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The last two blog posts were about the Clearprint "Cross-Country" project I participated in. I received an email today saying my art work is now on their website along with the other 9 books. The books are not quite half full yet. They are heading out to the next crop of artists. Check out all the great art work so far from artist all around the Country. http://www.clearprintpaperco.com/#!cross-country/c1oyi

Yesterday I finished this painting for "Cross Country Clearprint". I chose this tropical scene to represent my island Maui. The Island in the background is Molokai. The little beach is a few blocks from where I live.

I recently signed up for Clearprint Cross-Country Project. Yesterday I received the Clearprint Vellum book. Here is how it works;

*Participating artists will receive two - 6x8 Clearprint Vellum Books when it is their turn to join. One book will be used in the exchange; the second will be for the artist to keep as a gift.

*Artists will be allowed 1 week to create their work once the book is received. After two weeks� time Clearprint will send notifications to the artist that they have surpassed their deadline.

*Each artist gets one page (right hand side) to create on. The artist may choose to create a work on the front of their page or utilize the front and back to create a work that can be viewed from multiple sides.

I now have one week to create my work. My next post will be the finished piece.

Charlie and I have been working hard to get our studios ready for Maui open Studio Tour. He has a lot of new photographs that will sure to please our visitors and he installed new lights to light up a dark corner this past weekend. I've painted a bunch of new miniatures and have ordered miniature frames from our local framer. They should be ready this week.

We took a break yesterday to tour some of the artists in Kula, Makawao and Pukalani. We ended up spending quite a bit of time at each location which made us run out of time to see everyone we wanted to see. Both Charlie and enjoyed discovering new places and connecting with fellow artists. Maui Open Studios, what a fun event!

On November 25 2013, I received the most amazing email, one I had to read at least ten times. The email was sent by the Senior Editor / Project Manager of Walter Foster Publishing. Here is what she wrote,

"I'm the senior editor at Walter Foster Publishing (www.walterfosterpublishing.com), a publisher of fine-art instructional books. We are currently working a book titled "The Art of Painting in Acrylic." This is a 144-page, multi-authored book in our Collector's Series. We typically split the books up into subjects and include a section on painting still lifes, portraits, etc. I came across your website last week and thought you would be a good fit for a section on painting landscapes and seascapes. Is this something that would be of interest to you? We would be looking for several step-by-step projects that beginner-to-intermediate painters can follow along. Projects are typically between 6 and 9 steps, depending on complexity or the artist's preference. You would retain all the rights to your finished artwork.

If this something that you would be interested in, I would be happy to provide you with additional details regarding the scope of the project, including payment and schedule."

I must admit, the first time I read it my first thought was "Is this for real?", "Is this some kind of clever scam?". When my mind finally excepted the fact that I was reading a real email, I began shaking with excitement. The first person I shared this with was the love of my life. In fact, I read it out loud to him, just to make sure, one more time, that it was real. Then I called my parents.

After emails back and fourth, publishing contracts read and signed and images agreed upon, I got to work on the fist of the four paintings. The image shown here is the first image chosen to use as my reference for one of the step by step paintings. All the reference photos are from my photo excursions around Maui.

Why wait to blog about this exciting news until now? Well, to be honest, I dug right in and focused 100% of my energy into producing the four paintings and writing the step by step instructions. I finished the fourth painting last week and completed the instructions a few days ago. Now I can relax and focus on my next adventure, Maui Open Studio tour.

I'll post more info regarding the book soon. But for now I'll leave you with the link to it's webpage on Walter Foster's website. The book is still in production. The publishing date is August 1, 2014.

http://www.walterfoster.com/books/book.php?id=9781600583827

I'm putting together a list for anyone interested in purchasing the book. Let me know if you want your name and email added to the list.

I just picked up my shipment of miniature stretcher frames and easels. My back stock drawer is full again and just in time. I need to get to work on stocking up for Maui Open Studios. My dad is my manufacture and supplier. He makes all my miniature stretcher frames and easels. When ever I get low or want to try a new size I just call him up and place an order. This shipment I'm excited about because I have two new sizes to work with, a 4x8 and a 3x6. I wanted to try out these new sizes out to see how well panorama miniature paintings will sell.

My miniature paintings are very popular here on Maui. I believe one of the reasons is how well these canvases and easels are made. You can't by this good a quality at any art supply store or on line art supplier. Another great selling point is the info card on the back of each canvas. My sweet partner/mate designed and prints them for me. And the last reason is how much detail I put into these tiny gems when I paint them. Each miniature painting is 100% made in the USA and each is original and unique.

Saturday night was the opening reception for Maui Open Studios. What a fantastic night it was. Over 700 people showed up to view the 57 participating artists at the event. Each artist had a small 5x5 space to set up a display of their work. Charlie and I took advantage of being set up next to each other which expanded our space to 10x5. We both had a great deal of interest for our work. Charlie's island landscape photography was well received. My "Sugar Cane Train" oil painting got a lot of attention as did the miniature paintings I had on display (two of which are in the photo).

Some of the people interested in our work didn't want to wait for our weekend ( Feb 22 & 23) to see our studios, so we invited them to come any time that was convenient for them. Which means I better start cleaning my studio today.

Gearing up for this year's Maui Open Studio Tour. This past weekend I re-hung all the art in my studio and my side of the stair well leading up to it. Charlie, my life partner and studio partner has been working on his side. I'm looking forward to the opening reception Feb 1st at the Maui Tropical Plantation. Last year over 500 people showed up for the reception I hope we get at least that many this year. http://www.mauiopenstudios.com/ this link will give you an over view of the event and maps to each artists studio. Weekend three is the weekend Charlie and I will be in.

This week I'm concentrating on painting miniatures. The image here shows 11 new ones I've done so far. Six of them I did today. I hope to double the amount by Saturday.

2013 was an amazing year. I had set high goals and achieved most of them. Including getting my work in three galleries here on Maui. Other highlights of the year were * flying to Florida for my number 2 child's wedding in May * flying to Tahoe for my number 3 child's wedding in July * new baby granddaughter born 22 of October * being voted in as President of Lahaina Arts Association (a 501(c)3 no-profit) in December and being contacted by Walter Foster Publishing in November to do 4 step by step paintings for a new book on acrylics. Needless to say, Muai has been very very good to me and I'm so excited for 2014!