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A glimpse into the life and thoughts of an artist
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 | | A Fresh Perspective Plumeria |
Our lives are made up of stories
It starts with the story of our birth, our childhood, our family of origin, our teen years, young adult, work life, home life, etc.
We tell different parts of our stories to different people, depending upon the person and the situation.
Paintings tell stories too. Sometimes the stories are clear right from the start. For example, a landscape can tell a story about the beauty of the land, of the people of that land, of a great vacation, or more.
Sometimes the stories behind my floral paintings are immediately clear to me.
Other times I have to tease the story out of the painting, asking the painting to tell me what it's about. Sometimes, I have to ask several times before I am able to "hear" what it has to say; and that's what happened with my latest painting. 
My new painting began when a couple approached me at the Hale`iwa Arts Festival in search of a painting of the Tiare flower. I didn't have one, but since I had recently painted the Plumeria flower, I felt up to the challenge.
Tiare is a form of gardenia often associated with Tahiti. It grows on shrubs with rich dark green waxy leaves. The blossoms are white with 5-9 petals and smell divine.
Shortly after the fair I saw a beautiful Tiare shrub on one of my walks and snapped several photos.
The painting has been a joy to paint; but what was the story it was telling me? I struggled to find storyline.
Clearly the Tiare flower itself is the star of the painting. The leaves and buds play supporting roles.
The Tiare is a lesser-known flower in Hawai`i, and apparently it hasn't been painted all that often lately.
Perhaps this is a painting about becoming more visible in a complex world. It could be about taking the time to find the gems hidden within us and bringing them out into the open to share with others.
Watercolors are transparent, so there is no true white watercolor paint. If white is asked for in a painting, we leave the paper untouched and allow the white of the paper become the white in the painting.
For years I have been enthralled with the vibrant colors of the islands. Because of this, I've not been known for letting the white of the paper show through in my paintings.
Maybe my recent Plumeria and Tiare paintings, those with the bright whites showing, are a signal of new stories to come.
My Tiare painting is yet untitled. If it is speaking to you, telling you a story, and a title pops into your head, please share it with me. If I use your title, I will send a print of this painting to you.
In the meantime, pay attention to the stories you are telling yourself and others. The world could use more "good" stories!
 2013 Hide-N-Seek Watercolor ClassesLearn to paint with abandon and experience the adventure of watercolor. Take my one day Hide-N-Seek watercolor workshop From 9:30-3:30 you will be surrounded by the lush beauty of the Manoa Valley and be guided to paint honu (turtles) and hibiscus. Together we will enjoy a continental breakfast & lunch, and immerse ourselves in a day of painting bliss. This might be the final workshop at the Waioli Tea Room:
Early-bird Registration Price: $145.00. Two or more individuals signing up together receive a 10% discount.
For more information or to reserve your space in one of the classes, send an email: Patrice@artofaloha.com
Here is what others have said about the classes: 
"I really had such an enjoyable experience with you at the workshop.....what fun and so relaxing and delicious too! Thanks for all your generous sharing of tips and secrets of watercolor...and of course for putting all of that together. IT was a most delightful day. Thanks again," ~ Laurel
"I just had to say just HOW much I enjoyed the class, I've been raving about it all week. I painted furiously that weekend, and my day off. Thank you for the wonderful class! Can't wait to take another!" ~ Carol
2013 Hide-N-Seek Workshop Schedule: October 19 **********
Please remember to go to www.artofaloha.com to purchase art for your home or office, for yourself or as a gift. Art lasts a lifetime. In fact, art can be passed on through generations. If the images in this newsletter spark you, please send me an email. They are not yet available on line, and I will be happy to make an exception for you! People often find my art because of YOU, mahalo nui loa! You can use the link at the bottom of this page to forward this eZine those you think would appreciate my art or my heart-felt thoughts. Or share by clicking on the Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn buttons at the top of the page. A hui hou,
PS Find my official Art of Aloha Facebook fan page HERE. Become my online fan by pressing the Like button.
"To seek greatness outside yourself is to overlook the treasure within you"
~ Alan Cohen
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 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 currently the President of the Hawai`i Watercolor Society, and teaches private lessons and workshops, as well as a class for the Honolulu Museum of Art.
"I paint with passion, live without regrets, and move joyfully forward through life."
~Patrice Federspiel
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 Patrice Federspiel
PO Box 61707
Honolulu, Hawaii 96839
(808) 392-9104
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