Surviving Adolescence

A glimpse into the life and thoughts of an artist

Tumbling Pineapples

Here I am painting "Tumbling Pineapples". This is the painting in an early stage, I call "prepubescence". Fortunately it survived this and the adolescent stage, and went on to win an award in the Hawai`i Watercolor Society's Members' Exhibit.

See the entire exhibit online: http://www.hawaiiwatercolorsociety.org/hws-shows/

original pineapple sketches by Patrice A Federspiel

Would you like to know a story behind this painting?

Tumbling Pineapples was started after I had made a quick stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation on the North Shore of O`ahu.

After taking photos of all the pineapple displays and pineapple plants on the grounds, I went back to my studio to sketch out my ideas. Once the drawing was done, I covered the watercolor paper with texture and paint, and waited for it to dry.

All paintings go through what I call an adolescent stage - a time of angst when things just don't fit or feel quite "right". This piece went through its share of growing pains before settling into being the painting it is today.

But that's not the end of this story!

Tumbling Pineapples was submitted to four exhibits before it was accepted into the Hawai`i Watercolor Society's Members' Exhibit
- and then it won an award!

If I had stopped after my first, second, or even third rejections, if I hadn't kept submitting this painting to different exhibits, it never would have won anything!

The painting didn't change during the submission process. The eyes making the selection changed, along with the other images submitted to the exhibit.

Tumbling Pineapples isn't the only painting in this exhibit with a similar story... (To read more, click here)

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2013 Hide-N-Seek Watercolor Classes

If you, or someone you love, would like to learn to paint with abandon and experience the adventure

of watercolor, take my
one day Hide-N-Seek watercolor workshop

at the historic Waioli Tea Room.

From 9:30-3:30 you will be surrounded by the lush beauty of the Manoa Valley in Honolulu where you will be guided to paint honu (turtles) and hibiscus. Together we will enjoy a scrumptious continental breakfast & lunch, and immerse ourselves in a day of painting pleasure.

The next workshop is Saturday, June 15, 2013. The Early-bird Registration Price of $145.00 is good through May 31, 2013.

For more information or to reserve your space in one of the classes, send me an email: Patrice@artofaloha.com

Here is what others have said about the classes:

Beginning of a new painting by Patrice A Federspiel

"I've always wanted to paint but just didn't know how to start. Thank you for such a fun learning experience. I am excited to do more and glad I spent the extra money to get your kit. I would have been overwhelmed going into a store to find supplies. It was a fun process you took us thru so that at the end we actually had a painting. And it is so nice to have something to bring home to work on. I am inspired." ~ Laura Ohara

"What I love about the way you teach is that your approach is valuable to a beginner or more experienced student because of your ability to humanize the intimidating elements. You give valuable long-lasting tips, and best of all you leave your students feeling so inspired! You are crazy good at what you do -- lucky me!"
~ Deb Smith

2013 Hide-N-Seek Workshop Schedule:

June 15, August 17, & October 19

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Patrice painting at the Kailua Town Party

I will be painting at the Lanikai Art Fair on Saturday, May 4, from 9am-3pm!

Come see me & pick up your
FREE SeaShell Mermaid Queen
and Lacy Beginnings postcards.

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Tumbling Pineapples original watercolor © Patrice A Federspiel

order your own 8"x20" Matted Tumbling Pineapple Print $35.00 (includes shipping and a yummy recipe for my favorite Pineapple Carrot Cake!)

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A hui hou,

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"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~ Mark Twain

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Patrice painting on the floor of her studio

Born in Port Washington, WI and educated at the University of Wisconsin/Madison, island artist Patrice Federspiel first visited Hawai'i in January 2000. Within five months she had found a way to quit her job, sell her home, and move to Hawai'i to become the painter she had always dreamed of being.

Previously an oil painter, Patrice learned the joys of watercolor upon her arrival in Honolulu in June 2000. She has been painting full time ever since. It is her intention to live her "Real Life" creatively, from the inside out; and to inspire others -- through her paintings, art lessons, words, and example -- to live their lives to the fullest.

Patrice is the President of the Hawai`i Watercolor Society.

"I paint with passion, live without regrets, and move joyfully forward through life." ~Patrice Federspiel

Patrice Federspiel
PO Box 61707
Honolulu, Hawaii 96839

(808) 392-9104

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