Rebekah, what is your medium? Oil.
What kind of painter are you? Mostly plein air (French, literally, open air). I go on location outdoors, into the field, and study the light.
How would you describe your style? Impressionistic representationalism. Sometimes abstract.
What is your subject matter? Hawaiian places; landscapes; Hawaii nei. More recently, I’ve added still life, and I am doing some seascapes. I paint subjects I think people would like to hang on their walls.
Do you paint from photographs? Rarely. I always felt if I painted from a photograph, the painting would look like a photograph. Sometimes I’ll make a black-and-white photo to see the values (range of darks to lights). I prefer painting en plein air or from life.
How long does it take to finish a painting? It depends on a lot of things, but on average about four or five times out on location. Some may take five hours, others five years.
Is your work in galleries? It used to be, but not at the present time. I am seeking a good venue and good representation.
Where can I see your work? Right here on Rebekah’s Studio! Come and visit my virtual gallery. Click on Paintings on the menu bar. To see the actual original painting, please contact me and we can make an appointment to see it. I’d love to show you!
How did you learn to paint? I took lessons, primarily from Gloria Foss. Before that I took the required art history classes in high school and college. I also studied art as part of the photography program at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
When and where did you start showing your work? In earnest at the Honolulu Zoo Fence on Monsarrat avenue and at Arts of Paradise gallery at the International Market Place, both in Waikiki in the later 1980s, and at invitational and juried shows. You might like to read my August 26, 2009, post “I wasn’t always a painter.”
What are your prices, what does a painting cost? An example would be U.S. $600.00 for an original 16″ x 20″ landscape in oil, frame included. Smaller ones are priced less, larger ones more.
How do you price your work? Besides the general guide in the above Q and A, I look at the overall piece, the thing. I imagine a price and I imagine selling the piece for that price. If I experience an awful feeling in my stomach, then the price is too low. I also go to galleries and shows and look at other artists’ works and prices for comparison. I think my prices are realistic.
Does the price include shipping? No. The customer pays for shipping and delivery. I take care of the packing and packaging.
Why is art so expensive to buy? The materials don’t cost that much. Artists are like actors. We don’t work every day. (Actually, we do, but we don’t sell every day; you get the idea.) This is how we earn our living—you know, food, shelter, gas, not so much clothing.
I love your work, but I don’t think I can afford to buy it. Can I? Sometimes for things we really want, we need to sacrifice. I have a layaway plan, normally three monthly payments each of 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. It’s possible to stretch payments out longer. The customer does not get the painting until it is paid in full. The installment payments are not refundable. That’s the deal. Several collectors of my paintings purchase on layaway, and they are able to enjoy enduring original art that way. If your finances can’t handle the layaway plan, then you probably can’t afford the painting.
Do you make reproductions? I’m wondering if I should manufacture some more. I have a giclée entitled “Mele’s Beach” that’s almost sold out.
Do you accept credit cards? Yes, through PayPal.
Who buys your paintings? Anyone. I have customers, patrons, and angels. 😉
Do you teach painting? Not formally. I’m happy to have people watch me paint and answer their questions, give a demo and talk about my art. My best audiences/pupils are kids. I might offer some tips on this blog.
Do you ever donate your artwork to a benefit auction event of a non-profit organization? Only if I can have part of the income. The reasons are: The non-profit receives merchandise and a donation for the painting if it is sold. The winning bidder gets a painting and a charitable tax deduction. The artist receives no income and can deduct only the cost of materials (i.e., canvas, paint, frame, wire). The public gets the erroneous idea that artists don’t mind donating their work. When I participate, I suggest this arrangement: Set an upset price of an amount I would like. The organization may keep the difference between the upset price and the winning bid. If the painting doesn’t sell, then I get the painting back.
Why aren’t there any new paintings in your virtual gallery? I keep checking back and see the same images. I would love to install new ones as fast as I can. And I’m glad you’re checking back. The thing is, oil paint takes a long time to dry, especially in a humid climate like Hawaii. Only when the painting is bone dry does it get a finishing varnish coat. Then that has to dry, then I photograph it, and then the painting gets a frame. It could take up to six months from the time I finish a painting to when it’s put on display. So, please stay tuned! I value your interest.
Thanks, Rebekah. And thank you! If you have other questions, you may Leave a Comment below or contact me by email. RL
Rebekah’s Studio 
Mahalo Rebekah for sharing YOU