Maui no ka 'oi

Maui no ka 'oi. That's the saying on the island. Maui is the best. All of the Hawaiian islands have unique personalities and I've enjoyed every visit. But there is one thing about Maui that makes it stand out for me: the views of the other islands. All along the west side you can see Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai. I never get tired of looking at them. Especially in the morning when the sun first rises. I painted this last week at a park on north Kaanapali beach.


At rest, oil, 16" x 12"

South Wailea

I found this beautiful beach the other day just south of Wailea, in the very high-rent district, on Maui. I got there around 2 pm and there were only about 20 people on the quarter mile stretch. As I was finishing-up around 5, I had it all to myself. Paradise.
Oil on linen, 16" x 12"

Last on Maui

Yesterday was my last full day on Maui and I did this at a park in the morning. Later I went to the opening of the Plein Air Invitational show. Some really great stuff by Ken Auster, Darrell Hill, Ronaldo Macedo, Larry Moore, Randall Sexton, and many more (see links at right).

Today I'll do some touch up on a few pieces before heading to the airport. I'm not looking forward to Chicago weather, but I am anxious to see family and get back in the studio to do some bigger pieces based on some of the studies done here.

Aloha.


Mauka view, oil 10" x 8"

Lifeguard stand

I've averaged two paintings a day on my trip to Maui, but haven't had time (or the right light) to photograph them all. Yesterday was very windy. I had to quit one painting, too much sand, leaves and twigs blowing my way. I was also getting tired of hold the easel with one hand to keep it from going over. Today less wind. I went south to Kehei and Wailea. This Lifeguard stand is in the heart of Kehei on South Maui. Oil 8" x 10"

Coffee farm

Just up the hill from the resort area I'm staying in is the Kaanapali Coffee Farm. A working coffee plantation that is also a real estate development. You buy a parcel of four to seven acres of which about one acre is for your house and yard, the remainder is planted with coffee that is taken care of by a cooperative. It makes for a low density neighborhood and nice views--which come with a large price tag: $1 million just for the land. They had a couple of raised, viewing platforms that they gave me permission to use. They were even covered, ideal for painting. That's the island of Lanai in the distance.


Coffee view, oil 10" x 16"

Maui plein air

I'm on Maui for what has become my fourth annual painting trip. The Maui Plein Air Invitational is happening this week, a great chance to watch and learn from some real experts.

I was up early and out on the beach for this warm-up painting. Then I spent the afternoon at Fleming Beach where the invited artists kicked-off their event.


Beach morning, oil 12" x 10"


Darrell Hill

Palm study

I've been working on a larger piece for the past week but took a break to do this little study from reference photos I had taken. The end of next week I'm heading to Maui for some plein air painting and I want to be ready.

How far to take a palm tree is always a challenge. Paint every little leaf on a frond and it can become over-worked and unexciting. I like the idea of capturing an impression, suggesting the overall shapes and color without all the details. The viewer's brain will fill in the rest.

Palms at dusk, oil 10" x 8"