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Date: 4/29/2011
Location: Wailea Bay
Size: 18" x 14"
Medium: Oil on stretched canvas
Artist's Comments: Wailea Beach (a.k.a. Beach 69) is just minutes away from my home and such an easy beach to visit. It has all the important necessities; calm water with just a few small waves for gentle body-surfing, sand bottom bay and the all-important shade canopy. This beach is unique in that I can lounge fee away from the shore while in total shade as the wild Kiawe and Pine tree limbs reach over the shoreline almost touching the ocean’s edge. The shade is deep; cool and protective – keeping me safe and sound while I paint plein air. What attracted me to this composition was the dark overhang and the equally dense shadow it cast on the sand. When I first laid down the shadow, I painted it too dark and overpowering which resulted in attracting all the attention. I wanted the cool shadows to invite you into the painting to discover the small cottage overlooking the warm bay but I needed to resolve my dense shadows in order to achieve this. Anytime I reach a standstill I try to pick up one of my painting books and just start reading and invariably, I will read something that I can relate to solving the problem at hand. As I read thru Kevin Macpherson, the light bulb went on. I learned that shadows although are cool will have warm notes on a sunny day. Immediately, I revamped my shadows adding pinks and yellows to the dark shades to warm them up. Instantly the shadows gave way and opened the painting – inviting me to wander into the sunny day but reminding me that solace can be found under the shade of the Kiawe trees.
To view other paintings in my collection, click on the section labeled "View all SitaScapes" located at the top right of my blog. I have categorized my paintings by the month as I complete them.
Date: 4/15/2011
Location: Mahai'ula Beach
Size: 12" x 12"
Medium: Oil on stretched canvas
Artist's Comments:Each time I take a stay-cation holiday, I find myself at my all-time favorite beach; Mahai’ulas. We were here a few weeks after the March Tsunami and from the highway there appeared to be no damage to shoreline. As we parked the car and started to walk to the beach, it looked like there had been a fire in the Southern-most end of the beach. The foliage was brown and scattered across the lava fields. As we continued walking, I saw dead fish and signs of receding water. We then realized that the tsunami had made it up an over the beach. Luckily no major damage was done to the beach or our favorite palm trees but it was impressive to see that the water surge not only made it up and over the 15 foot sand dune but, it continued about 30 to 40 feet into the lava fields. We were presented with another sign that we are very lucky to enjoy such a beautiful beach. The sun was hot and shimmering across the shoreline. My sister, not accustomed to the Hawaiian sun retreated to the shade while I tucked into the sand with Patrick napping at my side, and continued to work on this painting. My large brimmed hat and sun-shirt provided protection from the sun’s rays which feel so good! Maybe it’s the fact that I should not be in the sun that makes it so enjoyable? With the cool sea just steps away, the warmth of Hawaii’s sun can never be too hot!
To view other paintings in my collection, click on the section labeled "View all SitaScapes" located at the top right of my blog. I have categorized my paintings by the month as I complete them.
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