Malia's Virtual Sketchbook

Varnish Day Picture Hillsboro 2025 Selections

2025-04-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

This was fun. The oil version of Cherries at Orchard Park was selected for Picture Hillsboro 2025,

So, I spent some time varnishing paintings.

This is the other selection that will be shown at City of Hillsboro from the end of this month.

Black Outline Artist Spotlights, March 2025

2025-03-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

March 2025 Collections

Still have a little learning to do about making good black outline manipulations.

Mostly, patience.

I tried a few techniques including erase to background and can come out looking just as dirty especially depending on the starting sketch.

For my "Artists Divine" Project

Kiseki Show, Cosplayer and Vocalist

Shoka Stonelake, Calligraphist, Portland, OR

Rudy Autio and Jun Kaneko in Omaha

Masao Noda

Emmy-chan Decora Loli

Los dos Kiseki (The Two Miracles) and Kiseki Show

2025-03-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

One of the performers I'm following is "Kiseki Show" so I created this. It's also loosely inspired by The Two Fridas. Can you tell I like to couple and twin in portraits and art? I wonder why... well... can't get enough of it! Will link when available on my Etsy.

Kiseki Show is a cosplayer and stage performer. One outfit was their Shibuya Host outfit, the other was a Golden Angel. painting this was a good time.

Detail:

Urashima Taro Take 2 Work in Progress

2025-03-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Speaking of the retrospective, I loved the colors and concept of a sketch for the Urashimatro painting, but it was one of my first oils and I feel like I can do better!

So, this has been in progress recently now that I'm wrapping up a certain project.

Urashimataro is the legend of the sea boy, who rescued a turtle on the beach. He followed the turtle to its home, and there he met a Sea Witch. In a Rip Van Winkle turn of events, she offers him a box filled with... should I spoil the surprise? Well, needless to say it wasn't good and he sayed under the sea after every horror was released from that box in Pandora fashion. Eventually he could return to his town, but it was many many years later and everyone was either old or deceased.

My goal is to capture the freedom and the shapes of the sketch... though it never quite seems to come out that way and sometimes have to change the placements of elements.

Burnt sienna underpainting. Oil on canvas, lean medium, lavender spike oil. I gessoed the canvas extra this time. Maybe they are all primed these days, but I didn't notice a difference when I was doing the underpainting. Surface didn't seem any more or less thirsty.

Masao Noda Collections Complete

2025-03-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wrapped up this collection this weekend

This is a follow up post to a previous in-progress blog.

There are a few other similar series in progress. Have at least 10 other artists I'd like to feature in a similar way.

Masao Noda, collection

Oil Portrait, 11 x 14

Oil on Canvas, 2025

Masao Noda, Black outline of graphite transfer sketchg

I was dreading doing the black outline digital manipulations but it was actually easier than I remember it.

Masao Noda at the Drums, Black Outline of Graphite Transfer Sketch

Special project coming up.

Try your hand at coloring it.

Detail of Oil Portrait:

City of Hillsboro Walter's Cultural Arts Center: Small Works Show #2

2025-03-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Small Works Show #2

December 2024 - January 2025

Selections

1) Meruhen (Castle on a Cloud)

Watercolor on Cellulose

SOLD

2) Lily Pond

Watercolor on Cellulose

Available

3) Tokyo Banana

Watercolor on Rice Paper (SOLD

4) Galaxy No.4

Watercolor on Arches Cotton Press

Available

5) Fields of Gold

Watercolor on Cellulose

SOLD

Japanese Fairy Tales and Mythical Creatures Retrospective 1

2025-03-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

Japanese Fairy Tales and Mythical Creatures Retrospective

Hillsboro, Oregon had an event at Sequoia gallery for many years called Hip 2 B Square, where community artists could participate in painting a 12 x 12 square in whatever manner they desired. For many years, I chose to decorate these with Japanese fairy tales.

Additionally, I did some other fairy tale pictures.

This post is a retrospective of the journey I took creating them.

Urashima Taro

Legend of the Ocean Boy

One of my first oil paintings. Inspired by some stickers I had for sale in my shop at the time.

Available for purchase, prints

12 x 12 oil on canvas

Taektori Monogatari

Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Original square was gifted to a family friend, but a portrait shaped original/prints remains for sale here.

Baby Kaguya

8 x 12 oil on canvas

The Two Kaguya

Taketori Monogatari, Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Inspired by Frida Kahlo's The Two Frida

I also like the dichotomy presented in the Ghibli film, Tale of the Princess Kaguya

The princess loved her early life wild and free in the mountains, but began to fade and languish when she was brought to riches and society life in the city. Its the interesting paradox of the world, that so many of the things humans seek such as power, wealth, luxury become prisons and can breed unhappiness once achieved. It moved me the way the princess yearned for the simplicity and connection of the way of life she experienced in the mountains. So I tried to depict her glowing, happy, free on the left in simple wear, and a cold more alien expression when dressed in court garb.

16 x 18 oil on canvas

Available here

The Princess Kaguya, Watercolor

Usually I do watercolor first, because it is a quick way to do color tests without investing too much materials and time (compared to oil), but I actually did this one after I did a few of the Baby Princess Kaguya. I love the way the white of the paper came through on this one.

12 x 16 Watercolor on Cellulose

Original Sold

Prints available here

Three Kappa in the Pond

Japan mythical yokai creature, Kappa river/water sprites

Oil on Canvas, 12 x 12

Available, not yet posted

I was having a bit of a rough health patch this year's Hip 2 B Square (2021?)

But still, I wanted to participate, So I created this.

I feel like the number 3 is a litle special in this one, so picture depicts three kappa and three cherry trees in the foreground of the grove.

More than an eastern landscape, It looks a little bit like the Pacific Northwest landscapes in Oregon.

Stay tuned as I gather more of the Fairy Tale and Folklore series pictures.

First Tuesday Art Walk 4/2023 Bleeding Leaves at Crystal Heart Books

2025-02-28T08:03:00.000-08:00

Bleeding Leaves

Crystal Hearts Books, Hillsboro Oregon

You can find my fruit, cafe, and some natural world pieces at Crystal Heart Books

in Hillsboro Oregon. They have a permanent home there, until sold.

Each first Tuesday of the month in Hillsboro is First Tuesday art walk, when this photo was taken.

This was probably March or April 2023.

If you're an artist, get out there! Its more fun!

2/24/25 This weeks watercolors

2025-02-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

"Malia's Liver" and Artist Portrait: Painter M. Autio

Detail: Malia's Liver

Needs some brightness/contrast adjustments, but you get the idea.

This painting features two of my favorite Daniel Smith granulating colors including lunar black and moonglow

About: I was inspired by the Golden Bomber music video "Maria's Liver" マリアの肝臓

I've dealt with some health issues that included my liver, so I was surprised to see a song with a funny title like that and it gave me a laugh. There's more to the story of this painting, but that will have to wait for another day.

Needle Felting: So many Elsas! (2014, Ichinomiya, Aichi, Japan)

2025-02-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

This was a fun enrichment day I organized for my students.

I was taking classes from needle felting artist Feutre Mille.

I do say, they did a great job!

If you had fun, class was a success!

I dare say it was more fun to teach crafting than English.

October 5th, 2014

JADE, X Japan, Music Video inspired Painting Process, Yoshiki 2011

2025-02-17T21:31:00.000-08:00

Process for making the painting "JADE", inspired by an X-Japan Music Video

Painted with real jade pigment, from Seattle Based Daniel Smith Watercolors

ORIGINAL AND PRINTS AVAILABLE

Killer Queen, Freddy Mercury, Top of the Pops, Watercolor, 2019

2025-02-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

Killer Queen, Freddy Mercury, Top of the Pops, Watercolor, 2019

Original In Private Collection, Oregon, Unavailable

PRINT AVAILABLE

It's pretty wild that Freddy was a lover of cats, and no sooner did I bring this portrait to my music group members home as a winter gift, the cat came over to greet the picture. I thought it was a funny little coincidence.

This is a much nicer version of the smaller version watercolor I posted a few years ago.

This portrait brings back bittersweet memories. I still love this song and performance to this day. The costume, the charisma, a lot about it. At the actual time I painted this I had some health struggles, but still working on this artwork was therapeutic.

I would say I didnt use transfer paper to block this one in, but I think I did. It helped me achieve nice lines on the hands and accessories.

-M.

Noda, Masao, First Tokyo Live Night Oil, from photo c. 1986

2025-02-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

Noda, Masao, First Tokyo Live Night Oil, from photo c. 1986

I have a few details to confirm~~~

Painted 2025

Nearing Completion

I'm thinking still to add some highlights to the hair, deepen face values, and clarify (or even abstract-ify) some background details.

Mid Stage Completion

Early- Stage, blocking in colours

Blocked in Background and Figure

Noda, Masao-san On the Pier

2025-02-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

Social media can get a bad rap as being vapid and encouraging shallow communication.

However, I have found some enriching pen-friend type connections at Instagram. (@kawaiimautio)

Following regular posting about interests, I have come into contact with people around the world to communicate with regularly.

One correspondent, Masao Noda-san, a drummer based out of Yokohama, casually requested a portrait in 2023. Or maybe I offered to make one.

So we continued the tradition when I came into a little more time last fall and winter. I was able to start a mini series of watercolor, ink, and oil portraits.

As far as the art process, taking photos throughout the stages of painting has allowed me the perspective of being able to return to certain stages. From this perspective I can see the qualities and merits of each stage. It's excellent food for thought as I consider whether I want to try another composition again.

My current ceramics instructor insists "You need to know when to stop."

I agree. So I'll post a process progression of my watercolor portrait, Masao Noda at the Pier, c. 1986.

FINISHED PORTRAIT PRINTS AVAILABLE HERE:

FINISHED PORTRAIT:

PAINTING PROCESS:

Actually I'm really fond of this ethereal and partially complete stage.

I can start from a photo and use transfer paper to make an ititial sketch, and add embellishments as I wish. Any photo can become an adult coloring book of sorts.

Picture Hillsboro

2025-02-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

Note: Most uploads are made to my ETSY

http://etsy.com/shop/mautio

Perhaps, worthwhile to continue posting here for reference.

Will not be posted for sale until after the closing of event entries.

I finished my submissions to the CITY OF HILLSBORO (Oregon)

Picture Hillsboro 2025 Entries

Celebrating the city of Hillsboro, Oregon

SEASONING HILLSBORO, 2025

Government MAX, Orchard Park, Orenco Woods Nature Park, Hillsboro AERO Academy

Watercolor on Cotton

11 x 14 approx

Available, $144

Cherries at Orchard Park, Oil, 2025

Oil on canvas, 18 x 24

Cherries at Orchard Park

385$ Available

Cherries at Orchard Park, Watercolor 2025

Watercolor on Arches Cotton

Acrylic Details (white)

Approx 11 x 14, usually frame to 10 x 13

AVAILABLE $185

Looking to the Future South Hillsboro, Tamarack Park

Watercolor on Cellulose

Acrylic Details

Approx 11 x 14, frame to 10 x 11

AVAILABLE, $155

Old Lincoln Street Library, Old Town, 2018

Watercolor on Cotton Press

11 x 14

Available $185

More Paintings This December

2018-12-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

More Paintings This December

Killer Queen

8x10

M Graham Watercolors

Strathmore Cellulose Paper

Marnie at Makinohara

8x10

M raham Watercolors

Strathmore Cellulose Paper

Tweet Shop Paintings

2018-12-22T19:32:00.002-08:00

A Set of 5 x 7 Paintings

5 x 7

Budgie Cone II

M Graham Watercolors

Strathmore Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Budgie Cone I

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press

AVAILABLE

Budgie Parfait

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press

AVAILABLE

Cockatiel Parfait

M Graham Watercolors

Strathmore Watercolor Paper

AVAILABLE

Cockatiel Parfait

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press

AVAILABLE

Lovebird Parfait

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press

AVAILABLE

Picture Hillsboro Selection

2018-12-22T19:23:00.002-08:00

Good news!

One of the paintings was selected to be shown in the downtown Hillsboro Civic Center from around January 17th through the month of February in the auditorium.

Orenco Woods Nature Park Technicolor

This is the one of the set that I picked to hang in the living room. We'll see what happens :)

More Picture Hillsboro 2018-2019 Final Submissions

2018-12-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

Here are the final pictures I chose to submit to the city event. If you are a Hillsboro area artist or art collector/appreciator I would be happy to talk to you! Just send along a message! You can reach me at my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/mautio

Old Library at Second and Lincoln

8x10 in Frame

$150, $175 Framed

Watercolor on Cellulose Watercolor Paper

AVAILABLE

Man Resting at Brookwood Library Fountain

8x10 in Frame

$65 or $100 Framed

Watercolor on Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

MAX Arch at Baseline

8x10 in Frame

$125, $150 Framed

Watercolor on Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Old Meets New Orenco Fall Day

10x14

$250 Framed or Unframed

Watercolor on Arches Cotton Paper

AVAILABLE

Orenco Woods Nature Park Technicolor

Watercolor on Arches Cotton Paper

$300 Framed or Unframed

10x14 Frame

Original Image larger than matted area,would suit

custom frame nicely

AVAILABLE

Orenco Woods Nature Park I

8x10 in Frame

$150, $175 in frame

Watercolor on Fluid Cellulose Watercolor Paper

AVAILABLE

Trees at Tahoe

2018-11-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

Did a workshop with local artist Melissa Gannon in Beaverton. It was really fun! Too many projects to stay in the workshop through this season but might go back to keep dabbling in some expressive techniques I wouldn't think to try on my own.

Really enjoyed loosening up and limiting the palette on these.

These are all smaller pieces. On a 5x7 scale? Maybe a little larger. I enjoy them a lot.

Trees at Tahoe

Anthraquinone Blue - Mineral Violet - Alizarin Crimson - Hansa Yellow

AVAILABLE

Alizarin Crimson- Indian Yellow - Hansa Yellow - Hooker's Green

AVAILABLE

Quinacridone Rose - Ultramarine - Pthalocyanine Green - Bismuth Yellow

AVAILABLE

Preparation for Picture Hillsboro 2018-2019

2018-11-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Event coming up in my hometown. So did some paintings, the theme is "Picture Hillsboro"

This is coming off of September/October Plein Air @ Washington County. That was an energizing event where I went outdoors during the peak of summer mixed with autumn beauty in my home-range of Washington County, Oregon. I completed 6 paintings at that time (to come), exhibited 4, and sold 2!

A success in my book!

Without further ado, here are the paintings. All are approx 8x10, they fit 8x10 frames. Matted some of the painting gets covered up. Nothing custom framing wouldn't hurt.

Old Orenco Mercantile,

Realistic Colors

M Graham Watercolors on Arches

AVAILABLE

Old Orenco Mercantile,

Technicolor Dream

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Brand Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Orenco Woods Nature Park

M Graham Watercolor on Arches Cold Press

AVAILABLE

Orenco Woods Nature Park

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Old Library @ 2nd and Lincoln

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Max Arch @ Baseline

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Week 12 Watercolor Postcard Challenge

2014-03-25T20:48:00.004-07:00

Week 12 Watercolor Postcards

Train at Nagamori Take 2

Japanese Breakfast

15 Minute Figure Paintings March

2014-03-25T20:41:00.001-07:00

15 Minute Figure Sketching

Trying to experiment with figure drawing and paintings came across a good set of exercises to try from deviantart.

Thank-you:

mjranum-stock.deviantart.com

Week 11: Watercolor Postcards Challenge

2014-03-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Week 11 Watercolor Postcards Painting a Day Challenge

Inn at Jigokudani, Nagano, Japan

Traveling Tiel Visits Peru

Macchu Picchu, Alpaca

Traveling tiel Visits a Russian Cathedral

Tiel becomes a Raja in India

Road in Inazawa, Aichi, Japan

Bridge at Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Finish with some Matador action in Spain

Week 10 Daily Postcard Challenge Paintings

2014-03-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with ambiguous figures and lots of watercolor glazing

Tiel a Paris Painter

Painting Flower Shapes

From my Maxking fluid Cockatoo series

Masking Fluid Used to create an ink surrounded deer.
I think I like the black on white better.

A botched painting which used masking fluid, seen on the birds chest
and used in the crest area.

Major Mitchell Cockatoo Warm

Major Mitchell Cockatoo Cool