Date: 06/07/2013
Location: Hualalai Resort
Size: 30" x 30"
Medium: Oil on stretched canvas
Artist's Comments: Perhaps one of the most striking scenes at Hualalai is the little golf cart pathway that leads to the shoreline fronting the hotel. The pathway is planted with lush foliage that create a wonderfully dark and cool frame surrounding the warm waters of the ocean beyond. It was this focus of shadow and light that continues to intrigue me to return to this area. Each time I paint the scene, I am surprised to find each painting to be very different and unique from the rest. The choice of a square canvas brought a new perspective to the composition and I wanted the feeling that darkness surrounded the ocean on all four sides. The higher canopy allowed me to push the light towards the center of the canvas while the dark cool shadows of the shaded pathway grounded the painting. Spilling over the right side rock wall is a beautiful bougainvillea swathed in a warm ray of sunshine. I struggled with being able to paint the white flowers to appear as if only a portion of in light. After several failed attempts I pulled out one of my painting books and came across a quote that created the successful inspiration I needed - The darkest light should be lighter than the lightest dark. The result was not perfected but certainly conveyed the feeling of shadow and highlight for the cascading flowers.
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.
