This is the place for stunning artwork from artists all around the world. I am constantly inspired by the level of professionalism and creativity the artists at Artful Home present.

Finally, the actual tissue collaging process begins!

Decide where you want to begin, select a part of the tissue that best suits what you want to achieve and begin the collage process.  The how-to’s of collaging are detailed and technical, so I highly recommend Susan Rogers-Arreger’s book on collaging with hand-dyed papers.  You can see her website at www.sraoahu.com.  If you ever get the chance to take her class, I also recommend it and you really need to take the entire class, not just the dyeing day, or one collage day.  It’s a process that just can’t be told, it has to be experienced one layer at a time.  It’s quite amazing. 

Here’s what I completed after the first day of collage class.  I know, doesn’t seem like much, but there’s a lot of thinking and planning going on.  Be patient.  When you put down the right tissue and then begin to layer, it almost begins to glow!  The subtle color changes and depth just can’t be captured in photo. 

After years of sitting around in my computer, this painting finally came to be.  The wonder of life’s seemingly simple things, like a water reflection, are captured as this sweet child holds tight to her Peony.  Painted with a soft loose oil brush, printed on canvas, and framed in a beautiful silver frame. 

See tools and books I use to create here.

Despite intentions to really get some meaty articles on here, real life happens. 

I just finished a sweet memorial painting for a family that lost their infant daughter.  It was an honor to be able to create a special memory for them that will be beautiful for years to come.  Please, parents and grandparents, don’t wait until things are “just so” to get a family portrait done.  First off, you don’t have to have a photo session done, a fun and happy snapshot is great.   It captures you and your family being themselves.  Second, a good professional photographer can gently and realistically remove any flaws that may be preventing you from having your photo done.  Third, your kids or grandkids want to know that you love them just the way they are, and would love to have your photo done with them.

So, what else?  I missed the deadline for an artshow that I really want to be a part of.  It just slipped on by me.  Luckily, the deadline is extended, so I’m getting my act together and painting the ideas that have been floating in my head the past few months.  I’ll post as soon as they’re done so you can be the first to see them. 

Christmas is right around the corner, and of course that means creating fun gifts and items for sale.  I’ll have items at the Lanikai Craft sale and will post more detailed info as that gets closer.  I’ll also be posting items that can be purchased if you live locally.  I’ve brought out the old sewing machine and am on a mission to make fabric collage postcards from my “stash” of treasures.  The poor kids have given up on eating at the dining table for the next few months.  They’ve been gently redirected to the back patio with the chicken.  Which is not all bad, since it’s mutual adoration.

The shop is online now!

Chris has been working hard to get everything just so and easy to navigate and use. When you visit the open edition gallery and click on the image, you’ll see whether it’s also available on gift items that you can link to directly. The gallery of commissioned paintings is still to come, as well as original works, so be on the lookout for that.

New items will be added to the shop often. Be sure to subscribe to receive blog updates and you’ll be in the know on this and any other exciting news happening around here.

Bring a little Aloha to you

How do you infuse your life with great art, even when the walls are full?  You make sure your everyday objects are beautiful!  (I’ll be expounding on the subject of ”anonymous art” in a later post, so stay tuned.)

From coasters to cutting boards, AlohaKineGifts offers a variety of products using fun and colorful art - and some of them are mine!  A small local company on the North Shore, these women are expanding their product line with more gift items, like bags and placemats.  With free shipping in the US, giving a little aloha just got a little easier.  For those of you on the mainland having a ’staycation’, treat yourself and bring some of the tropics to your doorstep.