Painting In Maui

A shot of WARMTH & SUNSHINE for you

From the shade, I could paint the busy Maui beach below on a warm afternoon.

I had the wonderful opportunity to head to Maui with my paints. (Thank you Anne for the invite!) Always fun to challenge myself and paint in a new place...

Breaking waves in Maui.

So for all of you now in the midst of winter, especially my friends going through this very rough winter on the East coast, some warmth and sunshine for you...

My collection of Maui plein air paintings from my trip.

Often when I travel to a new place, I find I really want to try some different colors that feel aligned with the new landscape. So I anticipated it, and brought a variety of options with me.

For several of these paintings, Ultramarine Blue was taken off my palette and Quinacridone Violet was added to 'play with'. For a couple, Cadmium Green was on my palette. It's not uncommon for me to take a 'usual' color off and put some less used colors on, just to experiment and keep me on my toes.

A moonset at sunrise paddle with the Maui Canoe Club

Along with painting, I also had the opportunity to paddle with the Maui Canoe Club. One morning we went out before sunrise, while the moon was setting AND while watching whales breach and surface in the distance.

Lucky for me, February is a great time in Maui to see newborn humpback whale calves with their mothers just off shore - and while paddling! Magical.

a very rough photo of two whales

I loved seeing turtles in the water and sleeping on the beaches. Looking very much like the dark volcanic rock, I watched carefully where I was walking...

Hawaiian Green Turtles - Honu is the Hawaiian name

FYI : These turtles are genetically distinct from other green sea turtle populations around the world. They bask in the sun on sandy beaches, which is rarely seen in other turtle populations.

Sleeping soundly, seemingly undisturbed by human activity all around.

And of course, the beautiful flowers and birds caught my attention... SO many new tropical plant species to take in! Many have been introduced - brought to this hospitable climate years ago and able to thrive here. Now, an Agricultural Declaration Form is required upon arrival.

Thunbergia grandiflora - known by many common names including Blue Skyflower and Clockvine. I've always found this flower particularly beautiful and even grew it as an indoor houseplant at one time!

Lots of rainbows to add to the beauty and colors of Maui

Red-crested Cardinal - actually in the tanager family

Native to South America and introduced to Hawaii

(click the link above to learn more about them and hear their song)

In the midst of winter, standing outside over my easel in the warmth and sunshine was sure a welcome treat! I enjoyed seeing and learning a little bit about this beautiful island, while having the opportunity to paint a new location to keep honing my artistic skills. Maui was a great spot for it all...

ALOHA