Floravita's Tropical Mini-Masterpiece Paintings

Trio of commissioned tropical flower paintings

2010-11-15T10:58:00.001-08:00

Three 18"x36"" oil paintings on gallery wrapped canvas. Similar paintings can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I wanted to share with you three lovely tropical flower paintings that I will be installing later today. The middle painting is based on my larger 48"x36" oil, Anthurium Jungle. Each painting had to be strong in composition to stand on it's own and each had to have similar colors so that they can all hang peacefully on the same wall together.

To tie all of the paintings together, I kept the same sunlit hues of greens and yellows in the leaves. The actual leaves are all very different in nature as are the shapes of the flowers. All of the flowers have versions of the same pinks and reds and this worked as well in the birds of paradise piece as they can come in so many different colors.

If my collector ever decides to re-arrange these paintings, hang them in different rooms or add a fourth piece, she can!

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Toast to Bill Weber on his accomplished mural for Brentwood's Trilogy At The Vineyards

2010-08-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

12"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas. Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Before I go into details about Bill Weber's mural for Trilogy At The Vineyard in Brentwood I'd like to apologize for not having the title for the above Mini Master painting. It sold at my last festival and this is one of two paintings for which I have misplaced the title. The location is the South Shore of Kauai as you enter Poi Pu. I just love this red dirt road and I have painted a larger canvas that is similar to this composition and plan to do another painting from this location soon. It's a road into paradise.

And now I would like to raise my coffee cup to Bill Weber, a great muralist and even better friend. This photo shows him standing in front of his newest mural in the opulent Club House for Trilogy At The Vineyards in Brentwood, California. The scene is of Mount Diablo and our surrounding countryside. Bill captured the look of the area beautifully. Oak trees and vineyards surround the gentle rolling hills of our Northern California town, which was once agricultural but is now host to an ever increasing presence of wine enthusiasts.

Barbie Koncher, a well known jewelery and glass artist hosted a lovely lunch to celebrate the official signing of the mural for Bill. In attendance, Ariana (Bill's wife) and budding artist herself, ceramicist Rosie Grejsen, Lily Beatty (the late wife of local artist Ron Beatty) and myself.

If you would like to see more of Bill Weber's work, please visit his websites: billwebermuralist.com and to see his surrealist paintings go to www.elgallosurrealist.com.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Beautiful Clear Morning Water, kauai island ocean oil painting

2010-07-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Clear Morning Water, 12"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I just loved the colors of this morning ocean scene. I'd say the time was around 10am, when the colors are still crisp and the sea air is warming. The day is fresh. This small island gem sold at my La Jolla Festival of the Arts show to one of my collectors who owns several small works.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Paradise in a home

2010-07-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Suite of Paradise Plantation Cottages, 6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home in a real estate office... Paintings like these can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

These adorable paintings are a set of commissioned works that are destined for a real estate office in Cupertino, CA. They are for Ken Kabir and I'd like to give his business a mention: www.kenkabir.com. At the moment they are drying in my studio. Soon I will have better images of these little oil paintings and will post those. It's obvious in the few interactions that I've had with Ken that he loves his work in connecting people with homes.

I've found that people easily relate to my plantation cottages and I never tire of painting these small homes. It's a joy to travel the islands in search of new subjects. They remind many of warm, tropical days spent on vacation. Some are reminded of home, growing up in the many islands that dot our seas. No matter where "home" is, people will see paradise in their futures and these paintings will surely bring Aloha to the office.

And as I write this I'm also thinking of all of those who've lost homes in the past few years. Keep up hope. If your dream is to own a home again then you can make it happen.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Salt Water Pool on the Shore

2010-07-25T13:23:00.001-07:00

Salt Water Pool On The Shore, 6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Sunrise and sunset atmosphere is a big inspiration to my island paintings. Sunrise brings the start of a new day. Sunset also brings the possibilities of a new day...just a few hours away. For artists, I think I can speak for most of us and say that our inspiration is always leading our life's work. With each new day brings the possibilities of creating new works of art. Each evening renews that purpose as the next day may bear fruit to your best work yet.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Bamboo Shacks, Paint while the inspiration hits

2010-07-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Bamboo Shacks, 6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Creating art is a great joy in my life and I knew early on that it was essential to the essence of my person. Though most people are creative in certain ways and creativity can be defined broadly it's well known that those we think of as "artists" tend to need to do their art in order to be fulfilled and yet few are able to do so as a profession for various reasons. The process of creating for artistic people (music, dance, theater to broaden the term "artist") is key to happiness for such people and it is why we persist despite the obstacles.

Art is more than just creating beautiful objects. It's about problem solving and creating from nothing. When you do art for a profession you problem solve constantly in order to be innovative. Every working artist has their challenges and, dare I say, demons in life but most are happiest when they are creating and when the creation process is flowing well.

What to do with the rare times where inspiration is lacking? Well, for me, I try to work for a while to see if I can break through to being inspired. On rare occasions (like the past few days) my focus for creating art dims and I must now work myself out of this particular problem or wait it out. Inspiration will flow again and I'm lucky that I'm usually bursting with energy to create. The few days of the year that this is not the case and in which my creative energies wane are hard days of a bland feeling for me and I've learned that it's best to not force the creative process. Painting needs to be done when I'm fully present. It cannot be forced.

And I'm going to say this: artists work for a living. Yes, we love what we do most of the time but it is work nevertheless. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not being honest or doesn't do it as a true profession. I feel that collectors need to understand that love of life and passion go into the works that they purchase but so do blood, sweat and tears.

So much of my soul is connected to my art. It is my esteem as well. My art is who I am in so many ways. There's a saying in the blacksmithing world and that is: strike while the iron is hot, meaning that you need to work that metal efficiently when you've got the most heat. The same is true for making art. When you are inspired, by all means work!

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Choose an artist who's style you like for your commissions...no copying!

2010-06-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Little Island Cottage, 6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

The subject of copying art is old. Most college art students are encouraged to copy the works of master painters and sculptors and some are even required to do so in order to learn valuable techniques. Some art schools even have access to museums where students can copy directly from the masters original work. Copying art is a good way for artists to learn but not acceptable past school years.

So why do I bring this up? Professional artists must develop very distinct styles in order to stand out and prosper in the art world. There are literally millions of artists all over the globe, many of which are very good.

As a collector, when choosing art you should look for an artist who already has a style that you like. Usually you will not get great results if you ask an artist to paint/sculpt/create something out of the vein in which they work simply because you like their prices and perhaps even their "natural" artistic voice but really desire a specific work of art of a gallery artist (aka very expensive). Sorry if that was a long sentence but I think that you know what I mean.

Artists: it's been my experience that when accepting commissions out of my natural vein vein of work causes me great stress and headache so I really try to avoid this. We work in series for a reason and our voices in art are well thought out and not easy to change. And in the end, you may not be able to please clients who really would rather have a work of art from a different artist who they usually cannot afford. Turn these commissions down. There is a saying in the art world: sometimes you make the most money on the projects that you do not accept.

I am careful now to try to only accept commissions that I feel that I can do well.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

'Poi Pu Paradise' and a bit about how artists price work

2010-06-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Poi Pu Paradise', 6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

This afternoon I wrote a rather long blog to explain why my reverse painted glass chandeliers are worth my asking price (or why they cost what they cost). If you wish, you can read the entry on my reverse painted chandelier blog here. I thought that it might be good to write something similar on my Mini Master blog to explain why I charge what I charge for my oil and watercolor paintings.

The actual dollar worth for fine art varies depending on the artist and how well known they are, how much time goes into their work, how many works they produce in a year and how expensive their work is to create. Artists who have styles that are very labor intensive to the point where they can only create a few pieces each year tend to charge more for their work than artists who are very prolific and have styles that are quicker. I say 'tend' because there are always exceptions.

Artists also tend to charge more for their work as their career grows. An artist in their prime (who is not one of the super big name people) may charge several thousand dollars for each painting. Also it is mostly true that artists who show in galleries also have higher prices as many of these artists do not do festivals and sell only through galleries or dealers. This is a whole different topic and I won't attempt to answer it here.

There are many reasons why artists charge what they charge and I could probably write a book on this subject but I'd now like to tell you how I personally price my work. My Mini Master paintings here on this blog are collected by people all over the country. They are also my most popular type of painting at my art festivals because they are affordable and because of the high-quality of my work. My small paintings here are inspired by my travels and they are also my study compositions for my larger works. They are quite lovely in person. Many of my smaller mini paintings will indeed become larger paintings at some point. I explained on my reverse painted glass chandelier blog that I've been painting seriously since the age of 15 but that my studies in art began much earlier. And art is what I really did go to college for. It's been my life's path. I am a creative being and I have always been brave enough to follow my dream. My 'dream', as living the artist's life is thought by many, is a reality for me.

So all these years later (I'm not that old but also not that young either) I have built a strong name for myself. I am well known in the San Francisco Bay Area for my island style paintings. Many people in the Bay Area travel to Hawaii and connect with my work for these reasons. My paintings also offer a slice of paradise...a retreat from the daily grind. I am considered a solid mid-career artist at this point. I charge $100 for my Mini Master paintings for the time that they take, the thought that goes into them and for the years of artistry that are behind them...and you will also be able to enjoy them for years and years to come. In many ways, it is a small price to pay for an original work of art. This is actually a steal for art from an artist of my experience.

My medium paintings are anywhere between $350-$850 (again, a steal) and my large paintings tend to be in the $1,200-$2,000 range. Several years ago I decided to sell my works through festivals after being in a Florida gallery that staged it's own robbery for insurance money. That was actually 7 and a half years ago. Last weekend marked my 7 year anniversary in the art festival world. Before that I came out of the gallery world where I did sell my work for several thousand dollars for each painting. It was a different career path and I really was a young artist then (with lots to learn) and my change from galleries to festivals was dramatic but it was for the best at the time. Exhibiting and selling through festivals has also made me a stronger artist and business person. If you are wondering, I sell my works through galleries now at the same prices that I sell them through at my festivals...the consolation to me is that I create paintings with more ease now than I did back then.

Most art festival goers understand that an original is worth more than a print, giclee, reproduction...whatever you want to call prints these days. Most of the work that I exhibit at festivals are original oil and watercolor paintings. My watercolor paintings have a lot of time invested into them. We custom frame each piece and that in itself is very labor intensive. My actual watercolor technique involves a very layered process with masking fluid and I may have a couple dozen layers in any one area. And because of the frame, my watercolors are often more expensive to create.

As I journey further into my career the prices for my works will continue to rise. This is the case for most successful professional artists.

Also collectors, please keep in mind that when you buy a fine work of art that is original that you will have this work for a lifetime to enjoy. It is a small price to pay for something that is truly nice and hopefully the works of art that you purchase from your favorite artists will bring you much joy.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

'Island Gold' and painting the grandeur of the volcanic Hawaiian mountains

2010-05-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Detail of 'Island Gold', 24"x18" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Part of my challenge this year is to depict the beauty of the dramatic mountain ridges of the Hawaiian islands. To portray such grandeur and timelessness on a canvas is no easy feat. This is one of the first of several paintings that I hope to complete this year.

This UPCOMING WEEKEND: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

"Oceanside Dremas" & Thumbs up to Open Studio Organizers

2010-05-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Detail of 'Oceanside Dreams', 24"x18" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I'd like to give a big THUMBS UP to Jack Gaughan and his organizers for doing such an awesome job on this years 2010 East Contra Costa County Artists' Open Studio Tour. I'm certain that this will be the best year ever. Here is a two page article in 110 Degree Magazine...the article is on pages 80-81

http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/110mag/may2010_110mag/2010042901/

For those of you who live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are willing to drive only a few extra minutes, you can come visit my studio and others and enjoy some wine, chocolates, good art and sunshine. There are 62 artists on the studio this year and if you start at my studio, you can pick up your free 18-page full-color catalog with samples and maps of the other artists' works. The group works very hard on this event!

I will me hosing the fabulous sculptor, Crystal Lockwood, who often uses Hawaiian woods for her beautiful figurative pieces.

When? THIS WEEKEND, Sat & Sun, May 22 & 23, 10am-6pm. Call me at the number on my website if you need directions or have questions.

Next Show: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Beachside Bliss detail and Twitter nettiquite

2010-05-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Detail of 'Beachside Bliss', 36"x24" oil on gallery wrapped canvas, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased from: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I must confess, I'm not exactly in love with Twitter...but I do participate on the platform. The reasons for my less than amorous feelings have more to do with how many fellow Twitter people find fans. One behavior that simply drives me crazy is when a person 'follows' you, you then get the email (and I always follow legitimate people back) but then you get a second email saying that they are now following you.

Did you follow that (no pun intended)?!!

What's going on is that after they've initially followed you so that you receive email about them, they then delete you from their list to pump their numbers up. Some decide to re-follow when you've signed up to get their streams...they are counting on the fact that a percentage will follow back but really, how is that a good way to reach people? Do these Twitter crazy people really think that others don't notice this same exact pattern?

What they are trying to accomplish is to show that they are popular and therefore, they must be worth following. It's kind of shallow considering how many people have the same exact businesses on Twitter. I mean, how effective is this obsession for most? Probably not enough to justify the time many can sink to gain followers who don't really connect with their product (like I need a get-rich-quick plan or like I need another protein-power-max-drink).

Thank you for not taking this rant to seriously...now must post on Twitter...

The above image is a section of a new larger painting titled 'Beachside Bliss'.

Next Show: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Island Shack Getaway and to my collectors who have moved

2010-05-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Island Shack Getaway", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Here is another beautiful Waimea Plantation Cottage oil painting...but what I really want to address today are my hopes that my collectors who have moved over the past year are happy in their new homes, wherever that may be now.

Every spring I send out my Open Studio postcard to most of my mailing list and there have always been postcards that get returned because people move and sometimes they move and the US Post Office can no longer track them. This is the case with several of my well known collectors this year and if you are reading this...then you know that I wish you a very happy future in your new residence! Hope you are still within the San Francisco Bay Area and that I will see you at a show this year. Stay in touch and be well!

Next Show: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Island Hut

2010-05-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Island Hut", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

What I love about this particular painting is the way that the sunlight filters through the palm and banana leaves. It's been less than two months since I was on Kauai last but I already miss it. That said, I'm lucky to be a full-time working artist who paints from their inspirations. Most of the past month has been devoted to my reverse glass painted chandeliers but I'm thinking that I'll be able to begin painting in oil on canvas early next week and perhaps through much of June...must get ready for the La Jolla Festival of the Arts, which happens at the end of June!

Next Show: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Green Island Shack and What is an Open Studio Tour?

2010-05-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Green Island Shack", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

It's that time of year again and I'm preparing for my Spring Open Studio. Actually, I'm part of a group of artists who are all part of an Open Studio Tour. If you are like most people, you may be asking 'What is an Open Studio Tour'? If you are an art collector, then you probably know a lot about this sort of thing already...but let me tell you, it's one thing to tell people I'm having an Open Studio event at my studio/gallery but it's another trying to explain what an Artist Open Studio Tour is to people who probably don't spend much time thinking about art.

Some people just don't 'get it' if they aren't interested in art. You probably do, as you are interested in fine art.

Communities that have a strong pool of working artists tend to have what is called an 'Open Studio Tour' at least once a year. It is a highly organized event where anywhere from 10 to over 200 artists get together, produce postcards and a catalog with a sample of each artist's work and a map of all of the various locations and then they distribute the information to their clients and to the community. Often these events are held on one weekend but sometimes they spill over onto two weekends if the area has enough artists. Also, there is usually a gallery that will host a reception with one piece from each artist. This allows the public to preview artwork in person so that they can better decide which studios to visit.

What is the purpose of an Open Studio Tour? There are many benefits to this event. Working artists have an opportunity to show their collectors their studio work space and all of the work that they have on hand. Demonstrating their creative process helps to show collectors how they create their work. The public hopefully understands a bit more about an artist's life and their work from this experience and perhaps a few of these people even walk away with a treasure or two from the event. That is the heart of the Open Studio Event.

When I lived in Santa Cruz, the Open Studios spanned three weekends because the working artist population is that big. Marin County has a two or three weekend Open Studio as well. Again, lots of working creative people live in the scenic hills outside of San Francisco. Generally the San Francisco Bay Area counties are rich hubs for artists and most areas have an organized Artist Open Studio Tour. Hope to see you at mine!

Next Show: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Your Island Beach and Making Designs Work

2010-05-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

SOLD

6"x6" oil painting titled "Your Island Beach", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

This has been a very busy month of commissions for both of my painted glass chandeliers and my oil paintings. One project in particular had brought back memories to my earlier years as a graphic designer. At the time I had been out of college for about 4 years and I was designing for a studio in which the owner was a very talented designer in her own right. She taught me that no matter how many ways you could design something (could be anything like an ad, brochure, logo, etc...) that there was always yet another way.

Basically, I learned to always 'stretch my brain' in terms of design. I take that early lesson for granted as it comes naturally now. There's always a way to make another element fit or to rearrange information even when you've been through several rounds of innovative comps with the client.

These days I use my design skills on a regular basis. I use them in my printed collateral and in the printed collateral that I create for other artists and group art events, I use my design skills in my paintings when imagining a dynamic composition, in my chandeliers to give them that "wow" factor and I use them in commissions. Commissioned paintings can be especially challenging because you have to envision what the client is envisioning or you have the added challenge of taking an image and making it fit into a different shape or shapes (multiple canvases) to fit a wall space.

Looking back, I'm very thankful for my early life as a designer. Knowledge and experience are two things that I know are on my plate. They give me the confidence to know that I can create a commissioned painting with success.

A bit about the above painting: I don't have a side picture but the island house wrapped around the canvas. I sold this a couple weekends ago at a festival and it was an especially nice piece.

Next Show: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Walmea Plantation Shack, and catching up from April

2010-05-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Waimea Shack", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

April was a whirlwind month. I exhibited in two 3-day festivals, which can be really exhausting...and commissioned paintings that needed to be created/completed/delivered were stacking up. It's completely amazing how quickly the weeks go by, especially once my festival season hits!

The above Mini Master is another lovely Waimea Plantation Cottage painting. Honestly, I could paint these cottages forever if I didn't have such a strong desire to also create large works.

What do I have going on this month? Well, I am finishing four separate commissions, preparing for my Spring Open Studio event and I'm also in the process of creating new works for my next set of shows...speaking of...time to go up to the studio!

Next Show: Jenny Floravita's Spring Open Studio, May 22 & 23, 10am to 6pm...see my website for more details.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Heading to Queen's Bath, Kauai oil painting

2010-04-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

6"x12" oil painting titled "Heading to Queen's Bath", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $185 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Today I'm finally going to be able to work in my studio a bit. My plan is to concept out for my next set of new oil paintings. This will include prepping a new large-scale canvas and also painting a Mini-Master or two. Sometimes being an artist is a lonely job, which is why I enjoy my art festival season but right now I have the company of my hubby...who is doing various projects around the house and also helping me with my art exhibits.

It's hard to believe that my heavy-hitting festival season is just around the corner. Imagine: dark, early mornings where you're not quite awake, cold mornings, crazy set-ups with trucks, vans and trailers (us) jockeying into position. These days you can have some good shows and some bad shows... It's not a life for everyone but it's my life and it's what I signed-up for.

So see you soon!!!

Next Show: Menlo Part 28th Annual Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival, on Santa Cruz Avenue at El Camino Real, April (Fri, Sat, Sun) 16, 17, 18 10am-6pm (Sunday 10am-5pm), 90 professional artists, hope to see you there!

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Island Road, on being "Lucky" in Kauai

2010-03-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

6"x12" oil painting titled "Island Road", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $185 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I've just returned from an intense three week hiatus from my studio. For the middle two weeks of March I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Kauai. "Lucky" is really the word that I used most often when counting my blessings, along with "fortunate" and also "hard working". Those words were spoken a lot when I realized that there weren't a lot of other people in the age range my husband and I are in or younger touring the island without their parents checkbooks visibly paying for the trip. What this means is that our generation just isn't enjoying the luxury of Kauai right now due to the times. We also didn't see very many families with children. And though we are not immune from what is going on, we are in fact directly effected as Itwrite, I felt thankful for what we could experience.

While in Kauai we noticed that a few of our favorite dining spots including a 20-year established Thai restaurant and a lovely and elegant lunch place with a breath taking view of Bali Hai had gone out of business or were slated to close. We also noticed that the Guava Kai Plantation closed. As we drove around the island hoping to stop in familiar haunts we soon began to wonder which establishments were also closed. Other businesses that we frequented had moved or consolidated. A favorite breakfast joint (which was closed for lunch) teamed up with a dinner place that was closed for breakfast. Now the two businesses could share the rent more efficiently.

Last year I was "lucky, fortunate, hard-working" enough to be on Oahu a couple times so it's actually been two years since we had visited Kauai. So many stark changes in terms of business but the island will persist in it's beauty and Aloha no matter what. The people will re-build their businesses in new times to come and many will prosper soon if they aren't prosperous right now.

And this isn't to say that the island is in tough times because many still do well, I just couldn't help but be moved by the visible changes that I saw when we hoped to visit restaurants, shops and businesses that we looked forward to. Behind each one of those businesses are working people and that's my main point.

My time in the islands is essential to my life's work. It re-connects me to the subjects that inspire my paintings and I look forward to being a patron of the island as a way of thanks for the inspiration it provides for my work. Traveling to the islands is not a vacation but a journey that takes me to my next body of work as an artist. Now that I am back in California, I am preparing for my spring and summer festivals where I will hear countless professionals in lucrative careers tell me that I am so "lucky and fortunite" to be able to do what I do. Some will also understand that "hard working" is also a factor in my success as an artist.

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Path to the Beach

2010-03-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

6"x12" oil painting titled "Path to the Beach", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $185 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I am hoping to wake up happily Friday morning to this beach path in Kauai. It leads to one of my favorite beaches. I'm looking forward to a little down time and a bit more exercise as well. A good swim in the ocean would be so refreshing...or perhaps sipping cocktails by the pool on the beach would be nice. A bit of a re-charge before my wave of summer shows and commissions hit.

Right now my day is far from that tranquil moment on the beach but I am getting there. I am preparing for my next show. Always so much to do and so little time. An artist is always creating and our life's work is never finished and that can pose some problems if we let our mind's get wrapped up in the mountain of work that we have set for ourselves. We often think of the next set of paintings before we're even close to finishing what we are currently working on. As a business woman, I am also filled with ideas on how to show my work to art enthusiasts. I'm always excited about my next set of shows as well. Between these two very distinct jobs lies an endless amount of work.

Because packing and prepping for a show is a somewhat slow and laborious job for me, I'm able to reflect on they "why" aspects of my life's work. One thing that I realize is that it's not always possible to always finish every single ambitious project that I lay out. Honestly, over the last few months I've remained focused and have worked steadily towards on my current body of work and for my upcoming spring shows. I am happy to say that this has lead me to accomplish a lot and that is always a good feeling. I have given it my best and my best is what will have to do!

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Life In Hawaii

2010-03-09T20:32:00.001-08:00

6"x12" oil painting titled "Life In Hawaii", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $185 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

This is a "new" size painting, being 6"x12". It allows me to create contemporary shaped scenes on a small scale. Those of you who regularly follow my work know that I enjoy creating paintings in contemporary shapes.

This is a short blog entry today as I'm preparing for my next trip to Kauai...as well as preparing for my next show for when I return.

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Visit Jenny Floravita in March at the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show

2010-02-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

Artist Jenny Floravita working in her studio on a 36" custom commission. Each hand painted glass chandelier includes irons, electrical, chain and canopy.

Floravita's Painted Illuminated-Glass Chandeliers to be at San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
Jenny Floravita loves painting on glass because of the expressive feeling that she is able to infuse into every flower petal, every leaf, bird and accent through her brush strokes. Flowers are an inspiration in her work and Floravita paints both tropical flowers and wildflowers in her glass chandeliers and paintings. Floravita often refers to her chandeliers as her 'illuminated painted glass gardens'. She uses her hand slumped glass as her canvas and the resulting illuminated paintings are like a glimpse into another world.

Born in the Bay Area, Jenny Floravita has been a painter all of her life. Her career in fine art really blossomed after 2000 when she decided to take a leap of faith and switch from graphic design to pursue her fine art. Floravita began her career in fine art as a watercolor painter. Life as an artist is a constant transition and through the years she has gone back and forth between oils and watercolors, painting both flowers and island scenes. She has been creating custom glass painted chandeliers for three years. The chandeliers compliment her exotic flower and island landscape paintings well.

Jenny Floravita's chandeliers and paintings are inspired by exotic gardens from her travels through warm lands. The San Francisco Flower & Garden Show is a perfect fit for her work as it brings flower and garden lovers from around the country to see amazing award winning gardens, prominent speakers and flower vendors.

Jenny Floravita's chandeliers start out as flat, architectural grade glass that is cut, slumped and then etched. Each chandelier is made by hand from the glass, to the irons. She wants people to realize that a tremendous amount of work goes into each chandelier as these are not simply fixtures from hardware stores. They are custom, hand-created works of art. Jenny can create just about any size chandelier as she works both smaller and large and she has shipped chandeliers successfully all over the country and beyond.

Her special painting technique in which flowers and leaves look as if they will pop right out of the glass allows her to paint with the same freedom that she feels when exploring a deserted island beach or a hidden wildflower garden. There is an amazing 3 dimensional effect to her glass paintings that captivates viewers and makes them feel as if they have a blooming flower garden that is contained right in the glass canvas that is ready to burst out at any moment. Floravita wants you to know that, "Every time you look at my illuminated painted glass gardens, you will see something new"!

Jenny Floravita will be an exhibitor at the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show at the San Mateo Event Center, March 24-28 and will be showing booth her custom painted glass chandeliers and her oil paintings. She is also proud to have one of her chandeliers in the main garden display. Look for one of her chandeliers in The Urban Oasis garden exhibit by Arthur Brito and Bryan Gordon. Meet the artist herself in Booth # 649. Preview her work at the below websites.

Chandeliers--> http://www.floravitalights.com

Paintings--> http://www.floravita.com

Facebook--> http://www.facebook.com/Jenny.Floravita.Painted.Chandeliers.andArt

Chandelier blog--> http://floravitalights.blogspot.com

Mini-Masters blog--> http://www.jennyfloravita.blogspot.com
follow on Twitter--> https://twitter.com/jennyfloravita

For more info on the 2010 March San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, visit: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

**********
Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Walk to Queen's Bath on Kauai

2010-02-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Walk to Queen's Bath", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

When you walk down to Queen's Bath on Kauai, you will see this scene once you are at the bottom of the hill and on the impressive lava rock platform. Queen's Bath is further to the left but what really strikes me about this entire area is it's serene beauty in contrast with some incredible ocean crevices where the water rushes in and angrily bubbles like a cauldron. I really need to capture some of those scenes in a large painting.

The lava rock itself is a beauty to behold. It's Hawaii's natural beach! There are little reflective pools of water, left over from the surf that crashes up onto the lava. There is also a beautiful little waterfall that empties into the ocean at this point. I've embellished by adding flowers. I'm looking forward to trekking to Queen's Bath very soon.

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Hawaiian Pacific Surf

2010-02-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Hawaiian Pacific Surf", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

What I love most about this particular beach on Kauai is the action of the surf. You can always count on endless, dynamic surf that just keeps rolling in and it makes this beach so beautiful any time of day. I love this! And this is what I want to wake up to when I'm spending my few precious days/weeks in the islands each year.

This isn't the big surf of the famed North Shore, it's just good, reliable wave action that is the beautify of the Pacific Ocean. From what I've noticed this part of the island is hardly ever flat.

I'm very much looking forward to my next journey to the islands in the coming weeks. My next trip with provide me with both needed rejuvenation and also new inspirations. But between now and then, there's lots to do for this busy artist...so back to work on Super Bowl Sunday!

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Paradise Cottage and the Dynamics of Squre Compositions

2010-01-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Paradise Cottage", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Many of my recent paintings are square and I'm inspired to create many of my next wave of large oil paintings in the square format as well. I love the dynamic compositions and the contemporary feeling to the square shape. It is less traditional and can result in a big impact on a wall, if the piece is large in scale. You can even give a 'traditional' subject a very contemporary twist by painting it on a large square canvas, which is what I did today with my ongoing exotic flower series, which I'm preparing for my next two art shows in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Both my tropical flower paintings and island landscape paintings have adapted nicely to this format. I admit that it can be a challenge to make a square composition work but I enjoy challenges and I'm also aware that I employ my years of experience as a graphic designer in the process of selecting the final composition.

Over the past couple years, I've learned to literally see my world cropped within a zillion different dynamic compositions. My coconut palm portraits are likely responsible for my beginnings down this particular path because my goal was to capture the gesture of the palms in tall, skinny compositions. The tall skinny shapes are just as contemporary as the square shape and though much of my natural painting style is highly traditional in terms of technique, I use these interesting shapes to inspire me to go beyond the "traditional".

The painting above is titled Paradise Cottage and I've composed the composition with the plantation house at the very bottom of the canvas, with only a sliver of the grass line. These paintings are all created on what is called "Gallery Wrapped Canvas" and this does give the painting a stronger 3D presence on the wall. The grass and beach lines continue on through the bottom of the canvas so depending on your perspective, the scene looks very complete.

Hope you've enjoyed my little slice of paradise for today!

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Waimea Living and Thank You to Livermore Art Association & Pleasanton Art Association

2010-01-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Waimea Living", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I would like to extend a big Thank You to the Livermore Art Association and the Pleasanton Art Association for inviting me to be their guest speaker Monday evening. I truly enjoyed this event and it was really nice to meet all of you in person. And Thank You to everyone who braved our stormy weather to come and stay so late. I hope that my presentation will help some of you to carve your own paths in your fine art endevors.

And a big Thank You to Jeanie, my mother-in-law, for helping me with the presentation. We're lucky to have such smart teachers and we should treat them right! They are very under appreciated by the sate.

And Thank You to Pat Smith for purchasing one of my small Mini Master island cottages...because it reminded her of her holiday stay at Kauai's Waimea Plantation Cottages with friends.

Now, about my Mini Master above: I'm continuing in my delightful plantation cottage painting series because so many of you have memories of staying in cottages just like this one on the islands. This cottage is from the Waimea Plantation Cottages on the Westside of Kauai and I must admit that these cottages do provide endless inspiration for my paintings.

What I particularly love about this painting is the livable feeling that it has. I've composed the composition so that just a sliver of grassy ground can be seen at the bottom and this allows for maximum height for the very tall and magestic coconut palms that help to define this small village of ideal island retreats. The actual painting has high-contrast in colors and the splash of flowers in the foreground completes your island experience.

Stay tuned and you will see many more of these paintings as I have a current stash that are just waiting to be released. I have also created quite a few medium-large exotic flower paintings, in preparation for my solo gallery show at Kumquat in San Francisco, which starts in March.

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Blue Island House ....and Size is everything

2010-01-04T20:48:00.001-08:00

6"x6" oil painting titled "Blue Island House", awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

24"x18" oil painting titled '"Just Another Perfect Day" drying, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Usually I let the public tell me what size they would like their paintings to be and they do this by collecting some sizes more often than others. Patterns. You start to learn them before kindergarten and they serve the thoughtful artist well. And for the most part, in the last couple years I've done better with either very small paintings or very large works, with the odd show thrown in that breaks all the rules. That's what I believe my market today is very large and very small, based on public feedback.

Funny thing is that, I find myself painting in a size (24"x18") that I don't normally believe sells all that well for me at festivals. In March, I have an annual solo show in San Francisco at a gallery that tends to sell these medium size paintings. The ceilings heights of many average San Franciscan homes are short and many of the older homes have smaller rooms. Keverne, the gallery owner, prefers medium and smaller works and gets nervous if I show up with too many large paintings, so I'm doing my part now to assure that this doesn't happen. And of course, without a crystal ball it's impossible to tell how many paintings I will need for this show. Usually I sell a few but the year before last, I sold out...around 16 in total. Actually, I had to replenish paintings a few times. Keverne might have jinxed that luck by saying in only a way that she can say 'It'll probably never happen again' but that's ok, I'm going to be prepared for just in case. Artists, this would be a great example of painting for a niche market.

In the past, I've sold lots of exotic flowers with coppery backgrounds through my solo shows in The City. I've also sold some of my contemporary palm portraits in narrow and tall sizes and it never fails that I end up selling multiple Mini-Master paintings to people who see my work on the internet or through my own website. When a particular painting is at a gallery, I simply let the gallery owner handle the sale and make the commission. This way we both win and they handle the shipping.

Here's the other thing that never seems to fail to happen: I sell, sell, sell when I'm in the islands. It's likely good karma and I do try to be good. In March, I'll be going to Kauai right after I deliver the new works for my show. Also, our traveling laptop usually decides to go haywire with broken keyes galore and for some reason, it doesn't like for me to answer emails during this period either. (I'm going to now knock on wood to the awesome gallery sales part but Not for the bad computer luck). Did I mention that artists are usually superstitious? We can't help it! You never know when your next big sale or big month will appear.

So please tell me, what size paintings do you collect? I would love to know!!!

Next artist talk: Livermore Art Association and Pleasanton Art Association/PAL meeting, January 18, 7:30 PM at Cultural Arts Building, Pleasanton

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Paradise Can Be Yours ...and Optimism in 2010

2010-01-02T18:40:00.000-08:00

6"x6" oil painting titled 'Paradise Can Be Yours' drying, awaiting a new home...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

CNN online has a new poll tonight and the question is: Are you optimistic about 2010? Yes, is my immediate answer and as I write, 73% of the readers who took the toll agree. Working artists tend to be optimistic in general. I think I've written that line a lot lately and it's because when I think about the economy and the business of making and selling art for a living, it's impossible to not acknowledge the perseverance of the artistic spirit.

We working artists tend to have an intense desire to step out of the box and simply 'make' something that may not have function but will definitely add to the ascetic life of the collector. I question myself about this often and yet I have no real answer on why I feel this desire. Artists are born simply wanting to create and to survive, we must present our works to the public. Why some people are born this way and others not is a mystery to me. As a question to myself I sometimes ask: why didn't I have a desire to become something practical, like a dentist, for example. (For the record, my dentist does wonder the same thing when he sees me at my check-ups and remembers that I am an artist). Optimism is definitely a driving force behind keeping the inspiration for art alive.

Ok, there are the odd balls artists that are truly pessimistic (and they are grumpy at exhibitions, complain about everything) and then, yes, there are many manic artists. It's impossible to not have a few of them. Come to think of it, us creative kin probably all display some form of manic or compulsive trait, to say the least.

Artists who create for a living must be full of the feeling that there is a future for their work. Every industry has it's ups and downs and the American artisan movement (my term) is no different. And 2010 will be a much better year for those of us who are still exhibiting. If anything, those of us who are still in the game are even more creative than we were in years past. Our work is better and our ideas in general are more innovative. This is all happening during a time when a big portion of the US is now accustom to buying 'art' and everything else from big box stores at unbelievably cheap prices. This alone has forced us, as a group of modern gypsy artists who travel the posh towns and the internet, to be the best that we can be. Yes, there is still the tent factor (and I have a funny story to share at a later date about that) but basically we are still very viable in the small business world.

About the painting above: it's one of my newest Mini-Masters and it's titled Paradise Can Be Yours and is a 6x6 oil on gallery wrapped canvas. This is another one of my North Shore Kauai paintings. When it's dry, I'll post a straight on view of this painting.

Now, that's looking up to a great 2010!!!

Next artist talk: Livermore Art Association and Pleasanton Art Association/PAL meeting, January 18, 7:30 PM at Cultural Arts Building, Pleasanton

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Own your own Hawaii Beach House

2010-01-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

6"x6" and 12"x6" oil paintings drying, awaiting new homes...
Painting can be purchased for $100 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

As we roll into the new year, I've been here working in my studio, contemplating the direction of my work (as always). The life of an artist is filled with challenges: which painting or set of paintings to work on next, which colors will set the overall tone of a piece, composition, solving spacial/color issues, choosing shows, etc... The list goes on and on and I haven't even touched the tip of the ice burg nor have I even touched upon how I go about selling my work and making a living, ie, running a small business.

What is exceptionally challenging for me is the fact that I work in a few different disciplines equally well. I paint my island scenes in both oil and watercolors as I do my tropical flowers. And my reverse painted chandeliers are a total work within themselves and that's taken me on an interesting journey these past couple years...but I won't go into that here as this blog is for my 'traditional' paintings.

No, what I want to tell you is that as an artist, I'm filled with inspiration most days of the week. And it's difficult to pick the next painting. I'll be at my easel, as I was today, and I'll switch directions right before I start a painting. It's a process in my mind that I go through...and as an artist, I'm constantly challenging myself to learn more about my paintings and the subjects that I paint and how they are going to be approached. It's hard to explain but it's a process that I bet a lot of artists struggle with: reigning in the inspiration. And let me tell you, having too much inspiration sure beats the few days in the month where I just don't feel like painting at all (and indeed, I don't paint on these days).

Lucky for me, today was an inspired day!

And while I'm at it, the photos above are paintings drying in my studio and are from this past week. They are my newest Mini-Masters. As I was painting them, I was thinking that the island cottages that have have been so popular with my collectors are an excellent way to "own" your own beach house. No monthly dues or electric bills and you don't even need hurricane insurance! Now how good of a deal is that!

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Escape, tropcial beach oil painting

2009-12-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

Escape, Oil Painting on Gallery Wrapped Canvas, 6" X 12"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I'm excited to be painting oil on canvas again. It's often a challenge to work in different mediums, different sizes, etc... One of my passions is obviously my island landscapes. The next two paintings, which are drying are more sugar island cottages. I'm looking forward to walking this beach in March...

Next show: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. More info here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

San Francisco Flower and Garden Show

2009-11-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I am excited to announce that I will be exhibiting at the upcoming San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, March 24-28, 2010 at the San Mateo Event Center, BOOTH # 649. My elegant painted chandeliers in flower themes will be on display as will my tropical oil and watercolor flowers, which are inspired by the wonderful flowers that I see through my travels in the Hawaiian Islands.

More information about the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show can be found here: http://www.sfgardenshow.com

To see more, please visit my websites: www.floravitalights.com
and www.floravita.com

Bird of Paradise Flower Painting Commission and Hanging Original Art in Your Bathroom

2009-11-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Oil Painting on Canvas, 12" X 12"
SOLD
Contact the artist, Jenny Floravita

This blog entry brings me to the subject of "Is it suitable for original paintings to be hung in bathrooms"? And the answer is Yes, if the room is not too humid and has proper ventilation. I've sold countless works, usually oils but sometimes watercolors, that were destined to add beauty to bathrooms.

By adding an original oil painting to the wall of your bathroom, you are adding class and originality to your space.

This particular oil painting was a commissioned piece for a client, who also purchased another exotic flower painting. It is destined for a special place in second home in Mexico. I had to match the background and accent cobalt blue colors to a tile, that is being used in the room, seen below.

A bit about Birds of Paradise... they originate from South Africa and are pretty hardy in California and can be seen through out the tropics and sub-tropics. I grow them in my garden here in Northen California. The weather is nice and warm in the summer and though there can be a bit of cold in the winter, the plant survives.

See more tropical paintings on my website:
www.floravita.com

Also check out my reverse painted glass chandelier blog:
http://floravitalights.blogspot.com/

Evening in Kauai, Kauai Hawaii tropical island beach painting

2009-05-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Oil Painting on Canvas, 6" X 6"
Painting can be purchased for $95 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I'm getting ready for a big art festival in La Jolla in June, the La Jolla Festival of the Arts and I've been trying to carve out precious time to create new island paintings in oil and watercolor. This little gem was the study for a 36"x24" oil painting that I've already completed.

What I love most about the islands are their gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. It's absolutely the perfect way to both start and end your day! Now wouldn't this tropical island painting remind you of your last island getaway?

See more tropical paintings on my website:
www.floravita.com

Also check out my reverse painted glass chandelier blog:
http://floravitalights.blogspot.com/

Pink Water Lili Blossom, tropical flower painting

2009-04-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Water lilies are absolutely fabulous in our backyard pond. They thrive most of the year but do die back in the winter. As spring is now if full swing, they will begin to blossom and not only add color and beauty to our pond but will also provide an extra measure of protection for our fish! And, they do help with algae blooms!

www.floravita.com

Also check out my glass painted chandelier blog:
http://floravitalights.blogspot.com/

Orange Ti Leaves, tropical flower painting

2009-03-16T10:01:00.001-07:00

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Tropical flower paintings are always a great source of inspiration. This one is of the exotic Ti leaves that are found around Hawaii and other tropical islands. I was struck by the bright orange that is illuminated by the sun shining through the leaves. I had done a similar painting to this a few months back that sold and I plan on doing some large work later this year with these illuminated themes.

www.floravita.com

White and Yellow Plumeria...and a wealthy Shakespeare

2009-03-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Here is an interesting link to an article that suggests that a painting from the early 1600s is indeed Shakespeare. http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/03/09/william.shakespeare.portrait/index.html

What's most interesting is that, if true, it supports the theory that Shakespeare was a wealthy man. Of course we will never really know for sure but it is interesting to speculate!

www.floravita.com

Light Pink Ginger...and so little to say

2009-03-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

This has been a somewhat hectic week but as everyone says, busy is good! I'm looking forward to creating some more of these back lit flowers...was up very early, bustling around and preparing my studio for a visit...so much to do this week and yet I have so little to say! So I'll let my painting, above, speak for me instead.

www.floravita.com

Violet Banana Fruit... and a perfectly balmy day

2009-03-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I'm very inspired today...woke up to really balmy weather here in California...am working on a new oil painting that incorporates the dramatic mountains of Oahu and the weather is adding the perfect ambiance to my working environment. It's supposed to rain but I have my studio windows open and the scraping of the palm fronds that surround my house are the perfect sound. There's a slight breeze. The outside temp is really comfortable. As I write this blog from my office below, I am also listening to the sound of the waterfall in our pond.

The particular piece that I'm working on today is an Oahu North Shore scene that is from the viewpoint of Sunset Beach area looking in the direction of the mountains that loom over Waimea Bay.

During my last trip in January, I was really awestruck by the intense beauty of the mountains, which has never been a subject that I've been taken with before. It's tempting to try to catch every detail in every crag and nook but I know better than that...that softening up the details in the distance adds a more balanced feeling of depth...am hoping to make a lot of progress on this painting today and perhaps bring it to a point where it can sit and dry in my studio for a while.

www.floravita.com

Soft Lily Reflection

2009-02-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

One of my favorite parts in my back yard is our pond. It's the size of a small swimming pool and is several feet deep. And though my first pond included mature koi fish, this pond contains goldfish, which has become a love for my husband and I.

In the summer our pond flourishes with lilies and greenery. I painted the above piece a couple days ago, here in my studio in the dead of winter, while dreaming of summer months in the back yard.

www.floravita.com

Bird of Drama...inspired to paint watercolors!

2009-02-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus $6 s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I have been really missing painting in watercolor and have spent much of the last two years working in oil. As an artist that has gone between the two mediums several times over the last several years, I've learned that some subjects simply come across better in certain mediums, for me, at least. And I've decided that if I'm going to paint florals in watercolor, they will most likely be high in contrast.

I started out life as a serious artist through watercolor painting. Many of you know that I was introduced to painting at an early age and when I was 11, I learned through a private art instructor, who is also a good friend and collector. This was many years ago, of course! Watercolors were my tool of expression and I focused on both watercolor and fine pencil drawings all the way through college. My style was realism and through the years, I've explored trying to "soften" what comes naturally.

My large watercolors have always been my best pieces. This year I hope to finally bring a vision to light that I've had since 2002: to expand a series of paintings about tropical lakes and present them in a show. A few of these may become oils but I suspect that I paint this particular subject best in watercolor and have a couple of the paintings in my office that I will not part with.

Of course, I'm balancing all of this with my oil landscapes and my painted chandeliers. It's not easy to work in different mediums and I often find myself revisiting themes that I've explored before as these themes go round and round in my life. Sometimes I want to paint flowers when I am doing landscapes and sometimes I have great ideas for watercolors when I am doing oils and vice versa. It's this inspiration that keeps me creating!

www.floravita.com

Oahu's Waimea Valley Botanical Garden is a hit

2009-02-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

North Shore Expanse, Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I'd like to share with everyone our great experience at Oahu's Waimea Valley Garden: http://www.waimeavalley.net/

One warning is that when you click on the front page there music, so don't open this site at work!

The garden is a lovely tribute to a forgotten way of life in the Hawaiian Islands. You can either explore on your own or take a guided tour. There are craft stations and examples of what life might have been like in the valley over a hundred years ago. The garden walk is simply beautiful and in the back, you can swim by a waterfall. The botany is divided into sections, like South America, or Canoe plants, which were the plants that early Polynesians brought with them as necessities in their sea travels to plant in the newly inhabited Hawaiian Islands.

The garden offers a pretty good gift shop. I bought some gorgeous ceramics as gifts as they were made in the islands. The "made in Hawaii" crafts are in the front section as you walk in and the prices are very affordable. You won't find work like this in Waikiki and certainly not at these prices!

The shop also offers a good selection of books on the history of Hawaii. If you get hungry after your walk, there is a decent snack shop. I rarely eat burgers but Patrick and I did split a burger that had a taro bun and it was good!

And you know that gardens always need support! So next time you're on Oahu, venture out of Honolulu and up to the North Shore. When you come to Waimea Bay, you'll see signs for the garden. It's right there in the valley behind the famous big wave spot!

We loved it so much that we went twice! I'm sure I'll blog on this garden in more detail in the future...so much to share.

www.floravita.com

Jenny's photo and art featured in Santa Cruz Magazine

2009-01-13T17:31:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 10" X 20" titled, Esplanade Palm
Painting can be purchased for $275 plus s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

Today I received the new Santa Cruz County 2009 Official Traveler's Guide and a HUGE photo of me and my paintings are featured in the middle of the magazine. Santa Cruz is a very colorful beach town with a rich history in culture and art. It is a college town. I graduated from UC Santa Cruz and lived in the area for around 10 years. And, of course, it has fabulous beaches. Each of the neighboring cities has their own flavor and I'm sure to blog on this a bit later.

If you are thinking that you might want to travel to this unique California beach town and would like to receive a FREE magazine featuring all fun places to go and things to see, you can find it here: http://www.santacruzcounty.travel/index.shtml

This piece, Esplanade Palm, is 10"x20.

www.floravita.com

Shade on the North Shore by Jenny Floravita

2009-01-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

This painting was definitely the study for a larger piece that I finished last week and in which will be posted in a couple weeks. I'm ramping up to my next tropical adventure. Next Sunday morning I'm flying to Oahu to spend some time on the North Shore.

The scene above just happens to be of the North Shore of Kauai but I thought it would be a good challenge to discover some new inspiring scenes to paint. I choose this time of year because I know that the waves will be heavy and that there will be a lot of mood and movement in the ocean and in the air. Winter time is an exciting time in the Hawaiian Islands and for me, it's a wonderful break from our dreary California weather.

I know...I'm a wimp when it comes to weather. If it hits below 75 degrees, I'm chilled! And actually, we tend to have mild winters, definitely no snow, right up to Christmas. Though the one thing that I miss the most is the fresh air. Even in the summer when the sun is cranking the heat in, we have our windows open, unlike all of our air-conditioned polar bear neighbors.

Today I'm inspired simply because it's warmed up to the mid 60s and we've got the windows open to air the place out. What a difference! My spirit has lifted to a new level and I feel like I can breath again. I truly do not like even the slightest cold, preferring tropical weather but also loving temps in the 80s and 90s. In fact, 90 degrees is somewhat perfect for me.

And now that my beautiful tropical yards have been maturing for about 6 years, it's paradise here when it's warm. And as I write this blog with my tropical office window open, the sound of our pond waterfall and the lushness of the palms outside my window is simply lovely.

Now if only we had our hot tub installed...it's waiting in our garage to be moved to the back. ..

www.floravita.com

Message of Hope in the new year

2009-01-01T11:37:00.001-08:00

Romance on the Coast, Oil on canvas, 36" X 48"

Those of you who know me well know I'm a very goal oriented person. I'm always reaching for goals and typically contemplate and revise my art business goals in late October. For some reason, that has always signaled the end of a year and as I write this, I realize that my birthday is at the end of October. So it truly is the beginning of another year in my journey as an artist. Go figure, an artist walking to the beat of their own drum!

That being said, New Year's Eve has almost always been a time for me to reflect in general terms as my specific goals have already been thrown into action. And New Year's Eve is rarely about parties as my husband and I prefer a quiet evening together and last night was no exception. But what made the night different from other New Year's Eves is that we did decide to go out. We had plans to dine at a favorite Japanese restaurant and before that we stopped by a locally owned mom-and-pop fish store to buy supplies for our treasured fantail goldfishes.

Like so many other people that we know, the owners of this shop were not faring well and in fact, they were feeling very desperate. They are on the brink of failure in their business and loss of everything that they own including their home. My immediate reaction was to try to relate on a human level so I told them that we knew many who were in the same boat and that they are not alone. As we left the shop, tales of the owners losing everything and having no hope for a new future clung in the air all the way to the Japanese restaurant. It was hard to shake off.

Reading about economic horrors in the news is one thing but knowing so many people who have been touched in this economy is another and if I had to describe the feeling, it would be frightening. The events at the pet store had me thinking more in terms of what I am grateful for right now instead of what I plan to achieve next year. And to be truthful, I've been feeling grateful for an awful lot lately as I know what it's like to have struggles. We all do and it's that comparison that helps us appreciate small things in life.

Despite the hard economic times, my year as an artist was actually quite rewarding. I completed several large paintings, some being commissions. I explored a wonderful series of sugar plantation cottages paintings in oil, based on cottages seen in my travels through Kauai. Most of these paintings have sold. I had a surprisingly successful San Francisco solo show where the gallery owner sold 13 paintings in the spring. And though my art festivals felt at times like they were just a lot of work, I met a lot of wonderful people and improved the look of my display. My fine art publisher turned over a new leaf and started to promote my work more, resulting in sales. Also, I must have painted 30 commissioned chandeliers though my greatest achievement in this vein is that I figured out how to launch my very own line of glass, painted chandeliers. That was no easy feat as each of these pieces is totally custom and made from scratch. It took several months before I had a complete piece. Several of my clients snapped up these lights in the fall, including a ginormous custom piece (that I'm particularly proud of) that we installed in Reno.

And I could go on and on and on on positive things related to my art business that happened in 2008. It really wasn't a bad year though I did work hard. Who knows what 2009 holds?

From a personal level, I've felt blessed with such good friends and family to surround me like my husband, parents, brother, all of my wonderful in-laws, cousins and extended family from my husband's side. I don't want to jinx myself, but things on the home front are positive and that allows me to continue to create joyful art. Come to think of it, my biggest challenge lately has been deciding on a series of paintings to start as my inspirations are great right now and that is a challenge for an artist. The ability to choose a direction and focus on it is key to success.

Hopeful in general is how I feel most of the time though I realize that many of my contemporary artist colleagues may wash out this year, at least for a while. That is the cycle of things and nobody ever said art is an easy business. We who do art for a living do so because we feel it is the best way we can contribute to society.

With all this being said, what I think is useful to almost everyone is to list all of the things that you are thankful for, even if you are going through trying times, and try to keep those thoughts close. And that is exactly what I did last night...write a full page of things that I am thankful for.

Health, happiness and prosperity to all of you in the new year! And to those of you who feel less positive, know that times will change as change is the only thing that is certain.

Blue Sugar Cane House

2008-11-08T10:13:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 12" X 12"
Painting can be purchased for $275 plus s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

One of the most challenging aspects of being an artist can be deciding which direction to take for a series of paintings. I enjoy exploring a theme be it color or subject, landscape or floral. I actually have several themes that I'd like to explore this winter...one of them being to create more mini-cottage paintings and then see them blossom into larger works.

www.floravita.com

Aloha Retreat by Jenny Floravita

2008-11-05T09:14:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 10" X 20"
Painting can be purchased for $275 plus s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I've decided to post some of my other size paintings on my "daily painting blog". In truth, sometimes I'm painting up a storm. Sometimes I'm on a roll with small, mini-paintings and other times it's the large canvases that call to my creative mind. So with this post, I'm going to begin occasionally showing larger works.

This piece, Aloha Retreat, is 10"x20.

www.floravita.com

Coconut Glory by Jenny Floravita

2008-11-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 8" X 8"
Painting can be purchased for $125 plus s/h: from the artist, Jenny Floravita

I know that there's been a lot of doom and gloom in the news lately but I can't help feeling blessed. The sunny character of this painting reflects the joy of expressing my being through painting.

www.floravita.com

Red Roof In Hawaii by Jenny Floravita

2008-10-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

What was interesting to me in this composition is the red roof against the lush greenery of flowers, bushes and trees. And, of course, the coconut palms rise out of the middle-tier greenery to tower above the scene.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Slice of Island Life

2008-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This painting especially makes me think of my upcoming trip to the North Shore of Oahu in January. Even during times when I'm just flowing with inspiration, like now, it's good to restore in the islands. It renews my innovative mind as I'm always looking for new angles and ideas.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Swaying Cocos Island House

2008-10-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I just love this little cream colored sugar cane shack and it's tall, swaying coco plams.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Pink Elegance by Jenny Floravita

2008-10-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 6" X 6"
Unsold paintings can be purchased for $95 plus $6 s/h: from the artist

This is the time of year where I re-group and plan for my 2009 art festival season. I'll be on a roll with both my glass, hand painted chandelier lights and oil and watercolor paintings.�

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Floravita.

Sweet Red Flower

2008-10-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Unsold paintings can be purchased for $95 plus $6 s/h: from the artist

Red heliconias are just so beautiful. I love the waxy, wispy shapes that grow up through the tropical foliage. These beautiful flowers are true favorites in the islands. And because of the bright, primary reds and primary yellows, I decided that I wanted to make the background like a soft focus wash of deep green, aqua blue and sun kissed lime.�

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Floravita.

Bird of Hope

2008-10-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 6" X 6"
Unsold paintings can be purchased for $95 plus $6 s/h: from the artist

The next series of paintings will be dedicated to my grandmother, who loved to garden in her time. I have many a memory of being with her and my great-grandmother, both of them tending to their vegetable garden and flowers in their yard behind the house. I remember the lath house that my grandfather built in which my Nanny would get all of her precious flowers started. I had my own little patch and usually they helped me grow something simple like green beans or strawberries out front. In the summer afternoons, I would go into the back and lounge on the swinging patio couch under the grape vines.

These women didn't grow exotics like I do. Bird of paradise flowers really weren't common to grow in their heyday but I know both of these full-blooded Italian women would love and appreciate the beauty of this flower. �

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Floravita.

Sunlit Ti Leaves

2008-09-03T17:49:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Unsold paintings can be purchased for $95 plus $6 s/h: from the artist

You don't need to necessarily have flower in a composition to have a beautiful painting of leaves. These happen to be Hawaiian Ti leaves and I just love how the sunlight comes through them in the morning and late afternoon. Fire oranges and reds mixed with greens and soft lavender shadows create a peaceful yet energized piece. My own garden is so lush and I take frequent breaks between working on paintings. I'll either go out into my backyard filled with tropical glories or I'll sit under my front lanai and peer out through the lush banana leaves. I'm always trying to face towards a sunlight cluster of leaves.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Floravita.

Soft Morning Light Against Green Sugar House

2008-09-01T21:20:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I love this composition with the green cottage and the sunlight shining through, lighting up the beautiful gingers in front.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Lotus Life

2008-08-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Unsold paintings can be purchased for $95 plus $6 s/h: from the artist

Lotus flowers live in my pond in the summer time. I just love this exotic beauty. In my studio, I also paint magnificent glass chandeliers with exotic and tropical themes and the lots flower is one of my favorite flowers to incorporate into these pieces. This painting here was inspired by the detail of the center part of the flower against the bring magenta and warm yellow and gold tones. I play to do some larger paintings in oil for a gallery show in San Francisco in November.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Floravita.

Red Joy, heliconia painting by Floravita

2008-08-26T16:53:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Unsold paintings can be purchased for $95 plus $6 s/h: from the artist

Red heliconia flowers are striking and exotic. It's funny because when I travel, I'm always looking for new flowers to paint even though I may have a lot of images of the same kind of flower. I just love the way the leaves position themselves in the compostition with the flower. And the way the sunlight comes through is just breath taking. When I'm painting a flower, I'm look to make the color rich. I'm also looking for flowers that are kissed by the sun.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Floravita.

Sunlight Bird of Paradise

2008-08-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Fresco Watercolor Painting on Board, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Birds of paradise are lovely flowers. I grow them in my home garden and I frequently paint these exotics. They are among my best sellse at shows. This one is painted with a dramatic background.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Sugar & Bamboo by Jenny Floravita

2008-08-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Friday morning I head out to exhibit at the Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival. I'm really looking forward to this show. And funny enough, one of my favorite bamboo gardens is just a couple towns away in Aptos. So in honor of that, here is yet another bamboo/tropical cottage inspired painting.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

The Simple Life by Jenny Floravita

2008-07-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Who wouldn't want to live in a tropical cottage?

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Delightful Blue Sugar Shack by Jenny Floravita

2008-07-15T16:11:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I get such a tremendous response from these sugar plantation paintings at the festivals that I exhibit at. They are simply a pleasure to paint.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Plantation Life by Jenny Floravita

2008-07-09T10:31:00.001-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Theses small paintings are a must-see in person.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Yellow Summer Sugar House by Jenny Floravita

2008-07-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Green Garden Cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-07-07T10:06:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

The contrast of color in the rich green against the yellows of the bananas in what draws me to paint this scene.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Summer Day by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Bamboo groves, swaying coco palms, blue skys...all the things that make a perfect island summer day.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Calming Lake by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-25T15:52:00.001-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This lake is one of my favorites!

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Beautiful Afternoon Sail by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This small painting really is a must-see-in-person.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Sugar Plantation Houses by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I recently created a larger version of this scene with bamboo in front.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Plumeria Cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

It's a great joy to paint plantation cottages. For me there is such variety and the tropical flowers and greenery are endless.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Flower Cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Here is a beautiful, white color sugar plantation cottage. This painting has more of a focus on the bounty of foliage and flowers.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

That's the Life by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-12T10:07:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This is the life for some people! Boating in the afternoon, coming into the Poi Pu harbor on Kauai. Is it the life for you?

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Fun Snorkel at Lydgate State Park by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-10T18:37:00.001-07:00

Watercolor on board, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This was a fun painting done on location at the Lydgate State Park on the East side of Kauai.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Islander Beach by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Watercolor on board, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I painted this scene from my front lanai one morning while waiting for my husband to be ready for the day's adventures. It had been rainy for the past couple days and all of a sudden we woke to a beautiful, sunny tropical day!

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Paradise in Poi Pu by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-07T04:47:00.001-07:00

Watercolor on board, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This is a beautiful beach on the South side of Kauai that you might recognize.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Old Hawaii Shore by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Watercolor on board, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

It's really fun for me to travel with watercolors. They are spontaneous and capture water and the movement of the ocean beautifully. This is one of my most favorite scenes on Kauai and I feel like it really has a "vintage" feeling and fittingly, it's the beach directly across from the historic Coco Palms resort.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Island Home Lush by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

What inspired me to paint this scene was the lush background and the palms in front of the cottage.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Sweet Island Breeze by Jenny Floravita

2008-06-04T19:46:00.001-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Sometimes the wildest, most untamed settings make for the best paintings. That's how I feel about this piece. This is actually a scene that I came across on the South Shore of Kauai and I just fell in love with the untamed nature and mood of this little ocean front lot.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased from Jenny Floravita.

Refugio Beach Dates, palms ocean by Jenny Floravita

2008-04-24T09:51:00.001-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This is a favorite California coastal stretch and I have painted it many times. At some point in the upcoming year I intend to do some larger paintings of this area.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Island Cove, palm beach ocean by Jenny Floravita

2008-04-23T14:36:00.001-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This beautiful little cove is in Poi Pu in Kauai.

www.floravita.com
Paintings can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Windswept Beach, palms ocean by Jenny Floravita

2008-04-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I just absolutely love this expansive beach and the movement of the palms in the wind. A while back I had done a small watercolor painting of a similar view. This small oil was a study for a larger piece that was created last month and is on my website and will be in the New Release section for April and part of May.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Pink Exotic, flower Jenny Floravita

2008-02-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $125 plus s/h: from the artist

This exotic came from our backyard pond, which is the size of a small swimming pool.

www.floravita.com
Paintings start at $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Walk Through Town, palms hawaii Jenny Floravita

2008-02-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $125 plus s/h: from the artist

As an artist, I'm constantly observing the world and that's where my inspiration comes from. Natural beauty is everywhere and I was taken with these palms against the morning sky.

www.floravita.com
Paintings start at $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Morning in Paradise, palm trees Jenny Floravita

2008-02-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $125 plus s/h: from the artist

A morning stroll in the islands is good for the soul. One can see some really dramatic skys right after dawn.

www.floravita.com
Paintings start at $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Dawn in Kauai, beach palms Jenny Floravita

2008-02-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 8" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $125 plus s/h: from the artist

I just love the morning lighting in the islands. This scene is from one of my favorite beaches in Kauai.

www.floravita.com
Paintings start at $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Time to Reflect, tropical lake palms by Jenny Floravita

2008-02-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Happy Valentine's Day!

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Kauai Ocean Mood, beach by Jenny Floravita

2008-02-13T09:15:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This beautiful cove had a dramatic feeling. I loved the color of the water against the rich color of Kauai sand.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Westcliff Drive, ocean santa cruz by Jenny Floravita

2008-02-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

For a bit of a change, I decided to paint a Santa Cruz scene. This is Westcliff Drive, a popular hangout for many types of ocean loving people. I personally love to take long walks along this scenic cliff.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Banana Cottage, Kauai plantation cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-02-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Bananas frame a small cottage. I love banana plants and they are one of my favorite plants...I do have many banana plants in my own yard.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Happy Hawaii Cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

A good friend of mine, who's great-grandparents lived in these very cottages and worked in the sugar plant nearby raised a family of 8 and these cottages only have one or two bedrooms. As she pointed out, we really take our modern spacious homes for granted.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Hawaiian Blue Cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

Morning in Paradise, blue kauai plantation cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

The islands are filled with these delightful little cottages. This one happens to be a cozy portrait of one of Kauai's Plantation Cottages on the West Shore.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Sunlit Hawaiian Cottage, plantation by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

Blue Kauai Cottage by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-22T16:52:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Florida Lake Reflections, Palm Trees by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-20T20:12:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I love the tranquility in tropical lakes!

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Palm Reflections by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 6"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Lushness of tropical gardens is a constant draw for my inspirations as a painter.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Island Beachside Cove, Kauai, Hawaii by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-17T09:43:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

One of my favorite things to do is to drive around and see how and where people live. I do this everywhere I travel to, be it a Southern California beach town or an island. This scene is really about an island memory from one of these occasions.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Kauai Beach Sunset, ocean, Hawaii by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

This is a real special beach that I love to visit when I'm on the island of Kauai. It's a somewhat hard to find location as it involves a quick turn off the main road onto a tiny space to park a vehicle.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Sunset in Princeville, Kauai, beach, ocean by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-14T16:50:00.001-08:00

SOLD

Florida Morning by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-13T18:46:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

I love tropical lakes! They have a beautify serenity.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Sunset by the Lake, tropical, red flowers by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-11T09:17:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

These small paintings serve me both in generating ideas that will be used for larger paintings and to relive beautiful moments in my life's journey.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.

Sunlit Tropical Coconut Palm, red flowers, blue lake by Jenny Floravita

2008-01-10T12:05:00.001-08:00

Oil on canvas, 6" X 8"
Paintings can be purchased for $95 plus s/h: from the artist

Last month I had the honor of exhibiting in Miami for the Art Basel/Art Miami shows. I took a red eye flight on a Saturday night into Ft. Lauderdale and arrived early Sunday morning. Knowing that my condo wouldn't be ready until the afternoon, I drove directly to the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and toured this treasured garden almost until closing.

The amazing thing is that if felt like I was there just yesterday as I know this garden so well. In reality, my last visit was during the week of Hurricane Charlie.

www.floravita.com
Paintings not sold at auction can be purchased for $95 from Jenny Floravita.