You Might be an ARTIST if...

While watching a Jeff Foxworthy stand-up routine this weekend, I started to wonder if I could apply "You Might be a Redneck if..." to the life of an artist, and this is what I came up with. Enjoy!

You might be an artist if…
-You refer to your favorite color as French ultramarine blue or alizarin crimson.
-You spend more on art supplies than on groceries.
-A “green” thumb means you have been painting landscapes all day.
-You suddenly feel the urge to lay a graded wash.
-You only watch PBS to see Bob Ross reruns.
-You carry a French easel in the trunk of your car for those “plein air” emergencies.
-140 lbs. is your ideal “paper” weight.
-You know what the heck “trompe-l’oeil” is.
-You always refer to white as “titanium white”.
-You accidentally dip your paint brush in your tea cup or coffee cup.
-You save your old tooth brushes for those “Jackson Pollock” moments.
-You often use your thumbs and fore fingers to make an impromptu viewfinder.
-You see a color and automatically think of its compliment.
-Every Halloween you consider dressing as Van Gogh – sans one ear.
-You always take a smaller version of your supplies with you on vacation.
-Other people often refer to you as “eccentric”.
-The smell of a freshly opened box of crayons gets you overly excited.
-You shop at the thrift store only to find items for your next still life.

Mahalo to all who attended my "Valentine Craft Day" !!

Here are some pictures from my studio of the "Make your own Valentine" Craft Day held on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Everyone made plenty Valentines to take home.

Mahalo Nui Loa to all!

How to Make TIME for your Art

One of the most difficult aspects about creating art is finding the time to do so. Everything seems to get in the way. The house needs cleaning. The laundry is piling up. The car needs a good washing. Well, you get the idea. Finding time to make art is a lot like finding time to exercise. Excuses are made. Another day goes by. Another month goes by. However, there is a way to take charge and carve out some time from your precious schedule for art.

First, find a place where you can set up a mini art studio. All you need is a table (six feet long and foldable if possible), a chair, a radio or CD player, good lighting, some art supplies, and a great imagination. If you can find your own room to do so, great! If you can find a corner of a room to use, then this is good too (provided that children and pets can't get into your supplies.) You also need a place where you can spend any length of time, from a few minutes to a few hours, to create art without having to set up and take down all of your supplies every time. This will greatly increase your chances and motivation to paint, draw, or whatever!

Next, make an appointment with yourself! Yes, actually schedule some time for your art whether it is one hour every day or a three hour block on Wednesdays. Put it on the family calendar, program it into your cell phone or PDA, or put a note on the fridge. Whatever it takes, let your friends and family know that you will be unavailable during this time period. Total peace and quiet is essential to get the creative juices flowing. Also, once you are in your space, try to get rid of as many distractions as possible (like annoying cell phones.) Once you start creating, you will find it easier to find the time to sneak back into your art sanctuary.

Finally, if the suggestions so far aren't working, or you need more motivation, then I suggest taking an art class or workshop. Once you have committed to taking the class, you will feel obligated to attend. Then, once you start attending, you will get into the art "mode". It is a great place to meet other artists, learn new techniques, and find time for your art!

Marionette to Illustrate Cover for "Last Clear Chance" by local author, Bob Tripp

A few weeks ago I was approached by Bob and Cynthia Tripp about the possibility of illustrating the cover of his soon to be published novel, "Last Clear Chance." Needless to say, I was "thrilled" about this opportunity.
Bob is a retired pilot, and the novel is about a pilot, Dan, a plane disaster, and Dan's spiritual path of healing that he takes in the Hawaiian Islands. You can read more at Bob's website, http://www.bobtripp.com/.

Elaine Albertson, owner of Digital Arts of Waimea, handled the graphic design aspects of the cover once the painting was completed.

Mahalo Nui Loa to Bob, Cynthia & Elaine!