Saturday, August 30, 2008

Labor Day Sale

I'm currently running a Labor Day Sale at my Etsy Shop: http://www.kauaiartist.etsy.com/

In order to purchase a piece of art you have to be a member. Joining is free and easy. All you need is a valid email address.

Now through Tuesday, September 2, I'm offering 15% off select Original Watercolors:
Red Antherium Original Watercolor Painting from Kauai Hawaii
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14425264
Hawaiian Cottage I Original Watercolor Painting from Kauai Hawaii
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11983245
Bird of Paradise Original Watercolor Painting from Kauai Hawaii
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13660167

I'm also offering $3 off of my Original ACEOs (includes shipping worldwide)! Here's a link to my entire Labor Day Sale Section:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5862866§ion_id=5601684

I belong to the Visual Artists Street Team and they are also having a HUGE Sale this weekend. Check out their blog article about the sale for more FINE ART!
http://vastgallery.blogspot.com/2008/08/vast-team-labor-day-weekend-sale.html

Aloha and Have a Great Labor Day Weekend!
Marionette

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

New Painting!!! Red Antherium


Well, here I go again. Another tropical flower! I have painted lots of tropical flowers, but only now I have recently started to paint antheriums. What wonderful heart shapes they have! Many tourists think that these flowers are actaully "fake" due to their thick, waxy look. I feel that these flowers represent LOVE because of their heart shape and red colors.



This is an Original Watercolor. Size: 6.5"x8" Price: $50


Aloha from the Garden Island of Kauai!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

While Visiting Kauai, My Favorite Things

I often receive emails from visitors to Kauai looking for personal recommendations on things to do while on island. Here are some suggestions.

There is a lot of natural beauty on Kauai to explore! I recommend driving all around the island (one day the north shore, one day the south shore, and one day Waimea Canyon on the west side). By renting a car and driving around the island you will see a lot of great sights relatively inexpensively.

Here are some of my favorite things to do starting on the north shore: Ke'e beach or Tunnels beach, having lunch at Bubba's in Hanalei along with some shopping, Hanalei Bay (this is a lovely 2.5 mile crescent shaped beach with majestic mountains with waterfalls in the background - you might have to pinch yourself to believe you're not in a dream), Kilauea lighthouse and nature preserve (not open on Sundays), and Banana Joe's fruit stand.

East side: Blossoming Lotus restaurant in Kapa'a (great vegetarian food and world known), Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau in Wailua, Smith's boat tour up the Wailua river to the Fern Grotto (you will be serenaded by live Hawaiian music and hula dancers), Coconut Marketplace for shopping, Eggbert's for breakfast, and Dinner at Duke's Canoe Club restaurant at Kalapaki (great salad bar, fish, chicken and reasonably priced for an 'ocean view' restaurant).

South and west side: Poipu Beach, Lunch or dinner at Brennecke's (wonderful food, good prices, and ocean view), Spouting Horn, the "Keiki" Hula Show at the Hyatt (free, usually on Tuesday & Saturday eve, call first), Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo (best pizza I've ever had - closed on Mondays), Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course (breathtaking views of surrounding area), Kauai Coffee Visitor Center (free coffee samples of all of their varieties, self-guided tour of the coffee process, largest coffee plantation in the US - Harvesting to start in mid Sept.), Grinds restaurant in Ele'ele for breakfast, lunch or dinner (affordable), Salt Pond Beach, Waimea Canyon (all the way to the Kalalau Lookout), Waimea Plantation Cottages for lunch or dinner (brew pub and walk on their lovely grounds to the ocean), Polihale beach (bumpy road to get there and hot, but very picturesque), and of course a visit to my Waimea art studio, Painting Paradise :-)

Also, I recommend taking a boat tour to see the island from the ocean. I personally do NOT receommend a helicopter tour (there have been too many fatal crashes). The helicopter tour is nice because you get to see the whole island, but it is risky. Also, be very, very careful in the ocean. I am sick of hearing in the newspaper about people who get swept out to sea and drown. This happens all too often. Swim in protected areas, be aware of the current, and talk to a lifeguard before going in, if possible. Kauai is paradise on earth, but accidents still happen.

You can get more info about the island by reading the local newspaper: http://www.kauaiworld.com/ , or http://www.kauaipeople.com/ .

If you need to book a tour I recommend http://www.kauaivacationtours.com/
(I know the ladies who work there. Tell them Marionette sent you.)

If you want to shop for local products made on Kauai, check out the "Kauai Made" website at http://www.kauaimade.net/ . This program was created by the County of Kauai to officially represent the products made on Kauai by Kauai people, using Kauai materials.

If, after all of this, you are a little tired and sore and in need of some TLC, then I recommend Tropics Day Spa http://www.tropicsdayspa.com/ located in Port Allen.

If anyone has more suggestions of activities, sights to see, or restaurants, please list them as a "comment". I'd love to see what your favorite things to do on Kauai are!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Why Do We LOVE Art? My Top Ten Reasons

1) Through the eyes of an artist, a work of art can help us imagine what “could be” or remind us of “what was”.

2) Art often tells a story, conveys emotions, or simply makes our environment more beautiful.

3) Art can be calming and relaxing. It can help bring peace, harmony, and tranquility to our surroundings. Just like scented candles, incense, or essential oils relax us through our sense of smell, art sets the mood in a visual way.

4) A personal collection of art makes a statement about who we are. It is another way we can convey our beliefs and values. For example, if one is a strong supporter of environmental issues, he or she may collect art from artists who are making a difference in the environment.

5) When we purchase art during our travels, it gives us the chance to take home something special – something more than a souvenir. The piece will become treasured and full of good memories as the years pass. It can also remind us of happy moments and perhaps even a special occasion – like a honeymoon.

6) Art can help us slow down from our fast-paced lifestyles and explore the beauty around us.

7) We can treasure art our entire lives and then pass it down to future generations to enjoy.

8) Artists are often very passionate and eccentric. They are obviously creative and see things differently from most people. Their work can offer us a rare glimpse into their inner world and personality.

9) By becoming a “Patron of the Arts” we convey to others that we support and encourage artists, museums, and galleries. This helps to make our communities a better place to live.

10) Just as we are rediscovering the value of fine wines, specialty coffees, and gourmet foods, many are also now turning to purchase fine, original art. We are realizing that art is more than a luxury – it is a necessity.

If you can come up with any more reasons why we LOVE art, please feel free to post them in the comments!

Aloha,
Marionette