Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele

Art in Action|Artists Watch|Ala o Pele

Above in a work in progress.


I am making a lot of progress with my 10 paintings done all at once. Yay!

To see photos of my progress check out the blog OK?

http://artistwatch.blogspot.com/

This is a Hawaiiana Series in honor of Merry Monarch Fest.

This is my latest blurb from that blog:

This is ... I 'think' going to be my favorite when done.(image on my blog) 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 in the face tones.

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, not overwork. 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!


ART IN ACTION BLOG for my new series and "One Woman Show':



"Ala o Pele"



April 2,2007

Wailoa Center

State Building

Hilo, Hawaii





The blog I have created showing the progress of this series is at:





Artist Watch "Ala o Pele"


http://artistwatch.blogspot.com/



I think it would be great if more artists shared art in action... yeah?



Blessings and Aloha to you all!



Kathy


Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

Free Art Gifts:

http://www.kathysart.com/

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen's Website

"Flight" 24x48 oil on canvas

"I am Unique"

I am grateful today.
I feel this day with soft eyes.
I smile at everyone I see.
There are people who can barely walk.
There are people who cannot see at all.
For me
on this day the landscape goes on forever.

People in their cars
everyone seems to know where they are going
I lost track
but I am still writing lists.

I take my sketchbook everywhere I go
one never knows
I might catch a touch of blue
or green against the soil.

I see sprinkles of laughter
from creatures I invent inside my head.
High tea served at midnight
thank you very much.
How generous of the flowers to include me.

There are signs pointing out directions
this way and that.
This way will bring you home
or that way will take you further away
if you need to run.

Well meaning people often displaced.
I am yet grateful.
My appointments bring me hope.
I am not just another flower in the garden.

I hold out my hands
see that I am different from any other.
There are people who have decided
I am worth it.
So I think maybe
despite my own declarations
and objections
that creep in from time to time
I am grateful for this soul
that is my own.

I think of all the days that I stood still
lonely
all those days that I invited sad.
all those days of my not noticing my living
wishing I was not here at all
and thinking how long?

I am grateful now.
I have grown past only feeling regret.

While I know those feelings will return
from time to time
I know happy a little better
and it is saving me.

I am less harsh on myself now
not demanding answers
or positive outcomes only.
I am in touch more in the moment
and it is safe.
Creating within
and without
finding beauty in the simple
accepting each day as it comes.
Not holding anyone to their word
we all need room for excuses.
I allow for mine.
I guess I am focusing more on possibility.
It feels like a day I can finally breathe in.
I am grateful.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen