Kaanapali Beach, Maui Hawaii

Kaanapali Beach,  Maui Hawaii
6" x 8"  Oil

SOLD

After a week in Hana we headed over to the other side of Maui.  This part of the island was completely different...white sand beaches, resorts, condos, stores.  This morning I set up on the beach while there was still shade on the sand.   I had expected wide, wide beaches.  Only a few of the beaches were like that.  Many were very narrow.

I loved the trees growing right next to the beach.  The island of Molokai is in the background.

Almost everyday we saw humpback whales.

Hula Hibiscus

Hula Hibiscus
6" x 6"  Oil
$100.00 + $10. s/h

I loved the way the light was in the front of the hibiscus and I was in the back.  I think that the brushstrokes and shape make this flower look likes it's hula dancing!  

I was amazed at the variety of trees in Maui.  This bamboo forest is in Haleakala National Park.  This part of the 2 mile hike up to the Wailua Waterfalls was almost surreal.  The bamboo was swaying in the breeze, causing the trunks to hit together creating quiet, but eerie rattles.  It was like a percussion section.

I think that this is a mangrove tree (you botanists can correct me.)  We certainly don't have

 trees like this in Colorado!

These are Painted Eucalyptus trees which grow along the Hana Highway.  I thought the 

name was so appropriate, as the bark really looks painted!

Hawaiian Gardenia - 100 Garden & Floral Oil Paintings 100/100

Hawaiian Gardenia - 100 Garden & Floral Oil Paintings 100/100
6" x 6"  Oil
$100.00 + $10. s/h

I had thought that for my 100th Garden & Floral Oil Painting I would perhaps set up a still life of my most used garden tools or of a variety of pots.  But, as you can see, that number arrived when I was in Hawaii, so this still life gets the honor.  I'll continue to paint flowers and gardens and look forward to spring when I can get back out in our gardens.  I just won't be counting the paintings...or maybe I will.

One afternoon in Hawaii it was raining.  So, I took one of the gardenias from the bouquet in our room and set in on a table on the lanai (covered porch) and painted away.  I was not able to identify this flower, either.  The incredible smell of gardenias will now always remind me of Hawaii!

Beach scenes from the eastern side of Maui.

Hana Hibiscus - 100 Garden & Floral Oil Paintings 99/100

Hana Hibiscus - 100 Garden & Floral Oil Paintings 99/100
6" x 6"  Oil
SOLD

One morning on Maui I painted in a small orchard where there were also numerous flowers.  We all become familiar with our own environment.  My environment, Colorado, of course doesn't have tropical plants or flowers.  I loved all the hibiscus blooming everywhere...I didn't even know the name of this flower before this trip!

The orchard was on a volcanic hillside, thus the uphill slope!  It wasn't my photography!

I found a somewhat level spot for my easel.

After a morning painting we relaxed on the beach!  The beaches on the east side of 

Maui are black, volcanic sand.

Alau Island, Maui, Hawaii

Alau Island
6" x 8" Oil
$100.00 + $10. s/h

My husband and I just got back from 3 weeks on Maui.  It was my first trip to Hawaii and I hope not my last!  No wonder so many people talk about, love and visit Hawaii!!  Those of you who have been following my blog for awhile know that we love to travel and take advantage of every opportunity we have.  The weather was perfect for plein air painting.  I was so easy to enjoy the gorgeous scenery, to sit and relax, hike, go to the beach,whale watch, snorkel and paint!  I'll be sharing my paintings and photos in my upcoming blog posts.

You can see dirt and sand on this piece from its' fall.  I waited for it to dry and brushed them all off.  Part of the fun of plein air painting!

I want to thank everyone for all the comments on the blogs I posted while we were away.  I pre-posted them as I knew that we wouldn't always have access to internet.  I'll start commenting back on yours now that I'm back.

This is about where we set up to paint, on a bay just south of Hana.

I was amazed by the lava coastline and the incredible, pounding surf on this side of the island.

This banyan tree is in Haleakala National Park.  It's size was unbelievable.  And roots/trunk!

Blueberry Jam -- 100 Garden & Floral Oil Paintings 98/100

Blueberry Jam - 100 Garden & Floral Oil Paintings 98/100
8" x 10"  Oil on stretched canvas
$195.00 + $10. s/h

My friend, Marty, made this jam from blueberrries that she planted and which now successfully grow in her garden.  Here in Colorado Springs, at 6,000 feet, that is great to have these plants grow so abundantly.  And, the jam was delicious!

HoneyBell

HoneyBell
6" x 6"  Oil
$75.00 + $10. s/h

SOLD

We always joke how all the citrus fruit, which we love, that arrives in January certainly prevents scurvy at our house!

Cold Seat

Cold Seat
6" x 8"  Oil
$75.00 + $10. s/h

I doubt anyone is going to stop and rest!

Fresh Snow

Fresh Snow
6" x 6"  Oil
$75.00 + $10. s/h

This is a painting from a previous winter.  When I look at it now, I think that I would put more warm violets into the snow.  But yet, as I sit and remember, it was a cold day and I think that the very cool, blue snow works.  What do you think?