Hawaii and Other Reasons for Painting

TURN ON THE MUSIC AND THEN START AT THE BOTTOM of this blog to realize the steps of the paintings described in this blog.

Aloha, Kathy

Start From The End

~~*~~

This Art in Action Blog should be started at the very end and worked toward the beginning to get a sense of the art as it was painted.

~~*~~

Art~ "ke ala o Pele"

"Lei Hilo"
Ua hilo 'ia i ke aho a ke aloha: Braided with cords of love.
30x40x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 12/05



"ke ala o Pele" (Path to Pele or Pele's Path)
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07




"Giant Ferns of Lava Tree Park"
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07




"Honor"
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07




"Ho' okalakupua" (Magic)
40x30x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/06





"Ipu"
40x30 oil on canvas, completed 2/06
(Solid Koa Frame optional)




"Respect"
40x30x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07





"Wind and Silk"
40x30 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
(Solid Koa Frame optional)




"Inside the Wind"
40x30x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07




"Path To Pele"
40x30 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
(Solid Koa Frame optional)




"Orchids"
40x30x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07

$ Original SOLD




"A Rainbow of Silk"
40x30 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
(Solid Koa Frame optional)


Interested in Hawaiian Art, Hawaiian fun food, Hawaiian food tours, Hawaiian flower tattoos, facts about Hawaii, tribal tattoos, landscapes still life portrait commissions, vintage original authentic hawaiian prints, hawaiian art prints photos posters? A lot of my Hawaiian art is done with authentic Hawaiian prints in mind to keep the old style alive. I have done other paintings directly from historic photos that can be found on my website.

I have a Squidoo lens that talks about Hawaiian travel that can be found at:

Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food click link below:
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


All images are available in giclee, posters and greeting cards. Same prices that are on my official website www.kathysart.com
Contact me through my website or through this blog if you are interested.

Aloha!

A Few Friend's at the Opening

Guest, Shan, Mailin




Auntie Beth



A Beautiful Auntie Beth, a quilt maker, in front of my painting the Ti Leaf Lei




Me



Be sure to check out my Hawaiian Squidoo:

Hawaiian Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food click link below:
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

and my ACEO (Art Cards Editions Originals) Blog

http://kathysaceo.blogspot.com

www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

"Honor"
Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07
$1300. plus shipping




"Catteya Hybrid"
Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
24x18 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
$ SOLD
Description: Known as the "Corsage Orchid", white w/ yellow center blossoms.




"Orange Star Bromelaid"
Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
18x24 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
$300. plus shipping

Description: Guzmania Lingulata, Bromelaid w/ apple green leaves, orange
florescence rosettes.


Post message here on this blog or contact me directly if you are interested in purchasing this painting, or any other painting for that matter. All of my works are available in giclee, posters or greeting cards too... just ask!

Be sure to check out my Squidoo lens at:
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


Hawaii Travel|Hawaiian Fun Food|Hawaiian Dance Posters|Hawaiian Gifts|Facts About Hawaii

I have some great gift, music and book ideas for you as well as articles about Hawaiian tattoos, Hawaiian fun food...like poi and other thoughts about living in Hawaii.


"Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono"
(The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness)

http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

Flowers and Orchids I did just to kind of round out the show with some low end items:




"Catteya Hybrid"
24x18 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
SOLD
Description: Known as the "Corsage Orchid", white w/ yellow center blossoms.


"Clown Orchid"
18x24 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
$250.

Description: Odontoglossum Grande, Yellow and brown blossoms/orchids.


Kathy

PS!......

Be sure to check out my Hawaiian Squidoo. Lots is travel ideas and interesting facts about Hawaii, along with art and gift ideas. Click the link at top or cut and paste this one here below. Blessings!

http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

Here are some more images from the series 'ke ala o Pele"

Kilauea, Perhaps the World's Most Active Volcano

All of the paintings below were inspired by a visit to Lava Tree State Monument, Pahoa, Hawaii.

My intension in doing these paintings was to show honor to the Monument as well as the power of nature, the active Volcano Kilauea and Pele, the goddess of fire who does indeed watch over the land.

Pele is a goddess of fire, lightning, dance, volcanoes and violence, a daughter of Haumea and Kane Milohai. She lives on Kīlauea.

Check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pele_(mythology)
to learn more about Pele in Hawaiian mythology.

It is an awesome thought to realize that one lives not far from an active volcano!

Kilauea is Perhaps the World's Most Active Volcano (for more info click the link at the top of the page).

Going through Lava Tree Monument is almost holy as I have written before. The forest of lava trees almost seem human and ghost like. Amazing. For this reason I used titles like "Respect' and "Honor" because that is how I felt upon seeing the wonder of the park and its statues.




"Path To Pele"
40x30 oil on canvas, completed 3/07
Solid Koa Frame




"Respect"
40x30x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07




"Honor"
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07




"Giant Ferns of Lava Tree Park"
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07





"ke ala o Pele"
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 3/07

"ke ala o Pele"

About the opening:

The dedication of my One Woman Show, "ke ala o Pele" was written on my show information handout:

"I would like to dedicate this body of work to my husband Dennis Magnusen,
Dr. Douglas Hiller, Anne Carlson, Rehab of the Pacific, Shan and Mailin Moy and Carrie Johnson.

On the back of the handout was my poem about my process of healing and what I learned about myself in that adventure of the soul.

"I Stood Inside A Rainbow"

I stumbled to find myself
wanting to be lifted
and yet
I fell to smell the earth.

I stayed there for hours
me in brown beginnings
researching the treasure
that before
I had only walked upon.

I pointed my finger
into a tiny hole.
I hoped I might discover
one thing different
I had not known before.

Alas I found myself mesmerized
as an ant climbed from its cave.
One ant, one tiny ant
a delicate treasure, and
a focus in my day.

He became like none other
I had ever seen before
because
I chose to lean my attention
sit in pause
and hear life, and its
unmistakable roar.

A reflection in a pond
beyond the ants tiny hole
I leaned to meet the journey.
Who knew a lake would open
by the magic of my own smile.

I found myself host
to a thousand tiny angels
and an afternoon of solace.
I toasted all the Universe
and from roses
I sniffed a glistening vapor of hope.

I knew thirst to touch the dew on roses
and treasure all they had to say
found comfort in their voices
as the sun met their moisture
of an ever so brilliant day.

I stood inside a rainbow
Its colors met my skin.
Stepping then outside myself
decoding past objections
I accepted miracles were calling
and stood back to watch them grow.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen




For the opening I was blessed to have Codie King, the director of Wailoa Center help me in a zillion ways. Codie took special efforts in preparing my hand outs, hung the art on the walls with a wonderful volunteer. Her son helped before the opening in setting up tables for cookies, I made my famous chocolate chip cookies of course, and punch.

Thank you dear Codie King, volunteers and friends.


Dr. Hiller came with his mother, Anne Carlson came with her husband, Shan and Mailin Moy came and of course my dear husband Dennis was there. Such dear and sweet people in my life. Carrie Johnson lives on Kauai and could not make it but I felt her love.


There was and is a quilting show going on at the same time which is upstairs. Lovely ladies who made beautiful quilts with their hearts and hands. I thought of them that evening of hours they must have spent together making their wares. So dear.

I met some lovely people during the opeing and it was a very blessed time.

I am thankful to my friends and for all those rainbows known thus far and the ones yet to come.

I will post the final paintings throughout today and tomorrow along with my thoughts about each one.

A hui hou,

Kathy

PS.. and THIS IS HAWAII


Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole 'IZ' 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' HQ

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen Art Opening Tonight

My art opening is TONIGHT! YAY!

Here below are a few of the paintings being shown. I will add more in the following days.

Fantasy Art Women | Stealing Saturn

"Orange Star Bromilead" 18x24 oil on canvas
I did 6- 18x24 flowers and orchid paintings at the last.... this is one.



"ke ala o Pele"
48x36x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas

Taken at Lava Tree Monument.

OK... I will post more tomorrow, I am off to pack up my van to set up for Friday's opening... YAY

Check out the link at the top titled Fantasy Art Women | Stealing Saturn, to see how I stole Saturn! purchase of my art can be done there also. YAY

Earth Goddess Art | Bed of Dreams Site

Earth Goddess Art | Bed of Dreams, the above link is from my main website.. check it out to see my new E-cards, purchase my art in cards, posters and giclees as well.


40x30 oil on canvas, done and waiting to be named. Hummm I will do it tomorrow.

Click the image to see it larger.

I hang the show tomorrow so took pics tonight. I also painted 6 other works in the last few days of flowers, mostly orhids. Big Island is the Orchid Isle.

OK.. tomorrow and the days following I will be posting the completed paintings.

YAY!

Free E-cards Ask Alana

I will be posting new images hopefully tomorrow. In the mean time,I just had to tell you.... kathysart.com now offers FREE E-CARDS

Through my dear friends at "Ask Alana" you can send out images of my artwork with your own message. There is a fun list of music to go along with your E-card too!

I just LOVE it! OK! Tomorrow I will be posting more finished paintings.

Aloha

"I Have Come To Know The Rain"

My Unicorn, My Legend of Pegasus and Dolphins That Fly...

The painting:


"I Have Come To Know the Rain" 40x30 oil on canvas
Kathy Ostman-Magnusen


and the poem:


"I Have Come To Know the Rain"


My unicorn, my legend of pegasus
I climb on your back
my hands reach for your mane
the voyage is set.

I bring flowers
and fairies for comfort
for when my dream feels cold.

I've come to know the rain.
It is not enough to know that I am cleansed by it.
I want to see its breath
hold its message in my hand
lest I fall on other journeys.

I suspect you keep secrets
your words have become mere noise.
I don't believe your magic
just because you scream it.

All the children that I remember visit me.
No matter they are grown
I hear them playing.
Outside there are tokens
still
sunny days to play in.
I miss their laughter.

There are interruptions everywhere
they want to be understood.
I thought they would lie down
give up
but no.
They seem to be weary
but still measuring.

I am inclined to bargain against consequences.
I hold my own image up to the light
I am not as transparent as I thought.
I feel a huge relief
and yet
I am not sure of which foot to start with next.

I will maneuver my aim
invade my own existence
initiate a standard
for taking no prisoners.
I can feel myself still standing
with somber resolve
proclaiming victory over self
but never being clear on the final outcome
none the less.

I saw dolphins fly last night
twas an unusual sight to see.
It seems they had been called upon
to gather tokens from the oceans floor
gather up the magic of a mermaids charm.

'My' mermaids I ask?
Have they left my dream?

It is raining
and yet there are a few birds singing
I sit back
sip tea
and listen for them.
They sing the only words that I can count on.

It is not enough to understand consequences
the moon tells me this is so.
I fold up all prerequisites
put them in a closet
cover them with flowers I have met
and wait
for the shelter of rainy days.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
20 March 2007

note: the title at the top, "I Have Come To Know The Rain", when clicked will bring you to my profile on My Space. The poem above along with the image is also posted on my blog there. Smile.

360.yahoo.com/kathysart22

I have finished all but one painting which I think I will complete today. I will then put each of the paintings back on the easel and give them whatever life I see that has been missed.

My feeling about the painting above which is shown in part is that her eyes are too deeply set. I am not sure yet though, I will have to study it some more. This will be the first painting I put back on the easel because of that.

I will try to take more pics over the weekend. Wow... I am getting very close to the show! Yay!

I talked to Cody King, the director of Wailoa Center yesterday about the cards and stuff. She got a new puppy! Smile! ... HUGE SMILE! Nothing cuter than a puppy or kitten.

I ordered the invitations yesterday through www.printrunner.com and worked with Colleen. My webmaster, business partner and brilliant buddy Carrie Johnson of Andarta Designs, told me she has used them and she loves the company. Actually I think that is the company we used for my "Bed of Dreams" promotional cards. The price was certainly right! Wow, after doing some compare shopping this is the place to go.

I had intended on trying to do some sculpture to add to this show. I am not sure that is going to be possible. I still have some time though. If I don't do that I am going to paint some smaller paintings, maybe 18x24 of orchids.. we'll see.

I have been adding my poetry and stories to a lot of my zillion blogs. One of them is:

360.yahoo.com/kathysart22, the url posted at the top.

Today I added some info about my friend Terri Lloyd who is doing part of a show called, PROPAGANDA III: WORLD TOUR 2007. Terri is a great email buddy and I try to support her efforts whenever I can. She does the same for me... Thanks Terri!

OK... a hui hou for today.

click my banner below for cards, posters and giclees for purchase, and sign up for my mailing list for free art gifts... YAY!

http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

detail of "Silk"




New Work: "Silk" 40x30 oil on canvas

I have a new website I would love for you to check out.

http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/


Hawaiian dancer posters | Hawaiian art prints photos posters. "Vintage original authentic hawaiian prints". Hawaiian Passion of Pele, Hawaiian goddess of the volcano. Her traditional home is Halemaumau, the fire pit of Kilauea crater on the island of Hawaii. Art work, gifts, clothing, cards and hawaiian art prints photos posters.

Hawaiian Travel ideas and stories about Hawaii. Legends, geckos, food; anything and everything I can find to share my beloved Hawaii with you.

News about my Hawaiian Series, "ke ala o Pele". I have another blog that shows the progress of this series of work. It is with respect for the Merry Monarch Festival, Hawaiian culture, Lava Tree Monument and the path of Pele that I have painted this series of work. The url to see the painting process of the series "ke ala o Pele" is:

http://www.artistwatch.blogspot.com

I am painting ten at once and describe the process on the blog above.

Aloha!


Hawaiian Art Watch|Kathysart.com|"ke ala o Pele"
http://www.squidoo.com/hawaiianartprints/

Another great site I have on Squidoo is:

Fantasy Art Woman | Beautiful Women Goddess Art|Kathysart.com
Whimsical Angel Drawings|Fantasy Art of Exotic Women|Kathysart.com
http://www.squidoo.com/kathysart/


Aloha, Kathy

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Free Gifts:
www.kathysart.com

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen Cafe Store

The painting process and more paintings waiting to be worked on.




The room is filling up with new artwork. I will keep it all out, look at them constantly and make changes as I 'feel' them needed. I feel art and because of that I know passion and a feeling of abandon as I reach inside to pull out questions that were not there before.

It is more about the emotion of it all to me. I do not paint art that goes above someones couch to say nothing. I just don't get that. If I wanted that I would go to bed.

Say nothing then... so that art will not threaten you or change your mind or cause you to think past what you felt before you saw it. No.. I would not paint at all if I was boxed in to say nothing. I could paint one single color of muted gradation or a landscape of someplace I visited once, I could... but I won't.

I want to stir things up not settle for the same cake I had last week.

I watched Chuck Close on PBS, Charlie Rose, last night. He said that he paints people without emotion. He thinks that by painting emotion a conclusion will be established by the viewer. He wants the viewer to decide on their own. While I like his work I feel what is the point?

I do feel... and emotions are right on the surface with me. I want to convey every single one.






New Work




Detail

More paintings with close ups coming. HUGE SMILE!!

PS.. I did make cake last night.. sugar high!

http://www.kathysart.com

I will post some close ups tomorrow. I am making progress.

CLICK ANY IMAGE TO SEE IT CLOSER.

ke ala o Pele

OM Gosh!!

As we double checked on the name Ala o Pele... asking those who know the Hawaiian language we found out it is not that but is:

ke ala o Pele

OK... onward right. Painting. Will try to get more pics tonight!

Blessings

Free ART at Kathysart.com CLICK HERE

This is the painting I finished today.

If there is a downside to painting ten paintings at one time.. it is that it is kind of anti-climatic when one is done. I kind of becomes a blur... OK.. NEXT. It feels like my old days of doing 120-160 mugs a day, there is never enough.

I do think that for just about anyone else who has not experienced what it is like to do assembly work that would not be true.

On the bright side however, my goal is to finish the ten and feel a sense of completion then.

I have finished another painting. I will try to take photos of the new ones tomorrow.

ONWARD! Painting is a gift that matches my passion so I do not mean to dampen the experience... I only mean to be honest.

Aloha, Kathy

www.kathysart.com FREE ART GIFTS click "HERE"

This is the finished image. The painting is 40x30x2 gallery wrap on canvas. This is the image I am going to use for my invitations for my one woman show at Wailoa Center, Hilo, Hawaii, April 6 opening. The reason I am using this image over others that are possibly more Hawaiian is because it crosses over. I will have cards left over and I want to be able to promote other jonras of art and because I love this painting.






This 48x36x2 gallery wrap painting is pretty much finished. I will look at it for a couple of weeks and then make touch ups.

Gallery wraps with 2" sides have the painting extending over the sides continuing on with the scene or image.





Both this image and the one below are still a work in progress obviously. This is the one I worked on today. It is a 40x30 oil on canvas. It will be framed in solid koa.





OK... on to finishing this one up.

Aloha, Kathy

PS.. Don't forget to sign up for my mailing list if you haven't already! You will love the gifts. I also give you great cookie recipes in my newsletter... smile.

Blessings!

Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele

Full image of this finished painting will be posted later today. New photos being taken because the other ones had too much glare. I have also completed another painting that will be posted as well. Yay.

Aloha, Kathy

Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele

Art in action, an artist's watch of the progress of this series "Ala o Pele" is coming along. I finished the second image yesterday. I will post it in its finished state today or tomorrow. I had to finish it up because it is the one I have chosen for my invitations of my show at Wailoa Center. With an opeing of April 6 and hanging on the 2nd I need to move along. I totally love how it turned out and the orchids made a wonderful touch. Big Island is know as the 'Orchid Isle" so it if totally fitting.

What I am working on today, the trees a bit, last night, and will complete the figure today I hope. If I do I will post both tomorrow, the orchid painting, titles unknown at this point, probably something Hawaiian or maybe just "Orchids".
OK... onward!

I am thinking too of making cookies today. No chocolate chips though... humm.

Aloha,

Kathy

PS Be sure to sign up for my newsletter OK? Just click my banner above or the title Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele. Mahalo nui!

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Hawaiian Painting~Art in Action

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I am on to the next phase of painting. I have made progress past these pics. I will have Denny take more today or tomorrow.

Kisses1

Eat cookies!

Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele

Here is some work in progress.. more tomorrow

Kath

www.kathysart.com

The second phase of skin tones is making me wild.. OK.. yes I have said it.

I am working on going with what I know to be right. It is so funny, you can know the right colors and stuff but it feels too harsh or as if I am making too much of a change sometimes.

I believe in being honest.. to a fault. I feel that that is what this blog is about. Hold off though.. don't be writing me with suggestions OK? I am sharing this but I am not saying I won't get it on my own.

I read that if you accept one opinion you may be able to stand on your head and please all but more.. no, impossible.

I believe that some days flow easier than others but that the instinct is always there. Confidence shifts.. ya gotta believe in yourself, not get distracted by outside vibes that mess ya up. Shut up I say to those voices. It all reminds me of an Ellen skit.. all those voices.

OK.. so some of these are keeping me awake at night. I guess doing 10 at a time is not going to change anything. I guess I will just always be that way! Sheesh!

I am off to go paint again now. I have been for the last hour or so. I usually paint for maybe 5-6 hours at a time.

Aloha, Kathy

Hawaiian Art Prints Photos Posters

I look like a woman obsessed huh? Yes, I guess I am.

I think I need chocolate... cookies or cake. Nothing like chocolate cake for breakfast huh? gotta go paint.

I worked on one of the paintings that actually did bother me enough to worry and fret over yesterday. I will post it tomorrow and write about what bothered me. I will post the 'before' image. I won't be taking photos again til I have finished all the second sessions of work on the facial tones. I havn't even posted the first session as yet. OK... onward!

Scene: Lava Tree Park, Hawaii

Model: Brina Dorser
Photograhpher: Dennis G Magnusen


The idea of this painting is the feeling of awe in touching a piece of history. Lava Tree Park feels as if it is filled with ancient spirits to me. It is very eerie.

This is the first session of flesh tones with this painting.

www.kathysart.com

This is ... I 'think' going to be my favorite when done. It is so far a toss up between this one and one other. I tend to like more edgy paintings rather than things that include landscapes so that is partly why. This is a 30x40 canvas. I LOVE doing giant faces for impact. This is just the first session of face tones, I will probably have at least couple more. The orchids will be done once I am pretty sure of the face.

Laying down really dark colors on a face like this is VERY uncomfortable at first. I fight myself over it. I know it is the right thing to do so I just say to myself... 'do it or you are going to be sorry because it will just have to be repainted to achieve what could have been done in the first place.

I lay down the colors from dark to light. I look for colors. I search out greens especially. If you look long enough you will see them.

Each one of the paintings I will be posting now will be of their first facial tone session. I do not walk away from it or let it dry, I want to be able to blend the colors. I am VERY careful not to muddy the work. This is another good reason for painting so many works at the same time. I can acknowledge that something is finished easier. I do not think I will ever paint less than 10 at a time because of this. I also have less nightmares. Painting one at a time keeps me up at night. I can't think of anything else. With 10 going at once small errors are not such a big deal. I know I will get back to them and things will be fine.

I want to add something about studio space. I have been thinking about that. I have done full series in a 500 sq.-ft. duplex before. I painted my Victorian Series in that kitchen. You can imagine how small the kitchen was if the whole place was 500 sq. ft. I will do just about anything to stay by the beach!
I have had large spaces and small spaces... NO EXCUSES not to paint...EVER!

OK.. good night!

Kathy

www.kathysart.com FREE ART GIFTS

Above is the painting I mentioned the other day that I have not shown yet. I am not a landscape painter, I just don't enjoy painting them but this is kind of different because of the location many of the photos of Brina were taken, Volcano Park.

Lots of different greens obviously. I don't premix paint at all. I choose to mix the colors every few brush strokes. I feel that pre-mixing a lump of color takes away from the spontaneity of the work. That's just me. Palette of color is shown throughout this blog.

The other pic is one of 3 paintings lined up by the framing chop saw. Sooo chic! These paintings have all had their first session with flesh tones.

I will post more tomorrow.. must make supper.

Aloha, Kathy

Kathy's Art @ www.kathysart.com

Well... I still need to take some photos of my progress. I have made a lot! In the mean time here is some into about Wailoa Center. The Director of Wailoa Center is Cody King.

About Wailoa Center:

Wailoa Center
Museum/Gallery, Hilo
Be the First to Rate It

This circular exhibition center, adjacent to Wailoa State Park, has shows by local artists that change monthly. There's also a photographic exhibit of the 1946 and 1960 tidal waves. Just in front of the center is a 12-foot-high bronze statue of King Kamehameha I, made in Italy in the late 1980s. Check out his gold Roman sandals.


Equal parts cultural center and art gallery, this place should be visited by anyone with an interest in the local art scene. Many artists show their work here in this eclectic venue. Everything from Chinese silk paintings to monkeywood carvings is featured in the changing exhibits. There's a permanent tsunami exhibit on display. The Spring Art Festival, one of Hawaii's biggest art fairs, is held here annually. The Center is located in Wailoa Park in downtown Hilo. It also functions as a visitor information center.

Be sure to check out the up and coming BONSAI EXHIBIT too in late June, early July!

An annual bonsai exhibition sponsored by the Big Island Bonsai Association in the main gallery of Wailoa Center. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Wed from noon to 4:30 pm. For more information call (808) 933-0416.


OPEN: Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 8:30-4:30, Wed. noon-4:30, Sat. 9:30-3.

Address: Pi'opi'o St. off Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI, USA
Phone: 808/933-0416

Aloha, Kathy

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen's free art gifts

I will be working on this painting today. I have another painting that I have not shown as yet. Hopefuly new photos will be taken today updating my progress on several of the paintings.

I have also decided to TRY to paint several small paintings of flowers for the show. We will see how it goes. I may be biting off more than I can chew esp. if I hope to do at least one sculpture.

Yesterday marked the end of my Physical Therapy scholarship. I thank them all so much!
I will continue to work on getting full use of my hand back on my own now. I made huge progress considering I could not even hold a pencil or a fork last April.

www.kathysart.com FREE ART GIFTS

Below are differnt elements in progress of the ten paintings I am working on. as I have written I am painting all 10 at once. I am just amazed at how much easier it feels to paint 10 at once rather than once at a time or 2-3 at a time like I normally do. I think now that I will always paint this way.

I am not working on painted the image of my model Brina Dorser, thanks to Dennis Magnusen and his great photos!

There is one more painting that I have not shown images of that I will try to photo today. It has the background almost all done so I need to get it photographed before I move on with it.

I am finding a new confidence that I did not have before my fall last April. Part of it is because I have a purpose in mind but most is because my 'comeback' is more than I had considered possible for myself. I CAN still paint and I CAN do it with more passion towards my goal than before. I find that I am often overwhelmed with the fact that a goal set is being met. It is much like physical therapy. I will to get the use of my hand back... I WILL!

Aloha, Kathy

www.kathysart.com

OK... that is all I am posting today. More tomorrow!

On the mean time if you are interested in traveling to Kauai they have some great artists and music there. Here is a Garden Island Arts Coucil update by its director Carol Yotsuda.

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OK... moving along here. I will post progress on the backgrounds tomorrow.

Are we having fun yet? Yes.

www.kathysart.com FREE ART GIFTS

I have been working on this series for a couple of weeks now. I have as I said finished all the backgrounds and am ready to move on. I am posting the images in their rough state thus far.


Bruddah Iz ~ E Ala E

www.kathysart.com FREE ART GIFTS

As I drove to physical therapy today I thought about my paintings and how far I had come from last April. I thought about the people who have helped me on my way... wow. Where would I be without those people.

As I have said I fell down a flight of stairs last April and have been trying to get full use of my hand back ever since. I have what is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. UG!

I am so thankful to Dr. Hiller and his staff who took me on, monitored me and encouraged me because I am an artist and Dr. Hiller has a soft spot in his heart for them. Such a kind and dear man.

Anne Carlson and the people at Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific. They have worked with me and helped me every step of the way when I was sure I couldn't do it. I am getting closer to my goal of recovery because of them.

Carrie Johnson... oh my gosh she is my savior on so many levels. She does my website and anything else I need for my art. More than that though she is a level head. When I write emails to her feeling like I am scattered and insecure she comes back with logical thinking and even describes pathways for me. She is my acting buddy, my soundboard and my partner in business. She is an amazing woman and I adore her.

Ahh my dear, dear friends Shan and Mailin, who came to visit me and remained friends even when I would not come out of my bedroom. I was so sure that I would not paint again. I love them for calling me and loving me anyway... wow. I love them for taking me to the Volcano Artist Studio Tour, I felt back into the art world somehow.
I needed to come out of my house. After 6 months I finally did. I cannot describe the dark hole only that I was in one.

Most of all though I thank my husband Dennis, my soul mate, my high school sweetheart and love of my life. He is in fact the most unselfish person I have ever met. He went through a lot with me, tears and fits of rage. He took care of me in body and soul. He has ALWAYS believed in me and the reasons I paint. He nags me when I need to be and strokes me when I am crazy... which perhaps it a lot! He has sacrificed so much for this life of an artist.

I thank Cody King at Wailoa Center for the show coming up... wow! A reason to paint with vigor.

Thank you Bob Hogge at Monkdogz Urban Art in New York. He called me at my sisters house in Nevada to see how I was after my fall. My show came up in New York just weeks after. He has also set up a show for me this April. Thank you Bob Hogge and Marina Hadley his business partner.

NO ONE stands alone right? We all at one time or another rely on the propping up of people who come across our pathway.

Blessings and Aloha for today. Kathy

www.kathysart.com buy cards,posters,giclees

I apologize that so many photos are blurred. I move quickly so it is just the nature of things. I must say that vanity causes me to be secretly happy about the blur! ha ha.

I have finished the background of 9 of the paintings and need to take new photos to show my progress.

I am going to block in 2 more canvases today that I had not included in my frenzy.

www.kathysart.com buy cards,posters,giclees

Art always calls for wonderful cookies, special coffee and tea. Here, because it is in fact Valentines day is my famous cookie recipe.


HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I SEND YOU RAINBOWS FROM HAWAII

and


I send you cookies!

"Kathy's Chocolate Chip Cookies"

Cream together:
1 cup 'real' butter (not margarine!)
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbl. black strap molasses
1 tsp. salt
add and blend two eggs
don't overdo this part or your cookies will turn out weird.

sift together then fold into sugar mixture:
2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp. baking soda

add and mix to above mixture:
1 cup coconut
3/4 cup old fashioned oatmeal
2 full cups chocolate chips

Bake at 325 degrees for about 12 minutes. Use only an old junkie cookie sheet... not one of the new ones, they tend to make these cookies cake. Take the cookies out 'just a hair BEFORE they are done'. Let them finish up after they come out of the oven.


Kathy @ www.kathysart.com
has FREE gifts!

www.kathysart.com for purchases

The portrait above is of "Jackie Hashimoto" It was a 18x24 oil on canvas. Giclees, posters, cards are available upon request. The original belongs to Jackie's daughters.

The reason I insert this painting here is to compare emotions.

Jackie Hasimoto had passed. I never met him. Before I started to paint him I asked his wife for more images and stories about him. I wanted to know who he was before I tried to understand how I would paint him.

At Jackie Hashimoto's funeral his family parked his truck as it had always been. It was filled with things to help people out if he drove by and saw someone in need. A throw net and fishing equipment was also inside. Jackie Hashimoto was a fisherman.

I painted the above piece in two sessions. I cried the whole time. I had felt a connection to him that was very dear. He was a kind man. In the end isn't that what we hope people will be able to say about us, that we were kind?

The connection I hope to make in this new series "Ala o Pele" is to the land and its own mind. Lava Tree Park shows the wrath of Pele, and yet the forming of new land. The Big Island is the newest island, Kauai being the oldest. The Big Island is still a work in progress, forming and having its own say on how it will develop. So amazing isn't it?

I asked my model to stand in awe before the statues of lava that Pele had left behind. The lava formations almost come to life there and I wanted to capture that. Dennis caught the moment for me on camera. I will then take those images and bring them to canvas hoping to bring the connection together and breath life into them.

I have in the past described myself as a figurative artist. I do paint that but more importantly I paint emotions. I hope to connect with this series as I did with my painting of Jackie Hashimoto. I find myself breathing out recognitions of a world I am trying to understand. It is a holy experience as I have said before.

Painting in Action ~ Hawaiian Art

Photographer: Dennis G Magnusen

Because I am painting all 10 paintings at once I have them all over the room. I am moving from one painting to the next. I am doing this for several reasons the first being to keep continuity to the series. I love the flow of doing several paintings at once. Emotions generated connect the dots so to speak. Kind of a funny thing too... it saves on paint. It should... maybe it doesn't really.

I have always loved to have every color imaginable squeezed out onto my pallet. Just when I don't I find myself longing for a certain color. I guess I do waste a lot of paint this way. It gets me there though so that is what feels important to me.

This is all very emotional.. painting. I often cry esp. if there is music that lends to feeling emotional. Ahhh emotions NOT an enemy right?

After drawing out my images on all the canvases I was overwhelmed. My beautiful model gave me insight into her heart with her photos. I hope to do them justice.

Denny caught those moments an artist hopes to see. Ahh I see it and it moves me. my young model let us see her heart and capture it on paper.

Well... I must run. I have a physical therapy appointment at 1 and want to get in some painting before I go. Last appointment I painted way too long and wound up going with paint all over my hands. Funny.

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen|www.kathysart.com

This holy experience of painting....

Photo of Lava Tree Monument State Park: http://www.instanthawaii.com

Photographer: Dennis G Magnusen


This is the first real time I have painted since I fell down a flight of stairs last April.

It is interesting to note a few things about this series and my fall.

The stairs included THIRTEEN steps. I had returned from a hike in the mountains in Garberville while visting my sister. She hikes to a certain spot each day and touches a certain rock at the top. I had touched her rock that morning. When I returned because of the flight from Hawaii the day before and the hike I was tired and perhaps a bit clumsy, thus the fall.

When I went to see how many paintings I would need at Wailoa Center State Building I counted THIRTEEN... thirteen of my large canvases would be needed.

Many of the photos were taken at "Lava Tree State Monument".

It is interesting that serendipity has caused me to paint these very significant formations of lava rock and Pele's path of wrath.

There is something VERY HAUNTING about the Monument. It feels as if life is inside each volcanic rock formation to me. I cannot help but think of the rock I touched in Garberville and the thirteen steps.


It almost feels holy.


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Info about Lava Tree Park is below. More pictures of the Monument can be found on the second website provided. The info does not make reference to Pele. I will post that in future entries because that too is significant to the paintings and the Merry Monarch Festival.


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Lava Tree State Monument Info:

http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/hawaii.html

Lava Tree State Monument
Off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road (Highway 132), 2.7 miles southeast of Pahoa.

Viewing of an excellent example of a forest of lava trees. This unusual volcanic feature is the result of a lava flow that swept through this forested area and left behind lava molds of the tree trunks. Picnicking opportunities. No drinking water.

17.1 acres

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and
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http://www.instanthawaii.com

Lava Tree State Park
Introduction

The Lava Trees in Lava Tree State Park were created in a 1790 lava flow. The flow entered the area and buried the 'Ōhi'a Trees up to 11 ft deep in molten lava. Trees that were surrounded by the molten lava cooled the lava that coated them, while the heat of the lava caused the tree to burn to ash. When nearby fissures opened and allowed the molten lava to drain away the slightly cooler lava that surrounded the trees were already starting to harden and remained above ground.

Lava Tree State Park consists of 17.1 acres of native plants, trees and many lava tree molds - most of which are still standing. A small paved trail takes the visitor around the park and is easy walking for adults and children. The park has bathrooms and three covered areas for picnics, including a barbeque pit, but no drinking water.

Getting There
The Lava Tree State Park is in the lower Puna district. To get to the park take Highway 130 towards the town of Pāhoa. Pass the first intersection that takes you into Pāhoa and at the next intersection (the intersection with a traffic light) make a left onto Pāhoa-Kapoho Road (this is also Highway 132). Follow this road for about 3 miles until you see the park on your left.

The park is open 24 hours a day, year round. There is no cost to visit the park.

Accessibility
The park has a paved parking lot and restrooms accessible from the parking lot. There is no drinking water at the park. The trail around the park is paved but is uneven and broken in places due to tree roots. The trail is not navigable through its entire length by wheelchair.

Also, heed the signs that warn you to stay on the trail. There are many dangerous, deep fissures, many hidden by vegetation.

Climate
The Lava Tree State Park is at about 500 ft above sea level. Since it is on the East side of the Big Island the weather may be wet though warm. Shorts and rubber slippers or shoes are adequate. You might want to have light rain gear in the car in cast it decides to rain.

About The Park
The Lava Tree State Park sits within the Nanawale Forest Reserve in the lower Puna district near the town of Pāhoa. While lava trees can be found in several locations on the Big Island this particular park has several excellent example as well as being very accessible. Another (even better but less accessible) example of lava trees can be found in the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Lava trees are made when molten lava coats trees in one of two ways. First, a fissure can open that sprays fountains of lava into the air. The falling lava coats trees and burns the insides out leaving a lava mold around the tree. The second way for lava trees to form is molten lava flow filling an area and then draining - leaving the rock trees behind. The Lava Tree State Park is an example of this second method of formation.

In 1790 the East Rift of the Kilauea volcano opened up and issued a huge pahoehoe lava flow. This lava flow entered a wet 'Ōhi'a Tree forest and filled it to a depth of over 11 ft in molten lava.

When the liquid lava, at 2000° F, came in contact with the cool wet trees the lava touching the trees began to cool. At the same time, the tremendous heat consumed the tree leaving a perfect mold where the tree once grew. The mold is so perfect that you can still see the imprint of the bark in the lava rock itself.

Soon after filling the area with lava a nearby fissure opened in the ground allowing all the lava in the area to drain back into the earth. Because the lava surrounding the trees had already cooled due to the temperature of the trees, the lava molds did not drain but remained as monuments to the trees that once stood in the same spot.

The park is an excellent way to see both native Hawaiian plants as well as the fascinating Lava Trees themselves. The park has three structures offering protection from rain as well as picnic benches and even a rock grill for cooking. Bathrooms are at the park entrance but there is no water available.

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen|www.kathysart.com

"Ala o Pele"

Photographer: Dennis G Magnusen

I work quickly so some images might be a tad blurred from time to time. I share the artist's frenzy. This one is pretty clear though.

The music is blasting... hope the neighbors will still like me when this series is done! Ha ha!

Setting Up the Canvas'

Hawaiian art in honor of Merry Monarch Festival.
Photographer: Dennis G Magnusen

I have blocked out 9 canvases. I am using photos taken by Dennis G Magnusen of my models. Two are 38x48 and the rest are 30x40. Some are gallery wrap so the sides are 2 inches and the paintings will extend over onto the sides. The others will be framed in solid koa. I am planning one more to add to this collection along with 3 others that are already painted using another model.

I usually block out paintings with lavender or purple. I just like it.

I will show the 10 paintings mapped out along with me painting them over the next couple of weeks and then move on to my progress with the backgrounds.

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen|www.kathysart.com

Day one of my postings. I look forward to sharing my progress.


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Upcoming shows:
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One Woman Show:

"Ala o Pele"

In Honor of Merry Monarch Festival

Wailoa Center
April 6 thru April 27, 2007
Reception for the artist
April 6, 5-7pm

Address:

200 Piopio Street
P.O. Box 936
Wailoa State Park
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

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"Damz"
Seven Women Artists From Around the World

Monkdogz Urban Art Gallery
April 26 thru June 2, 2007

Address:

547 West 27th Street
New York, NY 10001

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Ongoing:

Aloha Outpost
The New Pahoa Marketplace
Pahoa, Hawaii 96778

Makana Lani
116 Kamehameha Ave.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Wailoa Center
Cody Kings Office
200 Piopio Street
P.O. Box 936
Wailoa State Park
Hilo, Hawaii 96720




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Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Free Gifts:
http://www.kathysart.com/
kathy@kathysart.com