Getting a nice view of the back of our home valley. O'ahu is so incredibly gorgeous.... — Getting a nice view of the back of our home valley. O'ahu is so incredibly gorgeous....

Just Catching Up

February 10, 2017 in Adventure, Aloha, Artist Diary, Inspiration

Hello loyal readers, I know my posts have been slightly sporadic lately but I have good excuses. I have been extremely busy writing a new artist statement for my current series (which I think is my most important collection yet), as well as getting my financial house in order (taxes, yay!), working on a new painting (and demo), and setting up a Patreon page (more on that soon to come!).

Pluuuuuuus.... my wonderful boyfriend, Tim, and I just celebrated our three year anniversary with a little mini hike here on a ridge in our own Palolo Valley. There are so many ancient volcanic ridge hikes all over these islands and I really need to keep my New Year's resolution and hike more of them!

And to top it all off, I am FINALLY learning how to type properly instead of using my own little 'shorthand' keystrokes (don't even ask) so this has taken me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to type.

But don't you worry, loyal supporter, I will have another great artist spotlight for this next Inspo Saturday coming up and am mustering the courage to create my first video diary about an issue that's very important to me.

Have any suggestions on especially great ridge hikes here on O'ahu? Maybe in the intermediate category? (Folks out here are fearless and scramble around some seriously crazy rocks!) Let me know in the comments:)

originally posted: February 10, 2017

My 33rd Birthday!!

January 10, 2017 in Adventure, Aloha, Artist Diary

Hooray! It's my time of year again - New year, new age, new goals, new me!

I've been asked before what I think about aging or what age I wish I could be, and I always answer that I am happy being the age that I am currently because every year gets better and better. I strongly feel that as long as one is continually growing and advancing and learning, then there is always something to look forward to and therefore aging is a blessing rather than a curse.

I am in the prime health of my life, am in the happiest relationship ever, and am moving forward by leaps and bounds in my artistic career (not to mention currently living in paradise!), and I know the best is still yet to come. Living a personally successful life takes a lot of time and thankless energy, and the returns are slow moving in the beginning, but I have found that having an inherently positive attitude is my greatest ally, which has brought me as far as I have come already, and I know will continue to see me though in the future.

I always try to remember that each day is a brand new day with a brand new set of decisions as to how I want to lead my life....

So bring it on, 33. I am READY!

originally posted: January 10, 2017

Studio Escalier in Argenton Chateau, France

October 09, 2015 in Adventure, Artist Diary, Inspiration, Oil Paintings

As I am about to begin the sixth and final week of this heavenly program nestled in the French countryside, I can't help but look back fondly on the previous five weeks and be amazed at how quickly they have gone by. My fellow art students, the ambiance of this picturesque, stone walled town with its abundant fruit growing on countless trees, and, of course, the traditional atelier classes held in the converted attic of a 250+ year old home have all contributed to a dreamlike experience I will never forget. Timothy Stotz and his wife, Michelle Tully, are the most knowledgeable, patient, and supremely skilled teachers one could ask for, and are the cherry on top of this magically crafted, old-world-esque, studio art workshop program. The camaraderie and encouragement of the other students, as well as our delectable weekly potluck dinners, have made me feel more comfortable and welcome than I could have ever expected, especially being so far from home.

On top of this serendipitous atmosphere, I have learned a great amount regarding figure painting from life. Tim and Michelle have taught me so much about mixing skin tones and really rounding and forming the figure in a true and fantastic way. I am more confident regarding how to portray light and atmosphere using hue, value, and chroma than ever before and can't wait to apply this new knowledge to my own works back home. Their artworks stand as a huge influence and inspiration, and having them give their weekly demonstrations and lectures has been incredibly helpful and insightful.

originally posted: October 8, 2015

Visit to the National Gallery, Washington DC

June 24, 2015 in Adventure, Inspiration

I was fortunate enough to spend three and a half days at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. while visiting my boyfriend at his parents’ house recently. The collection is absolutely incredible; as good as any museum I’ve seen in Europe! I have always especially enjoyed visiting art museums by myself so I can spend as much time as I want mulling over whichever works tickle my fancy. Of course, I love the docent tours and headset tours and this time I even brought along a guidebook to the collection. I did a few master copy sketches in the galleries and really just soaked it all in.

A few of the highlights of my visit included the only Da Vinci painting in North America, a small room with four Vermeers, the four Raphaels, six Toulouse-Lautrec paintings, and a number of John Singer Sargent, Van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Manet, and Matisse works, just to name a few. I was literally in constant awe! I will be posting many of my favorites on my Tumblr blog periodically.

I was really paying close attention to various artists’ brushstrokes and choice of light and color. I have been feeling so inspired lately and am thinking of doing a few master copies just for fun.

originally posted: June 24, 2015