News from the Studio
February 13, 2010
I really love to paint in pastels, but every once in awhile you have to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Recently, while cruising the arts and crafts department of a local store, I came across a huge canvas sale! I couldn't help myself and loaded up on,what I call, manageable sizes.When I lived in New york, MANY moons ago, oils were my medium of choice and I did still lifes and landscapes to my hearts content.I still have my ancient oil box and brushes and the rest just sort of came back to me! It is fun to mix colors and using brushes again.I haven't stopped using pastels, on the contrary, I've started an ambitious series of chinatown scenes, and back to the countryside with my fearless plein air companions! I will be selling my" baby oils" on Kauai and possibly on my etsy shop, check if I've posted them! Meanwhile, Happy Valentine's Day!
Sincerely, Helen
February 03, 2010
Well I do have some news this month!I now have my pastel paintings on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island in the Clarissa Passos Gallery.A home for my "market people" and still-lifes! If you visit the island of Hawaii, don't miss the prettiest side of the island and stop by and say hello!
Years ago in New York I was an avid oil painter and this past week I dove into the oil box again! It had so much fun mixing paint, I did a few 5x7 seascapes and will be adding more to my collection. I also opened a shop on Etsy which may host those "baby oils".Right now I'mshipping off purchases and looking forward to spring!
Sincerely, Helen
January 19, 2010
Funny how people meet from halfway around the world and find out they share something in common! That's how I met the owner of Aloha Images in Kapa'a. This is a new location for me, after Davisonarts closed, I needed a new eastside gallery and by a chance comment on an internet newspaper story, I found my new home!Visit Ray on mainstreet Kapa'a and check out the eye candy!
Sincerely, Helen
December 30, 2009
Rejoice in the New Year, be merry, be positive, be the best you can be! That's my resolution and I hope you will find that it works for you too! I've had a wonderful year of sales, shows, new friends and experiences and I thank all my patrons and patroness's! Even though I'm without an upcoming event at the moment, I will be on the lookout for an opportunity to spread the gift of color!
Sincerely,
Helen
December 09, 2009
The company I made my book "Pastels of Kauai", as seen in the badge below, has offered a discount on this hardcover book. To order and receive your ten dollars off, just click on the book and put GREATGIFT in the coupon code!
November 27, 2009
My newest notecard sets available through my website are "People" and "Trees". I don't have a thumbnail image of them posted but I can share with you what I've got in them! "People" are eight of my favorite people in the landscape paintings from Dragon Parade to Love and Fishing.For reference, check out my people category in artwork. Trees is self explanatory and has eight of my favorite tree paintings, it was a year of contemplative trees for me!
I've also got lasers of all my images and some adorable miniature paintings that must be seen!
I'll be at the Hanapepe Church of Christ on Saturday November 28 for a fundraiser for Nana's House with all my paintings, prints and cards. I will also be doing a pastel demonstration at this event and also will be at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Lawai on December 19 with the Women Artists of Kauai. Hope to see you there!
Sincerely, Helen
November 17, 2009
With the Holidaus approaching fast, it's time to put things in perspective as an artist, and that's what our little group of Women artists on Kauai are trying to do. WAK is hosting two fundraisers to support some worthy causes here on our own little piece of terra firma called Kauai. The first is in Hanapepe on Nov. 28, where we will be donating part of the proceeds of our fine art sales to a rehabilatation Center in Waimea, and the second is Dec. 19, a fundraiser to support our botanical gardens research center. When we wonder why we paint, and can't seem to find a reason other then because we love it, then it's time to turn it into something good, spread the love, and continue to grow in art,friendship and community awareness!
in other news! "Pier Pleasure 2" won the Juror's Merit Award in the PAH 2009 Show.
November 17, 2009
With the Holidays approaching fast, it's time to put things in perspective as an artist, and that's what our little group of Women artists on Kauai are trying to do. WAK is hosting two fundraisers to support some worthy causes here on our own little piece of terra firma called Kauai. The first is in Hanapepe on Nov. 28, where we will be donating part of the proceeds of our fine art sales to a rehabilatation Center in Waimea, and the second is Dec. 19, a fundraiser to support our botanical gardens research center. When we wonder why we paint, and can't seem to find a reason other then because we love it, then it's time to turn it into something good, spread the love, and continue to grow in art,friendship and community awareness!
In other news, "Pier Pleasure 2" won the Juror's Merit Award in the PAH 2009 Show!
October 15, 2009
How did fall arrive without me noticing it? Well, it helps when you live in Hawaii!With all the bad economic news everywhere and the uncertainty of our world, all we can do is continue to do what we have been doing and hope for the best, with the addition of new ways to attract people to our creations. I've been working on a series of "miniature" paintings of Kauai that are affordable,portable and irresistable! The Women Artists of Kauai will be having several fund raising sales around the island and I'll be there doing some demonstrations and selling my minis,notecards and other pastel paintings. The Pastel Artists of Hawaii's 6th Annual Show is under way also! Wish me luck!!!
Sincerely Helen
September 17, 2009
This is an apology blog! We just realized that our inquiry or contact mail has not been coming through! To anyone who has attempted to contact me about anything, please accept my humble apologies and forgive me. I hope you will try again since I am almost always available via e-mail.
Sincerely, Helen
September 14, 2009
As the days countdown to my reception at the Kauai Museum, I am getting all my loose ends tied up,preparing for my two and a half hours of fame! This is a show of some of my favorite landscapes I've painted and I can't wait to see people's reaction to them. Yes,I like a good "OOOH" or "Ahhhh" as much as the next artist, and after all, a show is for sharing your hardwork and passion.I've restricted my show to 30 pastels, that was a challenge for the Mezzanine Gallery, but they're all little gems and I think they hang quite nicely together.This reception will be a fun, friend-filled event and I hope to make a few new friends too.To anyone who can take a flight to Kauai for my exhibit, the show runs from Sept.24-November 20. For those who'd rather not fly, my book "Pastels of Kauai" has all the show paintings in it plus some others!!
Aloha, Helen
August 19, 2009
Well that's another thing I can cross off my list! I've got my own art book!This was an immensely fun project that I intended to accompany my solo show at the Kauai Museum in September. Alas most of my family is spread over the continental U.S. and won't be able to share a wild night(artist's receptions are fun!)of flowers and food and art lovers, so...I put together a little tour of Kauai via my paintings!I will have the link available to my print on demand publisher if you'd like to preview it, or send to someone who really needs a hawaiian vacation but can't go right now!! Enjoy!
Sincerely, Helen
July 08, 2009
Well, just a short hop, to Oahu, for the invitational show,"The Rhythms of Nature" a plein aire show at the Pauahi Tower in Honolulu.
I think the hardest part about this show was deciding which pieces to enter!I've selected five sketches of my garden isle to represent Kauai, from Waimea to Anini, done in the field.These paintings are each a "one of a kind" in that the weather and light will never be the same from one day to the next.I hope to have some time to paint on Oahu's north shore and of course some free time absorbing a different island and it's beauty, maybe get back to China Town!
Sincerely, Helen
June 21, 2009
I have a new gallery in Hanapepe representing my pastels on Kauai, the Puka Gallery. Located at the very beginning of historic Hanapepe, it's a delightful, spot to find a treasure. Drop by to say hello to Anna,owner of the Puka Gallery and Boutique, and tell her Helen sent you!
Our Women Artists of
Kauai first event at the Botanical Gardens in Poipu was a great success, we all made a few new friends and a lot of tried and true friends came by also.
Right now I'm getting ready for the Pauahi Tower plein aire show and hope I still have some left by July 11. Oh well, I'll just have to go out and paint some more!!
Sincerely, Helen
May 27, 2009
Okay I admit it's a lot easier to paint "en plein air" at the beach because I don't have to set up my french easel! Now that we're experiencing bright spring days, I've been out and about, trying to squeeze in as many quick sketches as I can before school gets out. The more I do it, the more selective I get with my locations and I'm actually lugging out the Julian easel again. It is a wooden monster, with rusted hardware my husband bought me for Mother's Day years ago, and since then I've neglected it for watercolor easels and folding tables, and blankets on the ground!Of course there are places where you need an elevation, and also somewhere to rest your pastels, and carrying a stool and table plus supplies can be exhausting before the sun even starts to cook your brain! Now that sounds extreme, but any dedicated field painter knows about the physicality of outdoor interpretation!! So if you see me out there painting with my wooden julian, stop by and say hello, I might ask you if you have a pair of pliers!
Aloha, Helen
April 05, 2009
Spring is here, I think....and it's time to shake things up! The newly redesigned website is finally up and running!There comes a time when you have to put your best foot forward and march even though the road may be a little rocky, and with my friend Em's expertise, we have come up with something that is practical and lovely.The "shop" page will have my notecard sets, laser and giclee reproductions listed and I may have a few more surprises to add. As far as Easy Living Jazz duet, we have moved to our own web site www.easylivingjazz.com , which is almost ready.The spring juried shows are almost upon us so I will be writing again soon with more news, until then, enjoy the new season!
aloha, Helen
February 27, 2009
What a winter!The weather has been challenging for painting in the field to say the least, but it hasn't stopped me! My friend Em and I perched on the edge of Waimea Canyon for some rainbow quick sketches, and I flew to Oahu to paint on the eastside in between rain squalls and still came home with a few plein air beauties.The trend is set and now I have to show what I've been doing out there!At the end of March, Kauai's Women in Theatre will be doing a play about an artist and they asked me to exhibit my plein air paintings in the lobby of Kauai Community College for the duration of the production.If you're on island the last two weekends of March, come by and see the play and visit me! I'll be there selling paintings, notecards and reproductions.There is also an exhibit in the works for Oahu, of plein air artists from around the state at Pauahi Tower in Honolulu.
Meanwhile, when I can't get away I'm working in my studio getting ready for my solo show in September and the society shows, so much to do!!
Spring is coming!
Sincerely, Helen
December 20, 2008
Aloha all, wishing you a very Merry Christmas(or Mele Kalikimaka)from Kauai! We've been having a little weather, like the whole world it seems, lots of rain and more to come! For some reason that's when I feel like painting hot and sunny beaches! The Kauai Society of Arts Small Works Show is up in Kukui Grove and one of my pastels, "Hanalei Surfer" aka "Thinking Place" won an Honorable Mention.I've been mailing out notecard sets and giclee prints to customers for Christmas presents and my "en plein air" studies have been a popular gift item also.Easy Living Jazz has been putting visitors and locals in the holiday spirit at the Hukilau Lanai on Tuesday nights and will groove into the New Year on the 31st from 6:30 to 9:30. Let's keep positive and hopeful for 2009 and remember art is what keeps us civilized!!!
Sincerely,
Helen
November 15, 2008
This is really going to be an amazing year for everyone in one way or another! Changes and more changes!I've been having great fun painting people in the landscape, painting "en plein air" and just plain making art! The Pastel Artists of Hawaii awarded me two Honorable Mentions, I was part of a beautiful juried West Coast Pastelists Show and our own island's Art Kauai.The Small Works Show with the Kauai society of the Arts is coming up on Dec. 13, and I plan on entering my "little people". I also have a new venue for six months at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Kapaa,Kauai, where I'll have a selection of florals and a few landscapes for sale. I have also been selling well in my local galleries and decided to update this website!I'm moving forward to be able to accept on-line payment, and put Easy Living Jazz on a separate URL.For the holidays, there is ELJ's Christmas selections and a new "Lotsa Latin" CD. In the meantime, keep moving forward, do what you love, and trust in God to open the right door!
Sincerely, Helen
September 19, 2008
This fall brings the juried show season, and I'm off to a good start! I have "Oama Fishing" in the West Coast Pastel Society's membership show, juried by George Rivera,and "Out of the Woods" and "Leaves on a Blur Picnic Table" in our Hawaii State show on Kauai. The Pastel Artists of Hawaii's show, juried by Greg Biolchini, hasn't been juried yet, and I'm waiting with anticipation! Meanwhile those collectors of my work have been steadfast in their support, and I'm grateful in these uncertain times. No matter what the future brings, those of us with the drive to create will continue to make art, this is what makes us strong and gives beauty and meaning to the human existance!
Sincerely, Helen
August 12, 2008
When you really need to unwind, go camping! That's my family's new motto! We took our show into the wild, so to speak, and had a few days of peace and togetherness. Of course I brought my camera and pastels and came home with some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets as a bonus!
I've been painting alot to get ready for the upcoming juried shows in the fall, hopefully my new works will be chosen! Take some time to enjoy the season of sun and sand, and if you come to Kauai, look me up for an outdoor painting experience!
Sincerely, Helen
April 26, 2008
It's nice to get away from the daily routine and get back to where you once belonged, as the Beatles used to say! April was beautiful in my old hometown, blue skies and the promise of a long summer. I didn't take my pastels but brought my camera and hope to do a few landscapes to keep me remembering my family and friends from the Atlantic side of the world. Easy Living Jazz has two new CD's for sale. More classic jazz and a mixture of contemporary and mellow latin grooves. We are always adding new music to our repertoire so come hear us live at the Hukilau Lanai in Kapaa.
Sincerely,
Helen
March 09, 2008
Kauai is warming up for a beautiful spring here on the eastside! I've been out and about with camera and easel, working through the ever changing light conditions of the lengthening days. In exhition news, I have been awarded an Honorable Mention for my pastel "Jumping Off the Pier" at the KSA membership Show which is on display in Kukui Grove until April 18.
From the studio: If you come to Kauai, don't hesitate to call me and set up an appointment for a studio tour or a private lesson!
Sincerely, Helen Turner
February 24, 2008
It's spring on Kauai,the wet weather is leaving us for awhile and letting us come out and play! I've been painting en plein air more and more, roaming far and wide to capture life as it happens! I've really had some fun painting figures lately, I find as long as they don't see me shooting them with my camera, I can catch my fellow islanders being themselves and enjoying our beautiful waters.
In other news, it's another round of national juried shows to enter! I'm going for some big ones, wish me luck! Our local KSA membership show opens March 8, and I have four pastels in the AHA show at the Honolulu Country Club until the 16th of March. Get out and enjoy the sun!
Sincerely, Helen
January 01, 2008
The end of 2007 brought one more honor at the Small Works Show, juried by Pegge Hopper on Kauai. "Chill Coconut Man" won the Potraits of Hawaii Award for the Kauai Society of Artists last show of the season! This was a real surprise and boost for my pastels of "real people" around the islands.This award gives me incentive to keep pushing myself to go beyond the comfort of scenics and into the heart of painting what intrigues me, whether it's a still life,everyday people or this beautiful world we live in!
Happy New Year!
Sincerely, Helen
December 03, 2007
It's time for celebrating everything! Being alive, friends, family,and gifts that bring joy to others are what I have to be thankful for. Yes, I'm enjoying this season of celebration by having a gathering at Roy's Restaurant in Poipu! I thought I'd throw myself a party and give some goodies away and share some great music with old and new friends.Jeff will be playing and then Easy Living Jazz will perform some of our Christmas CD selections. I'm planning on sweetening up the crowd with cookies and cocoa and door prizes of Turner stuff.December 16th is a Sunday, 2-4, please come and celebrate with me!
Sincerely, Helen
September 25, 2007
All kinds of good things keep happening this month! The first was being accepted into a National Pastel Show in New Mexico. All three of the pieces I entered were accepted: " Oama Fishing","Cane Fire in Hanapepe" and "Study in Rust". Now the hard part, shipping and waiting to hear any further news.
On Kauai, our annual Art Kauai had it's juried show and my entry "Retirement" won two awards, an Honorable Mention and the Aquisition Award from the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. This means I will be part of the States permanent collection in Oahu!
I must keep painting now, it's expected of me!!
Sincerely, Helen
August 03, 2007
Aloha! I've got a brand new collection of pastels on exhibit at Roy's Restaurant in Poipu, Kauai!I've got a nice long show from August 5 to January 5, 2008 so if anyone is coming over to visit, please treat yourself to a wonderful meal and gaze! I've got a few figures in this one, and of course our awesome scenery inspires landscapes and seascapes also. I can't help it I must paint!
Sincerely, Helen
June 10, 2007
The Pastel Artists of Hawaii's 4th Annual Juried Show in Honolulu has chosen my pastel "Where the River Meets the Sea" as the Best of Show! I am so proud to have achieved this award for two consecutive years, I am humbled and honored. This pastel was one I had that feeling about,a sense of peace when you finish that makes you believe you are just an instrument of art.
Thanks to all of my collectors and friends who keep me painting daily!
P.S. A special prayer for Greg Biolchini who is recovering from a car accident! We missed you here and hope you're able to come back soon!
Sincerely, Helen
April 18, 2007
Is it spring yet? We're all tired of being sick and ready for plein air paint outs!My latest fixation is doing figures in the landscape, capturing my Kauaian neighbors doing what they do best.It's kind of challenging to stalk around with my camera, trying to be casual and snapping off photos. People view me as just another tourist and that's just fine with me! Sometimes I have to get close enough to ask if it's okay to photograph them and then I've lost the spontaneity, oh well, it's all good!These new pastels might give you a little scale to judge the scenery by. Hope you like my latest works!
Sincerely, Helen
p.s."Study in Rust" got an Honorable Mention in the Kauai Society of Artists Members show
January 10, 2007
February 9-22 are the dates for my solo exhibit of over 37 new pastels at Amy Lauren's Gallery in Hanapepe, Kauai.This show, entitled "When you live on an island...Life's a Beach", celebrates the most beautiful shores on our little Pacific Island from Haena to Polihale. This was great fun to put together, sunset barbeques, early morning rambles and boat trips along the breathtaking Na Pali Coast all contributed to the making of these paintings.I love the sea and I find whether you own a vacation home or live and work here in Hawaii, contemplating an inviting stretch of golden sand can refresh one's spirit!
Jeff and I will play for the reception under the stars on Art Night , the 9th from 6-9! Please come and help me celebrate!
Sincerely,
Helen
October 30, 2006
One of the most rewarding and heartbreaking of all venues for artists these days are "Juried Shows".In the past three years I have entered a few and experienced these emotions. Rejection, for a pastelist, is always taken personally, as we pour our feelings into every work we submit! This is not a sad blog however, but a joyous one! At the Pastel Artists of Hawaii's 3rd Annual Juried Show, I received the Best of Show Award!!
This is my first entry with this well run organization in Honolulu and the exhibition space is beautiful, in the mezzanine gallery of Pauahi Tower. The juror was Richard McKinley, a nationally known pastelist whose landscapes are breathtaking. I was able to speak with him and his commentary on my painting will lift my spirits for as long as I create art.The painting that received the award was "Spring Floods".
To all my collectors, patrons and friends, I say thank you for believing in my work!
Sincerely,
Helen Turner
October 05, 2006
The beautiful golden light of autumn is here, casting those wonderful long shadows over the fields of Kauai! My favorite time to paint landscapes is late afternoon, when it gets cool enough to sit in the sun and paint!
As juried art show season draws to a close, it's time to start preparations for a solo show in Jaunary, and I've got some little gems all ready!
Easy Living Jazz will be bringing out a new compilation CD and then before you know it, time to bust out the Christmas CD !!
Drop me a note to order prints or CD's!
Sincerely,
Helen
August 19, 2006
Kauai is baking like a piece of microwaved pizza! Of course we have the tradewinds most of the time but if they leave us we're doomed! I've been trying to get out to all corners of the island to shoot the summer blues and greens and taking them into my studio to render. The Turners have been up up and down the rivers too, all the hau trees are in full bloom of yellow hibiscus -like flowers. I'm planning to do some more reflection pastels for an upcoming show. Tis the season for juried art shows too, I'll post any news from those events.
Easy Living Jazz is on vacation, but will be back in September for some fun outdoor events and a special private affair with Chick Corea!!
Meanwhile all this time on my hands, I'm painting away!
Helen
July 16, 2006
This spring, the Turner family headed out west for a tour of a few National Parks before the crowds got there.I brought my trusty camera and a plein air set of pastels and had a blast painting on site! I couldn't wait to get home to my studio and do some of those scenics in full color. I've posted some of the Tetons and a few peaceful landscapes of Idaho.
Also the LPG added Polihale to it's list of plein air sites, we came we painted, we swam, we got stuck in the sand...mahalo to Kaui and his guys for helping us out!
Back in the Oils!
I really love to paint in pastels, but every once in awhile you have to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Recently, while cruising the arts and crafts department of a local store, I came across a huge canvas sale! I couldn't help myself and loaded up on,what I call, manageable sizes.When I lived in New york, MANY moons ago, oils were my medium of choice and I did still lifes and landscapes to my hearts content.I still have my ancient oil box and brushes and the rest just sort of came back to me! It is fun to mix colors and using brushes again.I haven't stopped using pastels, on the contrary, I've started an ambitious series of chinatown scenes, and back to the countryside with my fearless plein air companions! I will be selling my" baby oils" on Kauai and possibly on my etsy shop, check if I've posted them! Meanwhile, Happy Valentine's Day!
Sincerely, Helen
Off to a Good Start!
Well I do have some news this month!I now have my pastel paintings on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island in the Clarissa Passos Gallery.A home for my "market people" and still-lifes! If you visit the island of Hawaii, don't miss the prettiest side of the island and stop by and say hello!
Years ago in New York I was an avid oil painter and this past week I dove into the oil box again! It had so much fun mixing paint, I did a few 5x7 seascapes and will be adding more to my collection. I also opened a shop on Etsy which may host those "baby oils".Right now I'mshipping off purchases and looking forward to spring!
Sincerely, Helen
Small World
Funny how people meet from halfway around the world and find out they share something in common! That's how I met the owner of Aloha Images in Kapa'a. This is a new location for me, after Davisonarts closed, I needed a new eastside gallery and by a chance comment on an internet newspaper story, I found my new home!Visit Ray on mainstreet Kapa'a and check out the eye candy!
Sincerely, Helen
Happy New Year!
Rejoice in the New Year, be merry, be positive, be the best you can be! That's my resolution and I hope you will find that it works for you too! I've had a wonderful year of sales, shows, new friends and experiences and I thank all my patrons and patroness's! Even though I'm without an upcoming event at the moment, I will be on the lookout for an opportunity to spread the gift of color!
Sincerely,
Helen
Special discount!!
The company I made my book "Pastels of Kauai", as seen in the badge below, has offered a discount on this hardcover book. To order and receive your ten dollars off, just click on the book and put GREATGIFT in the coupon code!
New Card Sets!
My newest notecard sets available through my website are "People" and "Trees". I don't have a thumbnail image of them posted but I can share with you what I've got in them! "People" are eight of my favorite people in the landscape paintings from Dragon Parade to Love and Fishing.For reference, check out my people category in artwork. Trees is self explanatory and has eight of my favorite tree paintings, it was a year of contemplative trees for me!
I've also got lasers of all my images and some adorable miniature paintings that must be seen!
I'll be at the Hanapepe Church of Christ on Saturday November 28 for a fundraiser for Nana's House with all my paintings, prints and cards. I will also be doing a pastel demonstration at this event and also will be at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Lawai on December 19 with the Women Artists of Kauai. Hope to see you there!
Sincerely, Helen
Keeping it Real
With the Holidaus approaching fast, it's time to put things in perspective as an artist, and that's what our little group of Women artists on Kauai are trying to do. WAK is hosting two fundraisers to support some worthy causes here on our own little piece of terra firma called Kauai. The first is in Hanapepe on Nov. 28, where we will be donating part of the proceeds of our fine art sales to a rehabilatation Center in Waimea, and the second is Dec. 19, a fundraiser to support our botanical gardens research center. When we wonder why we paint, and can't seem to find a reason other then because we love it, then it's time to turn it into something good, spread the love, and continue to grow in art,friendship and community awareness!
in other news! "Pier Pleasure 2" won the Juror's Merit Award in the PAH 2009 Show.
Keeping it Real
With the Holidays approaching fast, it's time to put things in perspective as an artist, and that's what our little group of Women artists on Kauai are trying to do. WAK is hosting two fundraisers to support some worthy causes here on our own little piece of terra firma called Kauai. The first is in Hanapepe on Nov. 28, where we will be donating part of the proceeds of our fine art sales to a rehabilatation Center in Waimea, and the second is Dec. 19, a fundraiser to support our botanical gardens research center. When we wonder why we paint, and can't seem to find a reason other then because we love it, then it's time to turn it into something good, spread the love, and continue to grow in art,friendship and community awareness!
In other news, "Pier Pleasure 2" won the Juror's Merit Award in the PAH 2009 Show!
Finding New Ways
How did fall arrive without me noticing it? Well, it helps when you live in Hawaii!With all the bad economic news everywhere and the uncertainty of our world, all we can do is continue to do what we have been doing and hope for the best, with the addition of new ways to attract people to our creations. I've been working on a series of "miniature" paintings of Kauai that are affordable,portable and irresistable! The Women Artists of Kauai will be having several fund raising sales around the island and I'll be there doing some demonstrations and selling my minis,notecards and other pastel paintings. The Pastel Artists of Hawaii's 6th Annual Show is under way also! Wish me luck!!!
Sincerely Helen
Technical Difficulties!!
This is an apology blog! We just realized that our inquiry or contact mail has not been coming through! To anyone who has attempted to contact me about anything, please accept my humble apologies and forgive me. I hope you will try again since I am almost always available via e-mail.
Sincerely, Helen
Celebrate My Passion
As the days countdown to my reception at the Kauai Museum, I am getting all my loose ends tied up,preparing for my two and a half hours of fame! This is a show of some of my favorite landscapes I've painted and I can't wait to see people's reaction to them. Yes,I like a good "OOOH" or "Ahhhh" as much as the next artist, and after all, a show is for sharing your hardwork and passion.I've restricted my show to 30 pastels, that was a challenge for the Mezzanine Gallery, but they're all little gems and I think they hang quite nicely together.This reception will be a fun, friend-filled event and I hope to make a few new friends too.To anyone who can take a flight to Kauai for my exhibit, the show runs from Sept.24-November 20. For those who'd rather not fly, my book "Pastels of Kauai" has all the show paintings in it plus some others!!
Aloha, Helen
I've Got a Book for You
Well that's another thing I can cross off my list! I've got my own art book!This was an immensely fun project that I intended to accompany my solo show at the Kauai Museum in September. Alas most of my family is spread over the continental U.S. and won't be able to share a wild night(artist's receptions are fun!)of flowers and food and art lovers, so...I put together a little tour of Kauai via my paintings!I will have the link available to my print on demand publisher if you'd like to preview it, or send to someone who really needs a hawaiian vacation but can't go right now!! Enjoy!
Sincerely, Helen
Island Hopping!
Well, just a short hop, to Oahu, for the invitational show,"The Rhythms of Nature" a plein aire show at the Pauahi Tower in Honolulu.
I think the hardest part about this show was deciding which pieces to enter!I've selected five sketches of my garden isle to represent Kauai, from Waimea to Anini, done in the field.These paintings are each a "one of a kind" in that the weather and light will never be the same from one day to the next.I hope to have some time to paint on Oahu's north shore and of course some free time absorbing a different island and it's beauty, maybe get back to China Town!
Sincerely, Helen
New Friends!
I have a new gallery in Hanapepe representing my pastels on Kauai, the Puka Gallery. Located at the very beginning of historic Hanapepe, it's a delightful, spot to find a treasure. Drop by to say hello to Anna,owner of the Puka Gallery and Boutique, and tell her Helen sent you!
Our Women Artists of
Kauai first event at the Botanical Gardens in Poipu was a great success, we all made a few new friends and a lot of tried and true friends came by also.
Right now I'm getting ready for the Pauahi Tower plein aire show and hope I still have some left by July 11. Oh well, I'll just have to go out and paint some more!!
Sincerely, Helen
Who's Afraid of a Julian?
Okay I admit it's a lot easier to paint "en plein air" at the beach because I don't have to set up my french easel! Now that we're experiencing bright spring days, I've been out and about, trying to squeeze in as many quick sketches as I can before school gets out. The more I do it, the more selective I get with my locations and I'm actually lugging out the Julian easel again. It is a wooden monster, with rusted hardware my husband bought me for Mother's Day years ago, and since then I've neglected it for watercolor easels and folding tables, and blankets on the ground!Of course there are places where you need an elevation, and also somewhere to rest your pastels, and carrying a stool and table plus supplies can be exhausting before the sun even starts to cook your brain! Now that sounds extreme, but any dedicated field painter knows about the physicality of outdoor interpretation!! So if you see me out there painting with my wooden julian, stop by and say hello, I might ask you if you have a pair of pliers!
Aloha, Helen
The New Look !
Spring is here, I think....and it's time to shake things up! The newly redesigned website is finally up and running!There comes a time when you have to put your best foot forward and march even though the road may be a little rocky, and with my friend Em's expertise, we have come up with something that is practical and lovely.The "shop" page will have my notecard sets, laser and giclee reproductions listed and I may have a few more surprises to add. As far as Easy Living Jazz duet, we have moved to our own web site www.easylivingjazz.com , which is almost ready.The spring juried shows are almost upon us so I will be writing again soon with more news, until then, enjoy the new season!
aloha, Helen
Field Work
What a winter!The weather has been challenging for painting in the field to say the least, but it hasn't stopped me! My friend Em and I perched on the edge of Waimea Canyon for some rainbow quick sketches, and I flew to Oahu to paint on the eastside in between rain squalls and still came home with a few plein air beauties.The trend is set and now I have to show what I've been doing out there!At the end of March, Kauai's Women in Theatre will be doing a play about an artist and they asked me to exhibit my plein air paintings in the lobby of Kauai Community College for the duration of the production.If you're on island the last two weekends of March, come by and see the play and visit me! I'll be there selling paintings, notecards and reproductions.There is also an exhibit in the works for Oahu, of plein air artists from around the state at Pauahi Tower in Honolulu.
Meanwhile, when I can't get away I'm working in my studio getting ready for my solo show in September and the society shows, so much to do!!
Spring is coming!
Sincerely, Helen
Merry and Bright!
Aloha all, wishing you a very Merry Christmas(or Mele Kalikimaka)from Kauai! We've been having a little weather, like the whole world it seems, lots of rain and more to come! For some reason that's when I feel like painting hot and sunny beaches! The Kauai Society of Arts Small Works Show is up in Kukui Grove and one of my pastels, "Hanalei Surfer" aka "Thinking Place" won an Honorable Mention.I've been mailing out notecard sets and giclee prints to customers for Christmas presents and my "en plein air" studies have been a popular gift item also.Easy Living Jazz has been putting visitors and locals in the holiday spirit at the Hukilau Lanai on Tuesday nights and will groove into the New Year on the 31st from 6:30 to 9:30. Let's keep positive and hopeful for 2009 and remember art is what keeps us civilized!!!
Sincerely,
Helen
Moving Ahead
This is really going to be an amazing year for everyone in one way or another! Changes and more changes!I've been having great fun painting people in the landscape, painting "en plein air" and just plain making art! The Pastel Artists of Hawaii awarded me two Honorable Mentions, I was part of a beautiful juried West Coast Pastelists Show and our own island's Art Kauai.The Small Works Show with the Kauai society of the Arts is coming up on Dec. 13, and I plan on entering my "little people". I also have a new venue for six months at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Kapaa,Kauai, where I'll have a selection of florals and a few landscapes for sale. I have also been selling well in my local galleries and decided to update this website!I'm moving forward to be able to accept on-line payment, and put Easy Living Jazz on a separate URL.For the holidays, there is ELJ's Christmas selections and a new "Lotsa Latin" CD. In the meantime, keep moving forward, do what you love, and trust in God to open the right door!
Sincerely, Helen
Time for Art
This fall brings the juried show season, and I'm off to a good start! I have "Oama Fishing" in the West Coast Pastel Society's membership show, juried by George Rivera,and "Out of the Woods" and "Leaves on a Blur Picnic Table" in our Hawaii State show on Kauai. The Pastel Artists of Hawaii's show, juried by Greg Biolchini, hasn't been juried yet, and I'm waiting with anticipation! Meanwhile those collectors of my work have been steadfast in their support, and I'm grateful in these uncertain times. No matter what the future brings, those of us with the drive to create will continue to make art, this is what makes us strong and gives beauty and meaning to the human existance!
Sincerely, Helen
Ahh Summer...
When you really need to unwind, go camping! That's my family's new motto! We took our show into the wild, so to speak, and had a few days of peace and togetherness. Of course I brought my camera and pastels and came home with some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets as a bonus!
I've been painting alot to get ready for the upcoming juried shows in the fall, hopefully my new works will be chosen! Take some time to enjoy the season of sun and sand, and if you come to Kauai, look me up for an outdoor painting experience!
Sincerely, Helen
New York State of Mind
It's nice to get away from the daily routine and get back to where you once belonged, as the Beatles used to say! April was beautiful in my old hometown, blue skies and the promise of a long summer. I didn't take my pastels but brought my camera and hope to do a few landscapes to keep me remembering my family and friends from the Atlantic side of the world. Easy Living Jazz has two new CD's for sale. More classic jazz and a mixture of contemporary and mellow latin grooves. We are always adding new music to our repertoire so come hear us live at the Hukilau Lanai in Kapaa.
Sincerely,
Helen
Looking Forward
Kauai is warming up for a beautiful spring here on the eastside! I've been out and about with camera and easel, working through the ever changing light conditions of the lengthening days. In exhition news, I have been awarded an Honorable Mention for my pastel "Jumping Off the Pier" at the KSA membership Show which is on display in Kukui Grove until April 18.
From the studio: If you come to Kauai, don't hesitate to call me and set up an appointment for a studio tour or a private lesson!
Sincerely, Helen Turner
The Show on the Road
It's spring on Kauai,the wet weather is leaving us for awhile and letting us come out and play! I've been painting en plein air more and more, roaming far and wide to capture life as it happens! I've really had some fun painting figures lately, I find as long as they don't see me shooting them with my camera, I can catch my fellow islanders being themselves and enjoying our beautiful waters.
In other news, it's another round of national juried shows to enter! I'm going for some big ones, wish me luck! Our local KSA membership show opens March 8, and I have four pastels in the AHA show at the Honolulu Country Club until the 16th of March. Get out and enjoy the sun!
Sincerely, Helen
A New Year for Challenges
The end of 2007 brought one more honor at the Small Works Show, juried by Pegge Hopper on Kauai. "Chill Coconut Man" won the Potraits of Hawaii Award for the Kauai Society of Artists last show of the season! This was a real surprise and boost for my pastels of "real people" around the islands.This award gives me incentive to keep pushing myself to go beyond the comfort of scenics and into the heart of painting what intrigues me, whether it's a still life,everyday people or this beautiful world we live in!
Happy New Year!
Sincerely, Helen
Most Wonderful Time...
It's time for celebrating everything! Being alive, friends, family,and gifts that bring joy to others are what I have to be thankful for. Yes, I'm enjoying this season of celebration by having a gathering at Roy's Restaurant in Poipu! I thought I'd throw myself a party and give some goodies away and share some great music with old and new friends.Jeff will be playing and then Easy Living Jazz will perform some of our Christmas CD selections. I'm planning on sweetening up the crowd with cookies and cocoa and door prizes of Turner stuff.December 16th is a Sunday, 2-4, please come and celebrate with me!
Sincerely, Helen
Out of Retirement!
All kinds of good things keep happening this month! The first was being accepted into a National Pastel Show in New Mexico. All three of the pieces I entered were accepted: " Oama Fishing","Cane Fire in Hanapepe" and "Study in Rust". Now the hard part, shipping and waiting to hear any further news.
On Kauai, our annual Art Kauai had it's juried show and my entry "Retirement" won two awards, an Honorable Mention and the Aquisition Award from the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. This means I will be part of the States permanent collection in Oahu!
I must keep painting now, it's expected of me!!
Sincerely, Helen
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Aloha! I've got a brand new collection of pastels on exhibit at Roy's Restaurant in Poipu, Kauai!I've got a nice long show from August 5 to January 5, 2008 so if anyone is coming over to visit, please treat yourself to a wonderful meal and gaze! I've got a few figures in this one, and of course our awesome scenery inspires landscapes and seascapes also. I can't help it I must paint!
Sincerely, Helen
Best of Show AGAIN!
The Pastel Artists of Hawaii's 4th Annual Juried Show in Honolulu has chosen my pastel "Where the River Meets the Sea" as the Best of Show! I am so proud to have achieved this award for two consecutive years, I am humbled and honored. This pastel was one I had that feeling about,a sense of peace when you finish that makes you believe you are just an instrument of art.
Thanks to all of my collectors and friends who keep me painting daily!
P.S. A special prayer for Greg Biolchini who is recovering from a car accident! We missed you here and hope you're able to come back soon!
Sincerely, Helen
I'd Better Figure it Out
Is it spring yet? We're all tired of being sick and ready for plein air paint outs!My latest fixation is doing figures in the landscape, capturing my Kauaian neighbors doing what they do best.It's kind of challenging to stalk around with my camera, trying to be casual and snapping off photos. People view me as just another tourist and that's just fine with me! Sometimes I have to get close enough to ask if it's okay to photograph them and then I've lost the spontaneity, oh well, it's all good!These new pastels might give you a little scale to judge the scenery by. Hope you like my latest works!
Sincerely, Helen
p.s."Study in Rust" got an Honorable Mention in the Kauai Society of Artists Members show
Let's Go to the Beach!
February 9-22 are the dates for my solo exhibit of over 37 new pastels at Amy Lauren's Gallery in Hanapepe, Kauai.This show, entitled "When you live on an island...Life's a Beach", celebrates the most beautiful shores on our little Pacific Island from Haena to Polihale. This was great fun to put together, sunset barbeques, early morning rambles and boat trips along the breathtaking Na Pali Coast all contributed to the making of these paintings.I love the sea and I find whether you own a vacation home or live and work here in Hawaii, contemplating an inviting stretch of golden sand can refresh one's spirit!
Jeff and I will play for the reception under the stars on Art Night , the 9th from 6-9! Please come and help me celebrate!
Sincerely,
Helen
Joy in Chalkville!
One of the most rewarding and heartbreaking of all venues for artists these days are "Juried Shows".In the past three years I have entered a few and experienced these emotions. Rejection, for a pastelist, is always taken personally, as we pour our feelings into every work we submit! This is not a sad blog however, but a joyous one! At the Pastel Artists of Hawaii's 3rd Annual Juried Show, I received the Best of Show Award!!
This is my first entry with this well run organization in Honolulu and the exhibition space is beautiful, in the mezzanine gallery of Pauahi Tower. The juror was Richard McKinley, a nationally known pastelist whose landscapes are breathtaking. I was able to speak with him and his commentary on my painting will lift my spirits for as long as I create art.The painting that received the award was "Spring Floods".
To all my collectors, patrons and friends, I say thank you for believing in my work!
Sincerely,
Helen Turner
Shadows and Music
The beautiful golden light of autumn is here, casting those wonderful long shadows over the fields of Kauai! My favorite time to paint landscapes is late afternoon, when it gets cool enough to sit in the sun and paint!
As juried art show season draws to a close, it's time to start preparations for a solo show in Jaunary, and I've got some little gems all ready!
Easy Living Jazz will be bringing out a new compilation CD and then before you know it, time to bust out the Christmas CD !!
Drop me a note to order prints or CD's!
Sincerely,
Helen
Too Hot to Paint? Never!
Kauai is baking like a piece of microwaved pizza! Of course we have the tradewinds most of the time but if they leave us we're doomed! I've been trying to get out to all corners of the island to shoot the summer blues and greens and taking them into my studio to render. The Turners have been up up and down the rivers too, all the hau trees are in full bloom of yellow hibiscus -like flowers. I'm planning to do some more reflection pastels for an upcoming show. Tis the season for juried art shows too, I'll post any news from those events.
Easy Living Jazz is on vacation, but will be back in September for some fun outdoor events and a special private affair with Chick Corea!!
Meanwhile all this time on my hands, I'm painting away!
Helen
Spring out west: I love mountains!!
This spring, the Turner family headed out west for a tour of a few National Parks before the crowds got there.I brought my trusty camera and a plein air set of pastels and had a blast painting on site! I couldn't wait to get home to my studio and do some of those scenics in full color. I've posted some of the Tetons and a few peaceful landscapes of Idaho.
Also the LPG added Polihale to it's list of plein air sites, we came we painted, we swam, we got stuck in the sand...mahalo to Kaui and his guys for helping us out!
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