The Other Side of Kong Mountain

"On the Other Side" © schar 2009

"On the Other Side" of the island, from where I live, there is this mountain many refer to as Kong Mountain. It is because, when viewed from the other side, Anahola side, of this view I have painted, the profile of the mountain side resembles that of the great monster Hollywood created, King Kong. The actual name is Kalalea Mountain.

Traveling the road behind Makana it quickly turns into a rough cane road. There is an old Buddhist Cemetery that sits at the base of this ridge. As my friend and I traveled on this backroad to the North side of the island from the west side I was reminded of the incredible beauty and bountiful colors of green.

Much of this landscape I took an artistic license and added the horse and tree line. It is to make of a more interesting landscape of the two things I hold dear to me; horses and the green green mountains of this island of Kaua'i.

This painting is available for purchase at my Etsy shop.

Gone TO The Beach!!!

"Two Birds One Palm" © schar 2009

Hard to imagine that life can get so busy and an amazing amount of time rushes by. I apologize to all my followers for not blogging for over a month.

I have been completing and beginning many paintings. These are two of my latest ACEO watercolor favorites to share. I have just listed the originals at my Etsy Store.

"Two Bird Island"

You can also consider them in a larger format giclee at my FineArtAmerica Gallery

Finding inspiration by going to the beach almost everyday is a blessing indeed!

Mud Wahine and Other Creatures of Kauai

"Mud Wahine" © schar 2009

Traveling to the west on the island of Kaua'i , there is a special place at Salt Pond's Park. Visitors from around the world have discovered the healing properties of this very special salty mud. Early in the morning, at very low tide, you might find that special patch of Grey-green mud or discover your own Mud Wahine of the west.

"Moa Gathering" © schar 2009

One of the most popular creatures of Kaua'i are our jungle fowl. They are everywhere you look. They crow whenever they choose and they eat many of the destructive insects that would eventually eat our island away, like termites, cockroaches and most troubling ANTS. There is absolutely no predator for the jungle fowl of Kaua'i. There are no snakes or mongoose on this island either. Most everyone living on the island relish these fowls as we know they benefit our environment.

Sleeping Hawaiian Monk Seal © schar 2009

One of the most endangered ocean mammal of the world lives on our Hawaiian Islands. It is the beautiful Hawaiian Monk Seal. Some estimates are barely 1,000 of them are left. Hawaiian Monk Seals haul out of the ocean to sleep on our beaches. Many beaches will have them roped off with signs and yellow rope in a protected area. If not disturbed they will sleep for 12 hours. It is very important when visiting our island to be most aware while in the ocean as well as walking on the beach. Most times a shinny wet monk seal resembles the boulders and rocks it will haul out to. NEVER approach a Hawaiian Monk Seal on the beach or in the water.

Hawaiian State Bird the Nene © schar 2009

The Nene are magnificent birds and can be found mostly in the mountains of Kokee. These are also protected and should not be disturbed. One of the best places to see them is up at the Kokee Museum early in the morning when they feed in the meadows there.

"Tethered Horse" © schar 2009

Another creature common to this island is the horse. On this island many people tether their horses along the side of the road and in fields without fencing. This is a common practice especially on the west side of the island. They are cared for and not neglected, so when you come across one do not be too concerned as they are use to spending their life like this.

Sea Dance

"Winter Blues" © schar 2003

I came to

whirl footsteps
at your edge
welcome windless
waters that rise
to release this
blueness
of longing.

Oceans gentle
sounds undulate,
tumble pebbles
gurgling laughter
calls my name.

Memories linger
like sea foam
quietude on sands
of continuance.

As tide peaks,
turn and churns
gliding footsteps
imprinted in sand -
return.

© scharCbear 2009

IMAGINE

She imagined she would find

black feathered woman

heard her caw under

amber red dawn as she

took flight over Oak tree

tartan green canopies.

Followed as she soared

over mountain peaks

lassoes high noon rays

glistening off blue-black wings

like mirrors in cerulean blue sky.

Watched her land in

sheltered shadows of tall pines,

cooling tussled feathers

from hot summer sun.

Soared with her

as twilight guided her home

to remain nestled

in Giant Sequoia dreams

redwood scented, rich

and moisten with the night.

© 2004~09 scharCbear

ETSY DAY!! Hooray!!

Today is the day to tell the world about Etsy! Etsy is the place to shop for anything handmade, original art, vintage and supplies. If you have not visited Etsy then many of us at Etsy hope you will come by and discover THE place to shop for special gifts for that special someone in your life.

My Etsy shop is here. You will find fabulous original paintings, ArtMagnets, ACEO's , cards and prints, from my original paintings.

Here are some of my friends with fantastic gifts ideas for you to visit :
Kauai Artist Sosorosey Island Dream Life Genuine Article Jessi Jewels Lewesia Glass Celtic Knot

Happy shopping at the world of ETSY!!

Found Treasures

"Mango Man"© Schar 2000

This morning is Easter and time for reflection upon the meaning of resurrection. After my morning prayers and welcoming of the sun rising to a new day I went to work. My personal meaning was to resurrect , bring something back into use with some of my creative past. I decided to take to going through some real old diskettes(remember these?) of files. I found some early paintings, sketches and poetry from journals to share."Hot Chocolate Goddess" © Schar 1990

"Hot Chocolate Goddess" I first drew in colored pencils a short time after my Grandmother past away with cancer in 1986. The painting above is oils on canvas.

Grandmother would always have a hot cup of Mexican chocolate for me if every I had a sad look upon my face or was jumping for joy. The last time I saw her she was very ill but had led on to not one person. She was sitting at her place in her kitchen, appearing to be praying over her cup of chocolate, and I saw what I recognized as her vision of her Mother Mary. Grandmothers name was Mary, my Mother Mary as she raised me much of my early years.

"Kosee" © Schar 1994

"Kosee" is a pen and ink with colored pencil sketch of my greatest dog who owned me once. He was a chocolate Lab and loved the water and watching me paint or draw. He was my most constant companion for over 6 years until I made my move to the island of Kauai.

"Salmon Bear" © Schar 1993

"Salmon Bear" was painted and given to my youngest son. It is oil on canvas and was a style I painted in for a couple of years in the early 90's. I hold a direct connection with bear as I was given the name "Strong Hearted Bear Woman" early in life. May your Easter bring many blessings of renewal and wonderment!

Painting a Winner

I tend to be the type of painter that feeds on first creating an image in my mind or during dream time. Using real time , real life events and elements. A painting might be born in a title first, or come from a theme for a specific show. The following painting , "Listen to the Orchids Sasha" took work and the concept evolved to solve specific composition challenges.

For this painting, my first ideas came about when I visited my son and daughter-n-law this last Christmas. My grandchildren are grandkitties! Two beautiful "temple" cats, Puppy and his sister Sasha. I told my son that I wanted to paint Sasha for his Birthday painting this year.
This painting quickly evolved into one for the theme of an upcoming show, "Orchid Fantasy", to be held during our town, Hanapepe Orchid Festival, March 27-28, 2009. So I wanted to have orchids in the painting. I was attempting to create a lei (necklace) of orchids. Took the above painting to another artist friend, Marionette, for some critique because I wasn't satisfied with the composition and needed her eye. She mentioned that the orchids around the border were a distraction and I agreed.

Fortunately painting with acrylics is very forgiving. I painted out about half the orchids. I thought of adding a butterfly. I also decided to have Sasha cat-napping with eyes closed, rather then looking out with her intense stare. Make it like she was listening to what the orchids might have to say.


I quickly decided that the butterfly wasn't going to work for this particular painting. So I painted it out too. IT took a few days of looking at the painting and figuring out what I needed to add to balance and complete this painting. I started three other paintings during this time but still had this one to mull over the composition and bring it to completion.

I added some green leaves of orchids to pull the composition into balance. Finally satisfied with the composition through its many evolutions I entered the painting into the show. "Listen to the Orchids Sasha" received an award for the "Orchid Fantasy" show.

"Listen to the Orchids Sasha" © Schar 2009

click on image or title for link to purchase or see larger image at FineArtAmerica

It was very thrilling to go up to a stage after having my name and award announced in front of hundreds of people and then to have congratulations hugs from many. But the most memorable moment was when my friend Marionette told me , " you worked hard on that painting and deserved the award". I realized that often as an artist, I forget the process of making a vision evolve and work, and honoring the dedication it then takes to complete a painting rather then stack it away for a later day in storage. I also realized just how important it is to go to a fellow artist, putting ourselves out there and ask for a critique. Mahalo nui loa, Marionette, for your critical eyes, good heart and guiding words for this painting!

Tropical Spring!

Tis Spring! Handel is playing in the background and images in twenty-four shades of green dance in my mind. Spring is the season most of the world emerges from the darkened days of Winter. Spring is the reason to come alive and move our life outside. Notice all those things around us that are rejoicing the ret urn of Spring. Move in the light of the sun, run from the rain.

It has been nearly ten years sin c e I first came to the islands to live all year round. I had visited each "season" over 30 years and was o ften told there are only two seasons on the island. The "rainy season "and "trade wind season". As for Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, and having four distinctive times of climate and light change, on the island there are two distinct times. Months of enormous downpours and months with gentle whirling winds that cool from the intense Tropical sun.

As an artist , I have discovered that indeed there are four seasons here as well. Not so definitive, but more subtle and requiring discerned observation. Spring on Kaua'i there are many trees coming into florecent green with new growth and promises. The Monkeypod tree with its constant canopy of shelter for song birds. The Mango filled with yellow blossoms soon to be bursting fruit.

Many birds are singing in a crisper voice and longer songs. The Jungle fowl are quieter because of the rains that rush over with intense downpours. They duck under, huddled down to protect themselves, rather then chime away in there joyful crowing. The Java Sparrows are teaching the young to fly and scour for food. My yard is filled with their constant chattering back and forth as they flock and feed.

The rain adds a magical timbre upon my roof today. A methodical rhythm of water running surfaces, feeding the green, fueling my creativity. May you find your magical timbre of the season and reason to look around and be a part of the beauty that surrounds you!

Take A Walk With Me

Nothing thrills me more than to watch the morning sun appear. Especially when I am at the ocean's edge and my favorite place to take my morning walk.

During my walk this morning it was cloudy but I thought, hey in the world of cyberspace, anything goes and I can create a day of sunshine and rainbows for all to share. So here are some of the places and views I get to experience each and every day while I exercise and breathe in the fresh, clean ocean breeze.

May your day be filled with hope, health and a cleared mind to take on anything that will come your way!

MUSIC IN MOTION

"Hush"© Kristen Evans

I belong to this fabulous group of Women artist marketing art online, World Wide Women Artist Online-WWAO. We circle the world with our creativity and fantastic images of how we see our world from many ways. Every month we have a themed exhibition that one woman hosts and designs. There is usually a theme. The theme for the March show is "Music in Motion", hosted by Kristen Evans of Stillheart Studios.

With the Wind© Jean Hood

Mahalo Kristen for doing a fantastic job with this beautiful exhibition of many women artist from around the world wide web of life!!!

First Fine Art America Contest

Fine Art America is a fantastic place for artist. It is not only a high quality print on demand center of excellent quality reproductions of your art, FAA is a great community and network of artist, galleries and art collectors world wide. There is no fee to join and you will not be inindated with uninteresting email spams.

7x7 Generations ©schar freeman

Fine Art America is conducting it's First Fine Art America Contest and I have one piece, 7X7 Generations which is enter and awaiting your vote. Just click on the painting or the title and the link will take you to voting.

You may vote for more than one painting and I am also excited to let all know that my very good friend and wonderful Kauai artist Marionette also has a piece in for voting, NaPali

"NaPali" ©Marionette Tabanoir

Blog Featured

Awoke this morning to find my etsy shop ScharArt is featured at a fellow artists blog: Original art by Jordanka Yaretz. Jordanka and I are members of WorldwideWomenArtistOnline .

Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) Jordanka for your support and encouragement!!!

Mahalo nui loa for all the artists who support one another. It is important to network and weave a vital web between us. I am soon to feature some of the many artists friends and connections that have developed throughout the years. One a week will be spotlighted!

♥PAINT ON artists!!!!

Featured in Chic Galleria

Palm Thoughts III © schar 2008

There is this place in the world wide web that is hoppin' and poppin'. It is a "go-to magazine for all personal care, beauty, and fashion related must haves." Chic Galleria is a very 'chic' place for any chic to gather information. Chic Galleria offers great picks and suggestions on just about any interest a woman could have. Not only was I surprised but I was so honored when Beth Anderson, Editor-n-chief of Chic Galleria Publications contacted me wanting to "feature me as an artist".

Here is the interview published:Hawaiian Artist Inspired By Island's Bold Colors

"Mango Mama"

"Mango Mama"

This is my newest addition to ScharArt's Art Magnets. "Mango Mama" will bring a smile to anyone's face. She represents warmth, compassion,sweet taste and aloha! She represents my island valentine....pure aloha!