♥♥Kookie and I wish you Hau'oli makahiki hou!!! ♥♥

As 2009 comes to a close I find myself, as many might reflecting on this last decade. The most significant change during my personal past decade was after yearning to live in the islands most of my memories (since I was 8 years old). I finally gave away or sold most all possessions and moved to the island of Kauai to live the rest of my life! I had visited early 2000 and completed my move on Easter 2000.

These past ten years I found myself referring to this as my own personal resurrection. Living on this island during the past ten years have taught me the pure aloha nui loa(very much love) and malama pono(take good care) that Kaua'i offers.

This is truly a Paradise in the Heart of the Pacific Ocean! I endured many trials and tribulations regarding my health as well as others well being that are dear to my heart, but felt a community filled with aloha come to comfort and support in times of need and sorrow, comfort and much joy. Mahalo nui loa to all my ohana and friends who are a part of my life.

Kookie came into my life almost three years ago when I rescued him from the Human Society Shelter. He is my best buddy and a good companion. He has learned to walk on a halter and leash so he can go for adventures outside. This morning we went to the beach. He was so curious at that big water but didn't manage to leave the car. Maybe next trip. He also wants you all to know this is a non-alcohol year for him and celebrates only with non-alcoholic bubbly!

It is wonderful to enter into yet another decade. I am very grateful to my Creator! Twenty-Ten marks my SIXTH decade on this earth! January 9th I will celebrate my BIG 60 Birthday! I am very excited to see just where all the lessons will guide me for this next decade to come!

♥♥Kookie and I wish you all peace, good health and plenty aloha shared with much laughter and joy!!♥♥

♥Mele Kalikimaka♥

NTGB and WAK Winter Fine Art Festival

National Tropical Botanical Garden and Women Artists of Kauai Winter Fine Art Festival, Saturday, December 19, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Southshore Visitors Center Meadow

Visit the Gardens during December’s ‘Ohana Day and be treated to a unique display and sale of one of a kind, gallery quality art pieces, reproductions, gift items and ornaments created by some of Kauai’s most talented fine artists. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit NTBG.

This fun, family event will also feature live music by guitarist, Dr. Matthew Miller, harpist, Anela, and blues musician, Blue Dux. Savage Shrimp and Pohaku Shave Ice will be selling their tasty treats, and NTBG’s volunteer craft group, Oshibana, will be offering their hand-crafted products for purchase.

A Toys for Tots drop off box, provided by the Women Artists of Kauai, will be available under the tents. Bring a brand new, unwrapped toy, and the first twenty donations will receive a special “Holiday Mahalo Gift” from the artists.

Participating artists include Helen Turner, Rocky Riedel, Dava Shepherd, Aweepano Vivian Satow, Robin McCoy, Marionette, Anna Skaradzinska, Schar Freeman, Emily Miller, Lilian de Mello, Patrice Pendarvis, Jana Viles, and Leslie Tribolet.

Admission to the event is free. Please park in the Visitors Center parking lot. The festival will be located on the front lawn immediately to the left (west) of the main entrance gate. NTBG’s Southshore Visitors Center is located across from Spouting Horn in Poipu, at 4425 Lawai Road .

For more information contact Marionette of the Women Artists of Kauai at (808)631-9173 the National Tropical Botanical Garden Shouthshore Visitors Center at (808)742-2433. Visit their websites www.womenartistsofkauai.org and www.ntbg.org .

Women Artists of Kauai Holiday Fine Art Festival

Women Artists of Kauai Holiday Fine Art Festival and Fundraiser, Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hanapepe United Church of Christ

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with a Fine Art Festival and Fundraiser for Nana's House featuring the Women Artists of Kauai. Highlights of the festival include live Hawaiian style music by Kenny Kealoulu Keliihoomalu, painting demonstrations, one-of-a-kind pieces of art, reproductions, gift items, and ornaments. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to Nana's House which is a family support center provided by Child and Family Service, serving West Kauai.

Participating artists include Robin McCoy, Rocky Riedel, Aweepano Vivian Satow, Dava Shepherd, Anna Skaradzinska, Helen Turner, Jana Viles, Schar Freeman, Marionette, Lilian deMello,and Leslie Tribolet. Gallery quality work will be available for sale in a variety of styles and mediums including paintings, photography, jewelry, glass, clay, mixed media and more. Face Painting by Aunty Stephanie will be offered as well

Admission to this fun, family event is free. The festival will be located at the Hanapepe United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall which is right next to the Hanapepe library and across the main highway from the Hanapepe fire station.

For more information contact Marionette at 808.631.9173 or visit the Women Artists of Kauai website.

TWO For One SALE !!

Featured at my ScharArt Etsy shop is this sale which begins November 19th, 2009* and will continue through November 30th, 2009.

These little mini note pads make a great nifty-gifty addition to any gift event. OR just by themselves for a small gift to a favorite teacher, bank teller, doctor, secretary, minister, clerk, friend or family member.

I take great care in printing these mini reproductions of the paintings I have done in the last 25 years of my painting life. They are all printed with vivera inks on HP Professional Photo Paper, added to Acid Free Card stock colored paper.

Reusable note pads when one is used up just add another 100 page Post-it pad and continue enjoying a lil piece of Scharart!

Feral Kitties of Kaua'i

"Makana and Buddie" © Schar 2009

Feral cats are the 'wild' offspring of domestic cats and are primarily the result of pet owners' abandonment or failure to spay and neuter their animals, allowing them to breed uncontrolled. They are elusive and generally do not trust humans.

On Kaua'i there are thousands of feral cats. They congregate in various bushes and under trees around beach parks, hidden from most people who drive, walk or ride by.

There are many people who bring food and water to many of the colonies around this island. I tend to a colony of about 20-30 cats around the Salt Pond Park. I have been bringing food, water and love for many years. There are about four of us who care for this colony, taking shifts and making sure that these cats are fed, loved, given medical attention when necessary and neutered if needed.

This painting "Makana and Buddie" is one of my most recent watercolors that I dedicate to two of my most favorite kittie buddies. Makana is the golden one and he was around for about five years. He could not be captured to be neutered as he was so fearful of humans. Every now and then he would trust me enough to come in for a petting or a rub. He would get injured and go off to heal. Many times I would not see him for 3-4 weeks at a time and just about the time I thought he had finally gone off to die, Makana would show up, very skinny and hungry.

Makana has been gone now for over two months and this time it would be a miracle if he were to show up again. Makana in Hawaiian means the gift. Indeed he was a gift for me as I learned much about faith and hope because of him.

Buddie is one of the oldest fellas in this colony. He is very friendly and always there at feeding time but seems more interested in getting love from my strokes to his fur and my cooing voice of assurance.

I will be offering small 5" x 7" prints of this painting with all proceeds to go into a fund for these kitties food and care. If interested please leave your contact info in a comment and I will send along an announcement when the prints will be available at my Etsy shop.

Off the Grid ....A Summer Adventure

Summertime is one of my most favorite times on this island of Kaua'i. To spend a day with good friends and taking in the magnificent scenery that most folks never get the opportunity to experience is ono good!

On this day we went to a large ranch that had cattle and horses among a bounty of trees filled with fruit and flowers.
At one point the truck was completely surrounded with cattle. There was this one young bull and a huge adult bull who was as big as the truck.My favorite time was the time I spent with the horses. Mahina and Hoku were as glad to see me as I was to visit with them.

Mahina and Hoku with me

There were so many flowers growing all over and in full bloom. My friend, Frankie at one time took care of all these flowers and fruit trees.

Frankie, MR Green Fingers

There was this wonderful Kala, Taro patch in the middle of the ranch.

As we were leaving the ranch there was this wonderful scene of one lone cow, two mama mares with their new foals and two Nene geese looking out from the tall grass reminding all of us just how blessed we are to live on Kaua'i!

Mahalo's to Nelson, Carol, and my dear friend Frankie for one of the best adventures experienced this summer!

Reuse and Recycle with Artsy Post-it Notes

Artsy reusable notebooks

A few days ago while cleaning and organizing around the studio I came across photo prints of some older paintings. These were small, like about 2-3 inches squared. I thought up this use for them with the making of these handy little post-it notebooks that will add color and a flair to any work space, office or home.

Handmade with sturdy Acid Free card stock paper and recycled post-it note pads. The art print is printed on Professional photo paper. Comes in a cellophane envelope. These are compact and easy to use and reuse. Just double stick tape down another pack of sticky note when you have used up these. They make a wonderful addition to any gift giving events.

You can find these newest additions exclusively at my Etsy shop

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