A Delightful Trap

Date: 06/07/2013

 Location: The 14th Green, Hualalai Golf Course

 Size: 30" x 30"

Medium: Oil on stretched canvas

 Artist's Comments:  In this painting, I wanted to compress the light but without centering it in the middle of the canvas. Instead, I decided to create a horizontal plane of shadows that would separate the middle tone foreground away from the the bright skyline. I used the shadows of the residential rooftops and the lava rock to create the wonderful dark separation. Then I toned down the palm trees so that they brought the shadow areas upward. My challenge was to render the green of the golf course in a very different shade of green than the surrounding foliage.  I discovered that Veridian is a fabulous color to use to paint the stunning emerald carpet. This green is a very cool color so I placed hints of warm orange in the shadow areas of the sand traps to allow your eye to sink in the sand traps before traveling up into the warm sunshine shimmering on the     palm fronds.

 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.

The Soft Shallows of Kaupulehu

Date: 06/07/2013

 Location: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

 Size: 30" x 30"

 Medium: Oil on stretched canvas

 Artist's Comments: In continuing my study of compressing the light in a painting by using darker shadows to create a vignette, I selected this scene as it offered dark foliage above and dense lava on the shoreline below. These shadows contrast so beautifully against the bright azure shallows of the shoreline. As the water deepens, the light leaves the water and rich ultramarines take over which not only creates a beautiful color but also supports the compressing of light concept. The bright reflections on the umbrellas at the Residents' Beach House Restaurant set against the dark foliage create the highest contrast in the painting and allow for a secondary focal point in the painting.

 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.

Garden Tunnel

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.

Paradise on Her Toes

Date: 06/06/2013

 Size: Medium: Acrylic on canvas shoes

 Artist's Comments:  This year my friends and customers have truly challenged my comfort zone as an artist.  A few weeks ago a friend approached me to see if I could paint a SitaScapes on her new Tom's shoes and although I had no idea how to approach the project, I was intrigued by the concept.  I purchased some acrylic paints with a solution to make them washable and got started on the design. She loves pineapples and enjoys how I paint palm trees so I came up with a sketch that incorporated both.  I was somewhat apprehensive to paint my very first attempt on her brand new shoes so I dug thru my closet looking for a similar material to practice on. I found an old canvas shopping bag which would do the trick and got started practicing with the new medium and surface.  Unlike oils which can be slid and mixed on a gessoed canvas, the acrylics on unfinished canvas didn't allow for any movement so, I needed to lay each stroke down with the correct color and thoughtful placement. There was really not much room for mistakes! As I practiced, I gained more experience and courage until I was ready to tackle the final surface.  I sketched the scene in hot pink outline as I do on all my paintings but I approached the process a little differently. Instead of working on the whole canvas simultaneously, instead, I focused on one element and painted it from start to finish before moving on to the next object. When I was finished with one shoe, I realized I would need to paint the same scene in reverse for the opposite foot!  That was a bit of a challenge but I knew that it didn't need to be perfect.  Once finished, I heat set the painting and enjoyed the final product! I can't wait to see my friend prancing about at work with Paradise on Her Toes!

 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.