Virtual Tour of Kauai #1

Yesterday my good friend Tashi and I took an entire day to "play tourist" and visit the South Shore of Kauai. We brought our cameras along to capture the beauty that Kauai is famous for. This is the first installment of my "Virtual Tours" of the Garden Isle.

We started off at the Moir Gardens which are located at the Kiahuna Plantation. This garden features quite a collection of orchids, water lillies, cacti, succulents, and other tropical trees and plants. It is a very colorful and relaxing garden to stroll. It's history dates back to the 1930s when Alexandra Moir first started to plant her fantastic cactus collection. She was the wife of the manager of Kauai's first sugar plantation.

After a relaxing lunch at Brennecke's Beach Broiler (Tashi had the prime rib sandwich and I had their fish tacos made with fresh Ahi. Yum!!!) we headed over to Shipwreck's Beach. The beach was so beautiful! Lots of golden sand, blue skies, and turquoise water! We wanted to dive right in, and many people do...right off of the cliff! For the rest of us, there is a nice trail that you can follow up to the cliff for breathtaking views of the ocean. Overhead there were some very graceful tropic birds playfully flying.

Well, after all of that hiking, we were a bit thirsty, so we headed off to the Grand Hyatt Kauai to get some more water. We saw a few tropical birds and a beautiful, white swan swimming in the koi pond! We took a few more photos of the garden flowers and then decided to call it a day. As we left the Hyatt, one of Tashi's friends who works there, gave us each an orchid lei! This is the magic of Hawaii!

Art for Change: Intro to Portrait Drawing with Special Guest Artist, Schar Freeman

Schar Freeman and I both live on this beautiful island of Kauai and are both active artists, yet we actually first "met" each other on Etsy.com, a site that sells handmade items worldwide. Next we both found ourselves a part of Etsy's Visual Artists Street Team (VAST) and often chatted on their discussion board. Well, one day we decided to meet in person. I went looking for her in Hanapepe, but it was her day off from her regular job. So, I left her a note. About a week later Schar dropped by my Waimea studio, and WOW, we were fast friends! The time passed quickly as we spent the next four hours discussing our art, lives, and our spiritual paths that landed us on the island of Kauai.


I learned that Schar is not only a fantastic and brilliant artist, but that she is also an art instructor! I quickly asked her if she would like to teach a class at my studio, and she said that she was just looking for a place to teach her "ART FOR CHANGE" Workshop. I was thrilled!


ART for CHANGE Principles of living your creative life conceptions by artist Schar Freeman

This fun class introduces two exciting exercises and the FUN-damentals of portrait drawing. It is for anyone who wishes to change perspectives with jobs, careers, or relationships. It is also for anyone with interest to draw and paint. No previous art experience is needed. There will be something to discover for everyone taking this class. All materials and lunch pupus provided.

Limited class size
Fee $60
Register by Sept. 30th and save 50%
to register call: 808-639-2670
Location: Painting Paradise (Marionette's art studio), 9814 Kaumuali'i Hwy Suite #6, Waimea, Kauai, HI 96765.

Schar's Bio from her Etsy site: As a child Schar wished to be an artist. Her painting began with mud and berry juice when living in the Redwood forests of Northern California. Her mother encouraged her passion with lessons at 12 yrs old were she studied with a wonderful artist who taught her to see and feel, moving from empty space into a visions held inside.

Schar studied with individuals and in the 90's became a "Ghost Painter" for an internationally popular artist. It is here that she developed her style and skills especially in oils and production. Schar's work has traveled the world and there are many collections in the USA as well as Europe. Schar's work is published 1999-2009 with WeMoon Calendars and cards receiving international appreciation.

Schar Freeman aka ScharCbear as a painter has thrived on her lush island of Kauai. The pure beauty of the aina (land) has inspired her recently to venture into landscape impressions of her island, and the people and cultures of Hawaii. Her palette is rich, pure and vibrant, her style versatile, at times whimsical and mystical. Schar paints with oil pastel, soft pastel, oil, acrylic and watercolor. Her use of color and images are representational. They are symbolic. They are personal and universal and capture an essence of spirit. Her series of American Native paintings is published internationally with Mother Tongue Ink.


Currently her work is represented through the Kauai Made program. Her work is found in galleries and collections in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Hawaii. Schar is also an accomplished photographer, published poet, Chef and a performing hula dancer.


A Cancer survivor, she volunteers with American Cancer Society, Relay For Life. "I relocated to this Garden Island, Kauai a decade ago after raising two incrediable sons and three husbands. A life-long dream of mine to live here and after visiting for 30 years, I made the move.""Having vision in only one eye, each and every day I am blessed that I can see and create a landscape, develope a dream or image of a dancer which moves me. I create from my heart and paint the impressions of the beauty which continues to surround me."

http://scharart.etsy.com
http://ainakauai.etsy.com
scharbear@yahoo.com

The paintings above are all beautiful works from Schar. From top to bottom: Spirit of Kalalau, Moon Dancer I, Pueo Dream Transition.

This workshop is going to be loads of fun!

Aloha,

Marionette

New ACEOs from Kauai, Hawaii

I just finished adding five new ACEOs to my Etsy Store! There are several featuring coconut palm trees and beach scenes. Enjoy!

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Lovely Coconuts Original Watercolor with Pen and Ink ACEO from Kauai, Hawaii

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14885400

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Kauai's East Coast Original Watercolor with Pen and Ink ACEO from Kauai, Hawaii

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14885643

All of my ACEOs are priced at $15 and that includes Free Shipping Worldwide!

Aloha and Mahalo for visiting!
Marionette

Etsy Shop: http://www.kauaiartist.etsy.com/
Website: http://www.kauai-artist.net/
CafePress Store: http://www.cafepress.com/KauaiArt

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

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.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14425264

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

Aloha from the Garden Island of Kauai!

Marionette
http://www.kauaiartist.etsy.com/

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!

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