"Kalakaua's Beach House"


Date: 8/22/2008
Location: Kahalu'u Beach
Size: 9" x 12"
Medium: Oil on canvas panel
Artists Comments: The reflection of the sky, cottage and landscaping as it danced across the fresh water pond was my inspiration in attempting this painting. I soon found that reflections in the water were just as about difficult as painting shadows in the sand. I also experimented with thinning out my paint to create sheer layers of color. I would like to create a series of washes on my next painting.

"Grass Carpet"


SOLD
Date: 8/8/2008

Location: Kaloko Ponds

Size: 11" x 14"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: This particular area of Kaloko Ponds inspired me for the soft carpet of grass that rolled over the lava field reminiscent of photos I have seen of Ireland (the motherland). The sun cast highlights that danced across the tips of the rolling grass field while the dark lava and ocean provided a stark contrast. My challenge was to find a technique that allowed me to highlight a particular highlight stronger than any other area of the grass field. Feedback received from my painting group suggested that I place my brightest point next to the darkest point in my painting for ultimate contrast. Although I did not perfect this feedback in this painting, it is a lesson that I will remember and use to create future paintings.

"Waiulu Point"


SOLD
Date: 8/2/2008

Location: Uluweuweu Bay

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: The very next day after I painting the most terrible painting of my life, I decided I immediately needed to redeem myself and headed to the ocean to paint what truly inspires me. Sandy beaches, swaying palm tress and a mesmorizing ocean with shades of colors that continue to inspire my imagination. My challenge with this painting was to accurately represent the lava fingers flowing from the land into the sea. Here the ocean is wonderfully clear allowing you to trace the lava as it creates amazing shapes and shadows as it transcends thru patches of sand toward the depths of the sea. I further experimented with creating a presence of clouds which were not present that day to add interest to the horizon and give a contrast element for the palm trees. I am particularily satisfied with my efforts on this painting.

"Nightmare"


SOLD
Date: 8/1/2008

Location: Pu'uopelu Estate

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: This was a monumental experience for me as this was the very first painting I actually hated and was totally not impressed with any aspect of the painting. Perhaps it was the fact that the wind picked up and literally blew my easel over twice (note the pieces of grass on the painting) or, perhaps it was due to the fact that the day was gloomy, overcast and definitely not inspiring as painting cheerful palm trees swaying in the ocean breezed; never-the-less I attempted to paint the most interesting thing I could which was a patch of hills in the distance beyond the rooftops. As an after-thought I decided to try to include the stone statue but it ended up taking on the focus of my painting and I am not experience at painting people (thus the colonial appearance of a very European statue!). The positive take-away I did learn from this nightmarish experience was the importance of sketching out my painting first on a sketchbook to ensure the focus and overall scope of my painting is maintained thru the process of creating my painting. Shortly after this painting, I purchase a small sketchbook to add to my painting repertoire.

"Lazy Morning on the Beach"


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Date: 7/26/2008

Location: Mahaiula Beach

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: On this painting I experimented with a hot pink wash to underlay the painting. I discovered that pink has the ability to tone down shadows and highlights and I found myself having to over-accentuate the low tones and highlights to make them show thru the painting. I was satisfied with the shadows created on the beach and the color tones in the palm trees. This was a great day to paint in company of my husband and brother relaxing on the beach around me. I opted for a small desktop easel which allowed me to sit in the sand and paint propping my paintbrushes in the sand in lieu of a brush holder. At one point I had to move my "studio" up the beach a few feet as the tide rolled in. I love the challenges of painting plein air along the shoreline!

"Spencer Beach"

SOLD
Date: 7/18/2008

Location: Spencer Beach Park

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: The water a Spencer Beach is similar to pictures of the Caribbean shoreline. It has this amazing graduation of colors as the water deepens. Although I was not comfortable with my ability to paint shadows, I was captivated by the view from a little picnic table set so close to the shore that it got wet during high-tide. A large tree was also set amazingly close to the water's edge and cast a wonderful umbrella of shadows over the water creating a nice contrast against the brightness of the water. Once finished, I realized that my palm trees had a very pinwheel shape and once again learned how much I have to concentrate on painting what I see rather than letting my mind paint what it thinks the objects look like. This may sound like a simple matter but you would be amazed at the difficulty to being receptive to letting go of my pre-conceived ideas of how objects should be painted.

"View from the Big Rock"

Date: 7/11/2008
Location: Wailea Bay (Beach 69's)
Size: 8" x 10"
Medium: Oil on canvas panel
Artists Comments: Feeling a bit adventurous this day, I decided to climb up the big rock at beach 69's to get a different perspective of this location and, to capture Hualalai Mountain on this amazingly vog-less day. Luckily I had my trusty crocks on which I naturally shifted to 4-wheel drive mode and made a few trips up the rock tugging my easel and supplies along. I sure was wishing I had a smaller easel as I was still using my full french easel from Costco - it's a piece of furniture! Once atop, I found a wonderful perch, slapped on a ton of sunscreen and bunked in for a great painting session. When I got a little hot, I simply dove off the side of the rock and found a spot to climb back up. My feet never touched the ground and I really felt like I was on my very own island! I focused on another Larry Seller technique where I consciously applied each brushstroke with the thought that at a certain point too many brushstrokes simply move paint around instead of giving meaning to the painting.

Price: $65 framed ( Buy Now )

Return Policy: Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you are not pleased, contact me for a return authorization within 14 days of receipt and you can return the undamaged SitaScapes painting, in the same shipping box, insured, for a refund of your purchase price, less shipping costs.

"Wailea Shore"


SOLD
Date: 7/5/2008

Location: Wailea Bay (Beach 69's)

Size: 8" x 10"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: I purchased an e-book from artist Larry Seiller and attempted to paint with a split complimentary pallet. The subject matter in this painting lent itself to the split pallet but, I don't think I really understand the concept. I did learn that mixing a bit of my rock color with the ocean color and applying it on my canvas gave the impression of reef below the water.

"Shoreline"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Kona Inn

Size: 20" x 16"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Inspired by watching re-runs of Bob the Painter, I went to Home Depot and purchased some large brushes. I am continually amazed at how Bob uses these giant brushes to magically blend dabs of color onto his canvas and create a masterpiece in what seems to be a blink of the eye. This technique was not so magical for me but, based on feedback from my painting group, I realized the difference between painting rocks that sit beneath the water and rocks that sit on top of the water. I think I'll have better luck next time I paint shoreline ponds.

"Misty Mountains"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Pu'uopelu Estate

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: We returned to Pu’u O Pelu (aka the Richard Smart Estate) which as you may know is not my favorite place to paint! After a few past failed attempts at this location, I am happy to report that I have finally produced a painting I am happy with!


A small valley between two pu'u caught my eye. Bright green meadows contrasted against dark river fed valleys were wrapped in a soft misty blanket of clouds Waimea is so known for. It was difficult to capture the ever-changing shadows created by the passing clouds but, it was a great lesson in working quickly to capture the essence of the moment without worrying about the details.

"Kiholo Beckons"

Date: 2009

Location: Kiholo Bay

Size: 8" x 16"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Camping is a great way to capture the light of an early sunrise without having the trouble of getting ready and traveling to a location. Here you just roll out of your tent, stumble to the shoreline and become mesmerized and inspired by the beauty of the morning glow. Here I was faced with the challenge of making the abundant lava appear interesting and not just a big blob of rocks.

"Thermals"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Kauai

Size: 16" x 20"

Medium: Oil on stretched canvas

Artists Comments: On a recent trip to Kauai I was captivated by the height of the palm trees growing on the island. I experimented with adding colors into my palm frons and lightening some of the trees to provide a feeling of depth in the palm tree grove.

"Twins Swaying in the Breeze"


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Date: 2008

Location: Anaeho'omalu Bay

Size: 8" x 16"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: I went down to A-Bay to watch some friends kite-surf but the wind patterns were not ideal so, I set up my easel and decided to capture two tall palm trees along the shoreline. I over-simplified my brushwork and color variations for a softer effect.

"Voggy Day in Kona"


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Date: 2008

Location: City of Refuge

Size: 12" x 16"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: From the shores of Old Airport Park, there is a wonderful view looking across Kailua Bay at the Kona Commons condominiums with Hualalai mountain raising up from the shoreline. The day was particularly voggy resulting in a gloomy hue that hung over the bay. I decided to capture the gloominess and catalogue what I hope to be a short-term vog spell.

"Touching the Sky"

SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: City of Refuge

Size: 12" x 16"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: One of the most notable features of the City of Refuge is the abundance of palm trees scattered throughout the park. I was inspired by the skyward trees and decided to try and paint one such palm tree as I gazed up from under its shade. My challenge was to infuse my greens with other colors to avoid monotone palm frons.

"Kawaihae Canoes"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Kawaihae Harbor

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: This subject was a particularly bold attempt for me as there were many elements to capture but it was these same elements that inspired me to paint that day. The tangle of vines crawling up a large tree trunk, heavily shadowed area, 3 canoes and a hillside basked in sunlight. Still not having understood the right combination of techniques to create believable shadows I reworked the shadows and sand area multiple times until I reached a point where I was comfortable with the result.

"Tornado Tree"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Hawaiian Gardens Nursery

Size: 10" x 16"

Medium: Oil on stretched canvas

Artists Comments: Not particularly comfortable with still life florals, I was apprehensive of painting at the nursery but, decided it would be a good learning experience for me. This particular specimen grabbed my attention due to its unique tornado-like growing pattern and contrasting shadows and highlights. Whimsical flowers were in the background and I decided to keep them as I felt it gave the painting some additional interest other than the main focal point.

"Wedding Chapel on the Shore"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Kahalu'u Beach

Size: 16" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: At arrival to Kahalu'u I was not particularly inspired by anything in particular. But after surveying the entire shoreline, I found a perch where I was able to capture the Church along the shoreline with speckling of colorful rooftops and homes along Ali'i Drive beyond. I chose a hot pink wash to in hopes these undertones would cheer up the overall mood of the painting. I simplified the homes which added a whimsical touch which I liked.

"Shoreline Naupaka"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: OTEC Beach

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: My eye was captured by the striking contrast between the slim tree limbs in shadow against the striking variations in the ocean hues. I found myself painting the tree to how my mind though I should paint a tree. When I took a step back from the canvas I realized that I was in fact not painting what I was looking at but instead what I thought it should look like. I was able to re-adjust my translation of the tree to what was more realistic to its true form. I then experimented with enhancing the color of the lava to make it more interesting. Not painting with black really helped me with this experimentation of color.

"Ring of Shadows"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Anaeho'omalu Bay

Size: 11" x 14"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: The circle of palm trees created a wonderful ring of awesome shadows back dropped by the vibrancy of the fresh water ponds. At the last minute, a woman walked over and set up her chair to read a book in this peaceful circle. The shadows were especially difficult for me to capture and I ended up re-working that portion quite alot before reaching a point where I felt comfortable "letting it go".

"Makalawena Pu'u"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Makalawena

Size: 14" x 1o"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Nothing like awaking at first morning's light, scurrying over the rocks to the perfect perch where I captured views of the famous Pu'u, Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains. I even captured a glimpse of Hualalai Resort off in the distance. Without much experience in painting the ocean, I took a shot at bringing the sea alive with motion and energy.

"Makalawena Pines"


SOLD
Date: 2008

Location: Makalawena

Size: 14" x 10"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Quickly discovered that my new-found hobby allowed me to mix my three favorite things: company of friends, the beach and painting! I packed my easel and supplies to take with me on a camping trip to Makalawena. What an awesome feeling to translate onto canvas the surrounding beauty.

"Serenity Ponds"

SOLD

Date: 2008

Location: Kaloko Ponds

Size: 14" x 10"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: By chance, I was introduced to the West Hawaii Plen Air Painters and was delighted to meet with a group of other artists to practice with. This was my first painting completed with the group and I knew they would be good for me for the simple reasons that they had a wonderful combination of talent across multiple media and a healthy dose of sarcasism and humor. I was sold and energized about continuing my journey toward mastering oil painting.

"Coastline Discovery"


SOLD

Date: 2008

Location: Anaeho'omalu Bay

Size: 16" x 20"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Workshop with Darrell Hill. Attempted to paint on a large canvas. Started with an acrylic wash but soon learned that the key to a successful wash is to allow it to dry before starting to paint. Without mastering the basics of color mixing, layering and brushwork; I had a real challenge with this piece. Paint is thick and I went over areas multiple times to try to achieve the look I was hoping for. At Darrell's suggestion, I decided to keep it small and focus on mastering the basic skills of oil before attempting another large piece.

"Reflections"


SOLD

Date: 2008

Location: Anaeho'omalu Bay

Size: 11" x 14"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Workshop with Darrell Hill. Discovering that as a plein air artist, you do not need to paint "exactly" what is present. Here I experimented with creating clouds and melting different colors in them.

"Dancing Palms"


SOLD

Date: 2008

Location: Anaeho'omalu Bay

Size: 11" x 14"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Workshop with Darrell Hill. Learning how to lay down the dark shadows first. Challenging myself to work quickly under a timeline.

"Turtle Triptic "


SOLD

Date: 2007

Location: Donkey Mill Studio

Size: 10" x 10" Triptic

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Final project for Gerald Lucena workshop. I used pallet knife for turtles' shells for texture and effect. Liked how the gallery wrap presented itself and enjoyed covering the sides of the canvas. Discovered how darkening some of the fish and background elements made them appear to disappear back into the ocean depths.

"Kimono"


SOLD

Date: 2007

Location: Donkey Mill Studio

Size: 12" x 16"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Workshop with Gerald Lucena. My first studio model painting. Especially satisfied with the believability of the bamboo treatment.

"The Landing Spot"


SOLD
Date: 2007

Location: Donkey Mill Studio

Size: 8" x 8"

Medium: Oil on stretched canvas

Artists Comments: First plen air landscape painting. Completed painting while Roger and Brendan were kiting at Kiholo. After landing at the bay, I decided to capture the day on canvas as we enjoyed a few beers and company of friends.

"Beach Nap"


SOLD

Date: 2007

Location: Donkey Mill Studio

Size: 9" x 12"

Medium: Oil on stretched canvas

Artists Comments: First plein air painting. Patrick enjoying a beach nap at Kiholo Bay.

"Lavendar Flowers in Vase"


SOLD

Date: 2007

Location: Donkey Mill Studio

Size: 11" x 14"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Workshop with Gerald Lucena at the Donkey Mill Art Center. In this study I learned how to control layers of paint to create highlights and shadows.

"Ti Leaves in a Vase"


SOLD

Date: 2007

Location: Donkey Mill Studio

Size: 11" x 14"

Medium: Oil on canvas panel

Artists Comments: Workshop with Gerald Lucena at the Donkey Mill Art Center. In this study I learned how to control layers of paint to create highlights and shadows.


"Hula Girl Portrait"


SOLD

Date: 2007

Location: Donkey Mill Studio

Size: 10" x 10"

Medium: Oil on stretch canvas

Artists Comments: Workshop with Gerald Lucena at the Donkey Mill Art Center.

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