Sunday, August 17, 2025

Step into the Soul of Kauai

I'm thrilled to unveil my newest collection of original art! Each vibrant brushstroke is a love letter to the Garden Island, capturing its lush beauty, radiant colors, and timeless spirit. From the majestic na pali coast to lovely hula girls, these paintings invite you to feel the heartbeat of Kauai in every hue.

A Whale's Welcome
Available as Fine Art Prints
 
Every year I create a unique painting to honor the awe-inspiring humpback whales returning to Kauai. This piece captures a whale gracefully breaching as the sun's radiance invigorates its pod for a spectacular winter season along the breathtaking Na Pali Coast. He is definitely welcoming in the new year with passion! 
 

 Banyan Tree at Waimea Plantation Cottages
 Available as Fine Art Prints
 
Nestled within the serene oasis of the Waimea Plantation Cottages on Kauai stands an awe-inspiring banyan tree—a natural masterpiece. Its sprawling, majestic canopy offers not just shade, but an enchanting setting for unforgettable celebrations, from fairy-tale weddings to intimate gatherings. With its timeless elegance, this tree radiates charm. Just steps away, the shimmering shoreline awaits, offering breathtaking views of a majestic sunset over the ocean as dusk approaches. 
 

 Hawaiian Paradise
  Available as Fine Art Prints
 
In my Hawaiian paradise a graceful coconut palm tree leans over the shimmering waters at sunset. Its long, arching fronds sway with the whisper of the trade winds while the ocean sparkles with radiant blues, kissed by streaks of orange and pink reflecting the sky’s fiery sunset glow. 
 
Keiki Hula by the Cottage
Original Acrylic Painting on Stretched Canvas 14"x18"
 
Beneath the towering coconut palms, these keiki dance barefoot on the soft, grassy lawn in front of the historic Waimea Plantation Cottages. As they sway to the music, their hands trace ancient stories in the air—tales of the sea, the mountains, and the gentle spirit of Hawaiʻi. 


 Lei for Sale
 Original Acrylic Painting on Stretched Canvas 12"x16"
 
Beneath the dappled shade of a coconut tree, a graceful Hawaiian lady drifts into sweet dreams lulled by the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves. She rests surrounded by the plumeria lei she strung together crafted with her aloha. 
 
Soul Searching at Shipwrecks Beach
 Original Acrylic Painting on Stretched Canvas 12"x16"
 
Sometimes I like to go for a late morning stroll along Shipwrecks Beach and find a relaxing spot to meditate and do some soul searching. The softness of the sand, the rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore, and the lovely view of the cliffs puts me at ease. This sacred coastline reminds me that I am part of something vast and benevolent. As I contemplate my path ahead, I feel grateful. 
 
The Garden Awakens
 Original Acrylic Painting on Stretched Canvas 14"x18"
 
Tucked beneath the emerald cliffs of Kauaʻi this enchanted garden receives the invocation of ancient chants by these beautiful dancers. As their hula reaches its crescendo, the garden stirs, and thousands of hibiscus blossoms unfurl to fill the world with aloha!

 

Aloha from the beautiful, tropical island of Kauai!

For over 20 years, I’ve been creating art inspired by my life here on Kauai—and it’s been a joyful, soul-nourishing journey. I’m deeply grateful to call this magnificent island home. Every piece I create is a reflection of my heart and spirit, shaped by the vibrant beauty that surrounds me. Kauai offers an endless well of inspiration, and with each sunrise, I discover new dreams and ideas waiting to be brought to life on canvas.

Many people have shared that it’s my use of color that draws them to my art. I love working with a vibrant, tropical palette—infusing each piece with the radiant hues that reflect the spirit of the island. Through bold, joyful color, I celebrate Kauai’s natural beauty and invite others to feel its warmth and wonder.

My artwork celebrates the vibrant tapestry of Kauai, featuring tropical flowers in full bloom, lush island landscapes, graceful hula dancers, and nostalgic plantation cottages. I also love capturing the magic of sea turtles and ocean life, the festive spirit of Mele Kalikimaka, and—naturally—Kauai’s beloved chickens and roosters, who always seem to steal the show.

My main art gallery is my own Etsy shop where you can find original art, fine art prints, ceramic tiles, and downloadable prints and art cards.  If you are shopping on island, please check out my art at the Waimea Plantation Cottages gift shop in Waimea, Kauai Roastery in Hanapepe, and Cane Field Clothing and Gallery at Kilohana in Lihue.  I also do Hanapepe Friday Art Night from time to time (message me and I’ll let you know when I’m there), and can be found live painting at Poipu Beach and Shipwrecks Beach every so often.

Look for my art in the new NETFLIX movie “Finding ‘Ohana” and in season 2 of the new Magnum PI. My paintings can also be found at the Koloa Landing Resort in Poipu and in public and private collections throughout the world.

I am a woman owned small business who supports other small businesses every chance I get!

Mahalo for taking the time to check out my work,

Marionette

 https://linktr.ee/artbymarionette 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Latest Original Art by Marionette from Kauai, Hawaii

Introducing my latest collection of original art! These vibrant paintings capture the essence and soul of our beloved Garden Island, Kauai, bringing its colors and spirit to life.

Hibiscus Harmony
 
14"x18" Original Acrylic Painting
 
 
In this painting, my goal was to achieve harmony by arranging the colors in a way that complement each other and create balance in order to please the eye the way music notes are used to create a lovely melody that is pleasing to the ear. I hope this piece evokes the emotions and memories of a warm, sunny day in Hawaii, filled with vibrant colors and the serene beauty of a rainbow. 

Kilohana Friends

12"x16" Original Acrylic Painting

 
One of my favorite activities on Kauai is riding the Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana. This charming train winds through lush, vibrant gardens, offering picturesque views at every turn. Along the journey, you’ll make a delightful stop to feed the friendly piggies and other farm animals. And don’t be surprised if the chickens, roosters, and wild pigs leave a lasting impression—they’re a memorable part of the adventure!

Eden's Palette

12"x16" Original Acrylic Painting

https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1890880395 

I once read that during near-death experiences, some people describe the colors in heaven as beyond anything we can perceive here on Earth. Whenever I look at the vibrant, rainbow-colored croton plants, I’m reminded of those accounts. Their breathtaking colors feel like a glimpse of something divine, a reflection of beauty that transcends our world. It fills me with hope that when my journey here ends, I’ll have the chance to keep creating, to continue being an artist in a realm where colors know no limits.

 


 Honu 'Ohana

11"x14" Original Acrylic Painting

https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1861877014

It is truly heartwarming to witness the green sea turtle population on Kauai thriving in recent years. This honu 'ohana is relishing the sunset at Poipu Beach, just as your family would!

 Croton Colors

11"x14" Original Acrylic Painting

https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1861883694

One of my absolute favorite tropical subjects to paint is the vibrant croton plant. Its rich, rainbow-like colors never cease to amaze me and always ignite my creativity, inspiring me to go wild with the paintbrush! 


I hope you’ve had as much fun diving into my vibrant, sun-kissed Kauai world as I do living it—where every rooster, rainbow, and honu tells a story!

Aloha,
Marionette

My Etsy shop:  https://kauaiartist.etsy.com  (Over 500 images featuring my Kauai Life!)

Linktree for other product shops and social media:  https://linktr.ee/artbymarionette

 

 

 
 

 


 

Thursday, October 31, 2024

New Hawaii Art from Marionette and Hanapepe Art Night

Aloha, friends! I've been immersed in my painting as always, and I'm excited to share that I've started participating in Hanapepe Art Night from time to time.



For Hanapepe Art Night I'll have originals, prints, greeting cards, ornaments, ceramic tiles, and calendars!


"Kane Hula O Ke Kai" Original Painting   https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1781442440

"Phantasmic Variegation" Original Painting https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1816581659


The Lei Maker Original Painting https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1741891819
 
 
 
Aloha from Kauai 2025 Calendar on Zazzle
 
 
Check out my "Mele Kalikimaka" Category for wrapping paper, greeting cards, ornaments and more!!
Zazzle shop:  https://www.zazzle.com/store/marionette_taboniar?rf=238143080802946144
 



 
 I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!  
Aloha,
Marionette



Sunday, September 8, 2024

2025 Wall Calendars Featuring Marionette's Latest Artwork

Aloha from Kaua’i! 🌺 Enjoy twelve months of my vibrant paintings, each capturing the unique beauty and spirit of the Garden Isle. Whether you’re kama’aina, a returning visitor, or discovering Kaua’i for the first time, these scenes will bring joy and inspiration throughout the year.  These are available at my Zazzle shop at: https://www.zazzle.com/z/ah8k2qpd?rf=238143080802946144
Find other Kauai inspired products at my Zazzle shop homepage:  https://www.zazzle.com/store/marionette_taboniar?rf=238143080802946144


 


 
 

Have a creative and sunny day!!

Aloha,

Marionette

https://linktr.ee/artbymarionette

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Art Created with Marine Debris from the Island of Kauai

 

 
"Conscious Plumage"
 
 
"Silent Witness"

 
 "Catch of the Day"
 
 
"A Real Eye Opener"
 
"It's Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature"

These five pieces of art were created using marine debris (plastics, fishing nets, rope, etc.) that was collected by our Kauai Surfrider Foundation on the beaches of Kauai and are on display at the Kauai Society of Artists "Washed Up" show until June 28, 2024.  The gallery is located at Kukui Grove Shopping Center in Lihue and hours are daily 12 noon to 6pm (Fridays until 7pm).  Come see what the artists created using ocean debris.  Art is for sale and is a great way to get some of the plastics out of the ocean and landfills.

My art collection is all about awareness.  You will see eyes in every piece which is a reminder of being mindful of the huge problem of ocean pollution we have right now.  
 
Here are a few step-by-step examples of how I built my paintings using beach debris and acrylic paints:




And some videos to give you a closer look at each piece:




 
Hope you have enjoyed the art!!  
Aloha from Kauai,
Marionette

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Did you know that Marionette also does Pet Portraits?

 

As an artist I am mostly known for my paintings of Kauai - tropical landscapes and seascapes, ocean life, exotic flowers, etc.. - but I have been doing custom pet portraits for years.  It is an amazing way to celebrate your favorite loyal companion.   I've also painted several as memorial gifts for special pets that have passed away in honor of their tremendous love.

 If you would like your own original pet portrait, just contact me and I'll give you the details.  As well as dogs, I've done cats, llamas, horses, guinea pigs, and even an axolotl. 🐾💜🐾❤️🐾

 

Aloha,

Marionette

artbymarionette@yahoo.com 

https://linktr.ee/artbymarionette


Sunday, January 21, 2024

Starting the Year Right with New Sea Turtle Art

 

Honu Hugs and Love -  available as a print at my Etsy shop

 https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1634751676

 

 Poipu Turtles at Sunset - Original Acrylic Painting on stretched canvas

https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1662791737

My painting theme for 2024 so far has been the lovable green sea turtle, also known as honu in Hawaiian.  They have really made an extraordinary comeback of the last few years, and it is a truly an incredible phenomenon to witness where the green sea turtles come ashore at sunset on Poipu Beach. It warms my heart to see the population increasing on Kauai, and it fills me with a sense of wonder and hope. If you visit, please keep your distance and do not touch them. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy their company.

They are such gentle and loving creatures and that's why I painted "Honu Hugs and Love".  I saw these two love turtles hanging out at Poipu Beach one evening when there was about 40 turtles on the beach at sunset. They were off in their own little corner snuggling and cuddling, so I just had to capture this moment on canvas.


 Joyfully Living - Original Acrylic Painting on stretched canvas

https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1655828269

 


  Let it Shine - Original Acrylic Painting on stretched canvas

https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1652854399

 


  Transform the World - Original Acrylic Painting on stretched canvas

https://kauaiartist.etsy.com/listing/1655839095

As 2023 was winding down, I was painting my "Celebration of the Feminine Divine" theme with more powerful women gazing out over the ocean while contemplating their life's journey and what they need to accomplish for 2024.  In "Transform the World" this lady is signalling her call to action to create positive change that can make a difference in the world to heal our planet and bring forth love and joy to all of its inhabitants.  In "Let it Shine" she is celebrating the radiant energy of life itself and taking a moment to express her gratitude for all that is good in the world. And finally, "Joyfully Living" expresses contentment. She is happy, fulfilled and thankful for the blessings bestowed on her.  Mahalo Ke Akua!

I hope you have enjoyed these new pieces of art.  Aloha from the Garden Island of Kauai!

Marionette

https://linktr.ee/artbymarionette