Focus On... WaterWorks! {and a Giveaway!}

WaterWorks is a fabulous shop on etsy specializing in watercolors. Not just watercolors - amazing, beautiful, affordable watercolors.  I have tried watercolor painting and it's not particularly easy to make paint into a picture. Sumiyo, the artist behind WaterWorks obviously doesn't suffer from my affliction and she has graciously offered a print for your giveaway pleasure! :)

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I'm originally from Japan and came to the United States when I was 16 years old. I received a BA in Music and an MFA in Painting. I am a mother of three children (2,6 and 8 years), teach art at a college and to home-schooled teenagers. I also teach flute to a neighbor. I take Kung-Fu lessons 3 times a week. I have been practicing Buddhism for a year. I paint everyday, 3 works per day.

{worcester sketchbook no. 12 - my favorite!}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

My main medium is watercolor because it is the most convenient and safe medium when I have 3 children running around the house. But my most favorite medium is oil, because of its thickness, texture and physicality.

{marsh no. 51}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

About one year ago, I started to practice Buddhism, it changed my mentality. When I thought it was impossible to paint with so many responsibilities (jobs and family), this Buddhism practice encouraged me to believe in myself to achieve any goal. I decided to make a painting a day to begin with, 6 months later two paintings a day, and recently three paintings a day. I realized that I have over 400 paintings, so I decided to market through the Internet. Since I have some friends selling their paintings through Etsy, I decided to try as well.

{worcester sketchbook no. 7}

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration is from my children's art, my husband's art, and other artists' works.

{marsh no. 9}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

My children's singing, and playing instruments.

{fresh pick no. 35}

When it's cold outside... I stay in my warm and cozy house and have a cup of tea.

{worcester sketchbook no. 15}

When I'm hungry... I would eat some chocolate.

{fresh pick no. 44}

When I need a boost... I chant.

{marsh no. 78}

I wish I was/were... a better student when I was in school.

{worcester sketchbook no. 5}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... one my paintings.

{marsh no. 45}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... with my husband.

{fresh pick no. 25}

If you were an animal, what would you be? a cat.

{fresh pick no. 40}

What's your favorite piece of your own? Fresh Pick No. 30

{fresh pick no. 30}

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? Etsy - I visit many shops everyday and find my favorite shops and items.

{fresh pick cherry blossoms}

Sumiyo is giving away a print of Marsh No. 8 to one lucky reader!

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. -

First entry (mandatory):

- Head over to WaterWorks and tell me your favorite item!

Extra entries (optional):

- Follow WaterWorks on Twitter (leave me your username).

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog (in sidebar).

- Become a Facebook fan of Kate and Oli.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link.

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time September 14, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on September 15, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. WaterWorks will ship anywhere in the world!