Salt Pond Kitties

"Bootsie" Sentinel of Salt Pond
click on photos to enlarge

There is an overwhelming population of feral cats on this little island in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. How to remedy this situation is beyond my concept at this point. For the last seven years I have been one of the committed feeders of two colonies located at the edges of Salt Pond Park on Kauai.

There is the morning feeder, Dorothy whom has been feeding these kitties for over thirteen years. She willing shares that there are several kitties that are ten years or older...the "originals" she fondly refers to. She has them all named. Dorothy is in her 70's.

"Mama Pinkie" over 10 yrs old

Tom and Debbie share the evening feeding with myself. They also are the couple responsible for catching and releasing hundreds of kitties for the last four years. After the kitties have been spayed by our Human Society, who donate the cages and traps to catch them , they then donate Veterinary services for neutering these feral kitties. After caring for them during recovery, Debbie and Tom release them back into the colony.

The population with this colony was working well, as we all managed to keep the colony numbers right around 20 kitties. Then about four months ago, people started dumping not one or two kitties, but LITTERS and pregnant mama kitties.

The colony quickly grew to over 40 kitties with half not neutered. Debbie and Tom worked diligently capturing dozens to have neutered. The ear is clipped as to recognize those ones fixed. They were both warriors of the evening, gathering up as many as four at a time to take to the Human Society for their alteration, and care for them over night and release back to the colony the next day. Mahalo nui loa Tom and Debbie for your LOVE and caring of these kitties!

"Georgie and Tuffy"

A couple of weeks ago this all began to change. An emotional solution was unfolding. The Salt Makers of Hanapepe posted this.

This is what I drove up to for the evening feeding. Kitties in a disarray of confusion. All dishes and containers of water were removed. All shelters and palettes-gone too!

A gathering of folks involved met with the Human Society and it was decided we had to remove the entire colony, stop feeding and capture to bring to the Human Society. Because many of these kitties had been in the colony for several years they were tame. so maybe for some it could mean adoption, but, sadly for most, it means an end to their life.

There is not one solution to this growing problem. Feral cats and feral chickens are a part of this island. People need to be more responsible for their actions with the animals they have and do not want. Dumping an animal is punishable with a $500 fine. IT takes only a minimum of $5 to have your animals spayed at the Human Society.

IN MEMORY OF
Big Boy Samba
1995-2010

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!

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

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!

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!