more than I could handle. I am drawing now though and am finding things I had not noticed before my fall. I wrote this poem in honor of new discoveries found and treasured.


"I Stood Inside A Rainbow"

I stumbled to find myself
wanting to be lifted
and yet
I fell to smell the earth.

I stayed there for hours
me in brown beginnings
researching the treasure
that before
I had only walked upon.

I pointed my finger
into a tiny hole.
I hoped I might discover
one thing different
I had not known before.

Alas I found myself mesmerized
as an ant climbed from its cave.
One ant, one tiny ant
a delicate treasure, and
a focus in my day.

He became like none other
I had ever seen before
because
I chosen to lean my attention
sit in pause
and hear life, and its
unmistakable roar.

A reflection in a pond
beyond the ants tiny hole
I leaned to meet the journey.
Who knew a lake would open
by the magic of my own smile.

I found myself host
to a thousand tiny angels
and an afternoon of solace.
I toasted all the Universe
and from roses
I sniffed a glistening vapor of hope.

I knew thirst to touch the dew on roses
and treasure all they had to say
found comfort in their voices
as the sun met their moisture
of an ever so brilliant day

I stood inside a rainbow
Its colors met my skin.
Stepping then outside myself
decoding past objections
I accepted miracles were calling
and stood back to watch them grow.

20 October 2006

"The Mask"
36x48 oil, gold leaf on canvas

available in giclee,cards and posters


ROCK THE VOTE!


The other day we lost the right of habeas corpus (Military Commissions Act ) and there was little more than a whisper coming from Americans in protest. We should be marching in the streets. Hopefully ballot boxes will tell a 'truthful' story and not be rigged. Hopefully we will as a nation not continue to give Bush the right to take away 'our rights'.

When will we decide that history has much to tell us? My friend Carol spent three years in an internment camp because of her Japanese heritage. When she got out the first thing she noticed was trees. I heard her speak to a group of artists not long ago. She shared some of her little paintings of trees that she painted constantly as a child.

My husband Denny is a disabled Vietnam Vet due to Agents Orange, White, Blue and Pink. He lives in pain every day of his life. War is not something to be taken lightly. Denny went into teaching because of the eyes of the children in Vietnam. He wanted to make a difference in the world and knew it had to begin with the children. He was forced to quit something that he loved because the pain became too intense to continue. Most of his life is spent in distraction as his health continues to remind him of his limitations. Most Americans are surprised to know that our government continues to shine all of these soldiers on.

Children are 'not' the same everywhere. Children are not the same in Vietnam even today and children are not the same in Iraq as they are in America, their eyes have seen much more. As a nation we must not just ask why we must scream it with our vote.

There is a lot at stake in less than 3 weeks. Hopefully people will get out of their houses and VOTE.

Habeas corpus 'was' our most precious gift as Americans. For more on the Military Commissions Act and habeas corpus check out:

'Beginning of the End of America' by Keith Olbermann.


"For, on this first full day that the Military Commissions Act is in force, we now face what our ancestors faced, at other times of exaggerated crisis and melodramatic fear-mongering: A government more dangerous to our liberty, than is the enemy it claims to protect us from." Keith Olbermann, Countdown, MSNBC

Get out the VOTE!

"They're Friends You Know"
24x48 oil, gold leaf on canvas

"A Fantasy Art Woman Offers Advise On Family Dynamics, With a HUGE Disclaimer!"

We often want to change family/friends dynamics and find ourselves in the middle of problems that may never be solved. Below are the opinions of a fantasy art woman and I guess this is a disclaimer of sorts. I write this with love though so take what you feel works for you and continue to create your own map.

As a fantasy art woman I know that being sensitive is a tool for good for many things; yes of course the arts; nurturing and caring when no one else seems to, are just a couple examples. Being sensitive is not an enemy it is a gift. What we do with that gift can become our enemy though so it is good to bookmark episodes when we did or did not use our gift well. There are fantasy fairies waiting to see what gifts you bring, so cradle that in your heart and make mental note of beautiful ribbons on a brightly gift wrapped treasure.

I think one of the lessons I have learned that has worked for me is that "I' am not responsible for other peoples relationships. I think the 'complexities' of individual relationships dictate that. I think that each person is finding their way. They listen to a very small amount of what other people say so most advise falls on deaf ears. Who we are in the journey thus traveled, what fantasies or dreams we adhere to, and who we will be, is formed by our hopes and well meaning and our own ability to learn from the past.

I am ME and you are YOU and our responsibility to this Universe is to do good things around us to make the world a better place.

As a sensitive soul your soft nurturing nature, the fairies and longing for beauty inside your heart and your need to want people to do the right thing is 'good'. What doesn't work is not accepting your limitations in the scenario and trying to dictate reactions and responsibilities. You are responsible for 'your' reactions and how you respond to the set of responsibilities you decide are meaningful is 'your' map. You are not responsible for drawing out other peoples maps. In many ways if you adopt this attitude of watching without judgement and knowing that everyone is doing the best they can for 'who they are' could be a big relief to you. I know it is to me. With this article I offer you loving advise, what you do with it, accept it, think it is off base or whatever, is up to you in the end. It is not my role to 'insist' on anything except what I 'can' control and that is my own responses and reactions to things around me.

I, as a fantasy art woman, think the Universe is indeed a zillion tiny beads of light. We add or take away from that light by the choices we make, by the environment we create with our own presence. The mood that fills a room can be changed by one person from one extreme to the other, you know that is true. I have the same battles as you do and I fail pitifully more often than not. I am trying to recognize it though, my map and my role in the Universe. Once we accept our role and the miracles of living we are under obligation to keep trying.

So that is my advise but then I am just a fantasy art woman.

"Testing The Climate"
36x24 oil,gold leaf on canvas
available in giclee

Or purchase the original at Monkdogs Urban Art

"Exceed Your Potential, Aim Past Excellence: An Artist's Story of Serendipity"

"Exceed your potential and your dream will be great. After you realize something is absolutely spectacular say to yourself, 'How can I improve this?" ~ Robert Hogge, Marina Hadley, Monkdogz Urban Art Gallery


I have been an artist since I was four years old. I can't help myself, I 'have to' paint and sculpt and create, it is in my soul. It is my love, my hobby, my craft. I am an artist who is constantly looking for representation and on the quest to get my work out there. Marketing is 3/4 of the ball game but for artists this often a difficult game to play.

Artists dream of hanging their work in New York, I am no exception. I am constantly putting out feelers, writing ezine articles, posting my work on on-line galleries and setting up places to show. I also respond to emails!

I met Bob and Marina through the internet. I received an email from Bob about two years ago complimenting me on my art. We became email buddies. Who can resist flattery right? Little did I know my email buddy had great things planned. One day you are email buddies sharing the small stuff, the next day your email buddy creates a gallery online. OK wonderful. I posted my art on his site. Bob had bigger things up his sleeve though. A few months later, with his long time business partner Marina, Bob opened his own gallery in Chelsea, New York! Wow!

I watched and listened and measured my own potentials as an artist as Bob and Marina lived up to their philosophy and continued towards excellence. Self improvement gurus always tell you to find a mentor then do what they do. My mentors had aimed beyond spectacular and met their target.

I received an email from Bob after the galleries first opening telling me of the nights events. Part of what he wrote to me is below:

"It's the White House." The first call of the evening Monkdogz Urban Art received congratulating them on the gallery and wishing the artists success came at the Presidents request from the White House! "The President couldn't come because of a scheduling conflict but wished Bob and Marina and the artists all the very best on their inaugural show." No matter what you think of the incumbent the response to their invitation was 'very cool!' ~Bob
**********************

Nothing Bob and Marina do is without consideration for excellence. Gallery and Studio Magazine's managing editor Ed McCormack, a former associate of Andy Warhol was interviewed and posted on Monkdogz online gallery debut. Ed and Jeannie McCormack cover the New York art scene and are still avid supporters of the Chelsea gallery.

Richard Calderhead of Art in NY wrote "No gallery in New York has more energy or heart for art"

In keeping with their philosophy of going beyond the spectacular, Bob and Marina did not stray from their vision.

I think we miss the serendipity of life sometimes. We plan and fret and spin our wheels. Sometimes we miss that our dreams are being fulfilled right in front of us and we walk past them. We work hard to meet our goals but fall short of noticing that 'spectacular' is within reach. As I said, I have been an artist since I was four years old, so why wouldn't I accept spectacular things happening? Why not? Why not see the same excellence I expect from my brush that meets my canvas to also find it's way to my dream of showing in New York? Why not? Why decide that dreams being met are for other people? Mentors come into our lives to show us the way.

So did I ever get my work to New York? Yes indeed I did! My show with Monkdogz Urban Art was called "7".

"Whimsical Angel Drawings and a One Winged Angel"

I will take in the sky
and hold it's beautiful offerings.
I will collect whimsical angels.
A one winged angel I will be.

I project the strokes it takes to paint this fairy.
I will push out colors
my palette close at hand.
My one winged angel
disguised at times
her identity to be revealed.

I sift through all my seeds
sort out the ones that will give new life
and watch the rest
fly softly into the wind
to safely find their way.

I reached beyond a rainbow
and drench myself in fairy dust.
I gathered mermaid pictures.
and magical mystical creatures.
I read legends of mermaids.
I had debates about enlightenment.
I heard tales from the lips of angels.
I am a fantasy wild woman,
a one winged angel.
I take out my crayons and make
tiny whimsical angel drawings.

I am a tiny fairy
a one winged angel
anything that strikes my fancy.
I am everything I decide to include
in my journal each and every day.
Words on pages
illustrations of my mood.
A one winged angel
or a culmination of visions.

I will paint whimsical musicians
and beautiful women.
I will sculpt a castle and live there at will.
I will gather letters from the tooth fairy
keep them in a wooden case for emergencies.
I will create a cabaña
serve chocolate eclairs and tea.
I will share my blessed cookbook
and quote affirmations of love.
I will post fairy coloring pages
set them in line
color them when I fell bored.
I will cut out paper dolls
that only dance at midnight.
I will find dragons, capture their fire
and warm my toes on cold days.
Goddess of art
a tale for today
I coast
I spin
I coat my visions with creativity.
Whimsical angel drawings
fantasy art of a goddess
I am or long to be.

Whimsical Angel Drawings and a One Winged Angel Conquer All Or None

Innocent angels
I gave you a key?
I opened the door often
so that you dear friends
would remember me.
There are no debates
about finding enlightenment
this window has never had curtains.
Samples of love affirmations
tied with bright and colorful ribbons
reminded me.

I am a one winged angel
and in my hand
I still have the treasures that sparked it all
my beautiful whimsical angel drawings
held fastly with my one free hand.

"Testing the Climate"
36x48 oil on canvas


I reach for truth, for understanding, I am testing my way and "Testing the Climate". Legends of mermaids inside of me, I bow my head and meditate on oceans that meet exotic lands as the wetness of a pond touches my toes. I am awakened by magical moons and mystical creatures that measure my journey towards female fantasy art, how far I had come and how far I could go was up to me. Did I need to paint a tail to swim to paint beautiful mermaid art?

"Your flight my art fairy, is up to you", breathed the Wind. "The moon is right, you need only to find your wings or tail 'in heart' to understand the mermaid legends you seek to glean from their valuable truths".

I love masks, secrets and hidden treasures. I keep them well cared for in my secret garden and pond. Sweet fairy in art, inner child in me, with a tear in my eye I pause. Reaching out for my brushes and paints I find everything is full of potential. The fairies in art, mermaids in me, in you, gather together in spirit. Close your eyes and touch your toes into a pond of possibilities and listen for messages that only a fairy or mermaid can tell you.

The greatest gift of any "Beginning" is that it holds the opportunity of learning. Everyone has a starting point, EVERYONE! So in the "Beginning" learning may hold some frustrations because it is about problem solving. Problems may not be considered problems if they bring us to the point of experiencing the present moment. 'Now', which is experiencing life as it is in the very second we live, is the greatest gift of all. While "Testing the Climate" I am testing my will. Does mermaid art need an ocean and a mermaid a tail to capture their story? As I so lovingly collect the objects of learning and accept lace and whispers from the women I paint I become transfixed on my goal of smelling the fragrance offered at the very second it is available. I learn from legends of mermaids and accept that everything I need to fly or swim is there inside of me right here right now.

"Beginning" 24x48 oil,lace and jewelry on canvas


"Fantasy Art of Exotic Women"

featuring

"In Search Of Klimt"Series


"I search for Klimt!" the artist in me spoke spoke boldly .

"Ahhh, then we must start at the Beginning!" said the Wind.

Pulling out oils, my canvas, poems and stories from an old wooden case, turquoise, silver leaf and jewels thrust past the lid and met the open sky.

The Wind confirmed my journey, "Your fantasy begins now, paint freely beautiful women goddess art "

And so I did.



"Beginning" is the first oil painting I did in my quest for the passions of Gustav Klimt. I wanted my fantasy art of exotic women to be full of energy and determination. Searching out the exotic meant distant foreign lands, birds not normally encountered, perhaps I would come across a magic swan? To search for Klimt meant to know emotion well and not to be afraid of what those emotions might tell me thus far unknown to science. I start my fantasy art woman paintings with music, usually Enigma; Dead Can Dance or something from Loreena McKennitt. Then I open my heart and the fantasy art woman inside of me begins. It feels like a daydream, a magical adventure. It is a dance and I become covered with all the colors seen in my oil paintings and on my palette. My imagining becomes so real that sometimes I can hear them breathing. It isn't the realism of the brushstroke on watercolor paper or canvas that I capture in this series, ahh no. It is something less tangible than a rendering. Have you ever met an accomplishment you thought you couldn't? Then stand back and wonder where the energy came from and like lace and whispers you say, "Did I do that, did this come from me alone?" Sometimes feeling startled by the women and their presence, something imported from another time in space captures me. I pause from the dance, focus my eyes and I see life. I breath in the art of the exotic women I paint. It is all a dance waiting to surface.

Soon to be on it's own website and available in greeting cards, posters, prints on fine watercolor paper and giclee fine art prints.

"They're Friends You Know"
24x48 oil, gold leaf on canvas


"Don't Be Intimidated At Art Openings, Bring CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES and Wear a Big Smile RECIPE Incl."

Joining an art group can be intimidating.....

I used to attend art openings, walk in, see my art on the walls and then walk out. I barely took time to see the other faces attending much less say hello and introduce myself, I was that shy. One day I read in the newspaper that one of the local art clubs was hosting an art marketing workshop and it was free... no excuses not to go. The morning of the workshop I read from "The Four Agreements Companion" by Miguel Ruiz. If you have not read "The Four Agreements", wow, pick it up at your local book store, it is fantastic and could be life changing for you. I came across a section that for the most part could be considered common sense, but for me at that moment resonated. The chapter spoke about the fact that our personalities are formed by 'others' when we are young and we often accept the role given to us and respond to life according to that definition. The words resonated because I realized that the people at the art marketing workshop had no idea who we I was or what defined me. I could be an axe murderer or an ex beauty queen for all they knew. So why, why let myself be pined down with the personality and limitations accepted since childhood? WHY? The obvious answer is NO reason. You know how some things for some reason just hits you and you relate so much that it becomes you? That is what happened that morning before the art marketing workshop. I decided that not only would I go to the art marketing workshop but that I would be amazingly friendly. I would introduce myself to at least ten people and I would open my mouth and figure out at least two questions to ask.. I DID! and the confidence I gained from that experience was phenomenal. I allowed myself to shine. I then found out when the next board meeting was for that art club and the other one in town that up to that point had intimidated me. When I went to the board meetings, keeping in mind that no one knew me and had no idea of my insecurities, I volunteered for just about everything. There is nothing like working together that encourages a friendship more. I also brought my 'now famous' "Kathy's Chocolate Chip Cookies" to every opening. I displayed them beautifully, after all this was an 'art' opening. People began to know me for my constant smile and friendliness and my cookies. After time I actually became President of one club and served on the board of the other. Who I am is now less defined by who my parents or sisters or old high school memories did. I am now more who I decide to be. So! Don't be intimidated! Go to the next art opening or art club or whatever else intimidates you and be who you know deep down you really are.

Here is my cookie recipe for a little extra confidence:

Kathy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream together: 1 cup 'real' butter (not margarine!), 1 1/2 cup sugar, 1 1/2 Tbl. black strap molasses, 1 tsp. salt

add and blend two eggs

don't overdo this part or your cookies will turn out weird.

sift together then fold into sugar mixture:

2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking soda

add and mix to above mixture:

1 cup coconut, 3/4 cup old fashioned oatmeal, 2 full cups chocolate chips

Bake at 325 degrees for about 12 minutes. Use only an old junkie cookie sheet... not one of the new ones, they tend to make these cookies cake. Take the cookies out 'just a hair BEFORE they are done'. Let them finish up after they come out of the oven.

That's it! So wear a big smile, introduce yourself and tell them who made the cookies!

Kathy

This is a journey of sorts from one frame of mind to another and the colors and moods that guided me. I describe three paintings and their process.

"Anticipation" (image above) 36x24 oil on canvas, dated, Sept. 1998 part of my "Passion Series" *
was actually a breakthrough piece for me. I had been
painting my "Victorian Series" for months, spending hours on
modulating the colors. I paint a lot from photos. My goal with the
"Victorian Series" was to put in as many colors in the skin tone as I
could. Looking at a photo or life long enough a lot of colors begin
to show themselves that normally go unnoticed. Modulating many
colors I became frustrated and board after finishing 10 or so of
them. I had a canvas that I had painted a dark blue and decided that
maybe it would be ok to just play.....and not modulate at all. I
found a picture that I liked, studied the colors, filled my brush a
fresh for each stroke and applied them to my canvas. I have not
modulated since. I continued painting with this color palette naming
the series "The Passion Series". I still tried to fit every color in
the rainbow on my palette as I do to this day adding small nuances
wherever I can. I would add here too that the series before "The
Passion Series" was "Hawaiian Legacy" which is predominantly done in
sepia, tones.


Another example of moving forward is "Girl On Phthalo Green" 36x48 oil on canvas, dated Oct. 2000 and part of my "Cosmopolitan Series" *
I became tired of the palette of blues and fell in love with phthalo
green for a time. I guess I still love it. This painting was
greatly influenced by Modgliani. When I was in high school, many
years ago, my mother asked me to copy a Modigliani for her house. I
painted a 60x72 piece for her in corals. I never forgot that
painting nor Modigliani. When I feel truly inspired paintings are
done quickly and the brushstrokes are done wildly. I am in heaven
during these times. I painted this in perhaps 3 hours over another
painting I did not like.

"The Power Within Me" 48x36 oil and gold liner on canvas dated
August 2002 is part of my "African Series" *
This painting is part of my "African Series". I used phthalo green
along with my beloved full palette in this series. I painted this
quickly as well. It almost feels like a fever, it just flows. I
attribute that to doing my homework so to speak. All those years of
modulating and painting in sepia tones, my constant drawing in
graphite gives me a base of understanding. I put down colors as I
feel them, almost in a dance and it is most certainly trance like. I
use a lot of paint and use big brushes. I work from darks to light.
I save the lights and small brushes until I am pretty sure that I am
happy with the painting in general. It is always tempting to use
small brushes and add some highlight but I remind myself that that
would probably ruin the painting and make it appear tedious.
Sometimes they don't work, but I just think, "So What!" I can always
paint over it, that is the gift of doing oils. I think sometimes
there is more freedom in oils than there is in drawing and most
certainly watercolors. Painting on large canvas' is also very free.
When I paint small I become locked up and back to where I started
when I modulated colors. When we draw on paper we try to tell
ourselves that it is 'just paper' to try to set ourselves free from
worry about the end results, but oils make a better friend to me.

In all of my paintings emotion plays the strongest part. This is
the part that takes the longest. If anything must be right it is the
emotion felt by the image, so that they can breath. Sometimes I
cannot get that part and it is so frustrating to me that I cannot
sleep at night. It becomes the only thing I think about. I choose
to paint mostly women because I am one and because I think they are
beautiful.

* Where to find the images of the paintings listed on my website:

"Passion Series" posted on my website #1
"Cosmopolitan Series" posted on my website #1
"African Series" posted on my website #4