One Hour Pastel Demonstration

Aloha! This is a little painting demo that I would like to share from my September newsletter.
This painting of my secret fishing spot on Kauai was done using one of my reference photos, and it took me roughly an hour to create once I had my supplies set up. Speaking of supplies, this is what I recommend: Pastels - I suggest using the highest quality (meaning highest priced) soft pastels that you can afford. I used Rembrandt pastels in this demo, but I also often use the lesser expensive Faber-Castell brand. Paper - I use a hard-to-find Hahnemuhle velour paper because I love the soft/fuzzy texture that allows multiple layers of pastel. The final painting will be a little fuzzy, but I like this effect! Soft Pastel Pencils - I use Gioconda pencils for fine details as well as a very soft (6B) charcoal pencil.


Next, I cut and tape my paper down to a masonite board using masking tape and overlap the edges of the paper by about 1/4". I then study my photo and start picking out my main colors and place them on a plate or container for easy access, and I am ready to start my next work of art!


I paint with my pastels very similar to how I paint with acrylics. Since they are opaque and take layering very well, I start by blocking in the main areas of the painting with the desired color. I don't worry about details at all in this stage. I just want to get the main design of the painting worked out. Once this is done, I can start layering in more of the details.

As the painting comes closer to being complete, I get out the pencils and add the final details. Next, I add my signature and then a few light coats of a fixative spray and I'm all PAU (means finished in Hawaiian)! Hope you have enjoyed this demo.

Prints (5"x7") of this painting can be purchased online at my Etsy Gallery for $10 each plus s/h. If you are interested in purchasing the original painting, please call me at (808) 631-9173 or send an Email to Marionette@kauai-artist.net.

Plein Air Painting with Schar

Last week I asked Schar if she wanted to do some plein air painting (painting outdoors from life) at Salt Pond Beach. She said sure, but she needed to be pau (Hawaiian for done) by 11:00 a.m., so we decided to meet at 7 a.m. which is a wonderful time to be at any Hawaiian beach. The sun has risen, it's still cool, and not too many people on the beach yet.

This is the scene I decided to paint.

This is Schar's toolbox filled with lots of wonderful oil pastels, brushes, and even walnut oil for blending her beautiful colors with.

Schar beginning her painting.

This is my soft pastel set-up.

Here I am working on my new painting.

Schar is progressing very nicely on this one. She even demonstrated her technique for making waves in oil pastels. Mahalo!

And, my completed painting!

Schar's Final version for the day. She said she will work on it some more at her art studio.

I hope you have enjoyed our little art adventure. A big Mahalo to Schar for being my painting buddy. We had a really nice "talk story" session about art & life. I love her new creation!

Aloha and Happy Creating,

Marionette

http://www.kauai-artist.net/

Art Classes with Marionette

Kauai Society of Artists Show

I finally did it! I joined Kauai Society of Artists and entered my first juried show with them. (Thank you Schar!) All three pieces I entered made it into their Small Works Show (16"x16"x16" maximum).

The show runs through January 30, 2009 and can be viewed at Kukui Grove Exhibition Hall in Lihue, Kauai. The juror is Maile Andrade, an Associate Professor & Graduate Chair at Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Honolulu, and mixed media artist. The show is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Fridays until 8 p.m.).

All three of my entries are 8"x10" framed to 11"x14" in a koa veneer frame and can be purchased at the show for $195.00 each.

Poipu Hula Pastel

Relaxing at Maha'ulepu Pastel

A Hawaiian Hibiscus Watercolor with Pen & Ink
(detail)

New Original Art by Marionette

Playing in the Sand - Original Pastel Painting - $150.00 (framed)

I was having a picnic at Salt Pond Beach Park one day and captured a shot of this lovely young lady playing in the sand! She was having a great time just piling up the sand and making shapes. It takes me back to my childhood days!

Pink Water Lillies - Original Watercolor - $56.00 (unframed)

These lovely water lillies were found on the grounds of the Kiahuna Plantation Resort in Poipu, Kauai! I spent the day with fellow photographer and friend, Tashi, capturing the beauty of this lovely garden known for its exotic cacti and orchids! It was a lovely day indeed! Photos can be viewed on my Blog at http://kauai-artist.blogspot.com/2008/09/virtual-tour-of-kauai-1.html .

Flowers of Aloha - Original Watercolor - $72.00 (unframed)

These pretty in pink plumeria blossoms were found at the National Botanical Gardens in Lawai, Kauai. This is really one of my favorite spots to take reference photos for my paintings. There are lots of tropical flowers to choose from!

Kauai Orchid Farm III - Original Watercolor - $56.00 (unframed)

The inspiration behind this painting comes from an orchid farm on Kauai's north shore in Kilauea. The farm was just a short walk away from the lovely cottage I was staying in on a short retreat from my daily life. It was a very relaxing and pleasant stay, and the surrounding garden was teeming with fresh oranges, grapefruit, and lemons!

Beautiful Orchid - Original Watercolor - $69.00 (unframed)

This cattleya orchid was found on Kauai's north shore in a beautiful orchid farm in Kilauea. I was staying at a nearby cottage and loved taking my morning stroll (camera in hand) to capture these lovely beauties on film so I could paint them in my studio.

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Hope you have enjoyed these new paintings from Kauai!

I'm currently having a Holiday Sale on my watercolors.

These prices are good through the end of November, 2008.

Aloha,

Marionette