Susan Cardenas, Artist

Born in Okinawa and raised in Kaneohe, Oahu, Susan Cardenas grew up between the majestic beauty of the Koolaus and the picturesque serenity of Kaneohe Bay. “My mother used to draw for us when I was growing up,” Cardenas says. I think it’s my mother’s influence that is behind my passion for art.”

Known for her watercolor works of Hawaiian flora and landscapes, Cardenas’ career in art started small…literally. In 1979 Cardenas began painting intricate miniatures on fine jewelry. Through this delicate work she learned the fundamentals of composition and color, and honed a fine-tuned ability to paint on an extremely small scale.

In 1981, she studied oil painting under local artist Stan Yamauchi. Cardenas returned to school to earn a degree in graphic arts in 1984. Soon afterward, she applied her newly acquired skills on the job as a graphic artist for the Midweek newspaper.

“Back then, art was just a hobby,” says Cardenas. “I never imagined that I would be an artist. Then when I was in my mid-30’s, I just became disenchanted with graphic arts.” It was in 1998 that she realized that fine art was her life’s passion and decided to pursue her dreams to make it a full time career.

"Hibiscus Red"

Cardenas experimented with several different mediums before discovering her true medium of expression in watercolor. “I love the spontaneity of watercolor and how it flows on paper and how it paints itself on the paper,” says Cardenas. “I found the images I had in my mind came to life with watercolor and I thought to myself…this is it! Watercolor allowed me to express how I really feel.”

"Koolaus from Namoku Street "

She has found her true life’s calling in her art. “My art fulfills me and makes me feel more whole as a person,” says Cardenas. She continues to find inspiration in the natural beauty of the islands and has gone on to teach others to paint and find inspiration in the world around them.

"Hibiscus"