Two new paintings at Hookena

Our group painted at Hookena Beach yesterday on a nice sunny day. First view was a close in scene of an old pier that has since deteriorated to a few rocks. I wanted to capture the waves and water around the rocks. Then I looked in the distance for the more normal but great view of the water and mountains looking south. Both are 8x10.

Some small works

Working on some small works, a few for the gallery, and a few to test out some ideas for large paintings. First the small ones, 4x6 and 3x3 landscapes. I have small frames available to by doing the small works, I can have some lower priced items for Blue Sea Artisans gallery to display. I'm basing these on larger works I did previously.

Below are two 4x6 inch sketches for some possible larger almost abstract Kona landscapes where I show sky, water, rocks, sand, and waves in a vertical format. Keep an eye out for future posts of later results.

   

New year, new work

Had visitors over Christmas so just back to normal life and painting. Got to see the newer larger crater at Volanoes National Park. Impressive but no paintings of it yet. 

Here are two local views from our normal locations. I've also just published a small book of paintings of Hawaii scenes, "Painting West Hawaii, available on Amazon.com. Over 50 images of paintings done in the past three years here.

Top image is an 8x10 at Beach 69, north of Kona. Always scenic no matter which direction you face. This is facing south from the north end of the beach. Below that is another Beach 69 scene, but in tiny 3x3 inch size. I've sold a couple of these at the Blue Sea Artisan's Gallery where I am now a member so will continue to do small works for there.    

Scene below is an 8x10 from Pahoehoe Park, just minutes from my  home. This is the view across the bay north toward Kona town. 

 

Recent work

Did some traveling to the mainland so didn't post for a while. Am back to my outdoor painting, just as most of the country cools off. Was 33 degrees while out racewalking during my trip for my mom's memorial there. Glad to be back in Hawaii in shorts and tank tops. 

Both paintings are my usual outdoor 8x10 format. Top is the view from beach 69, north of here, where, thanks to the volcanic gas stopping, Maui shines brightly in the distance. Hadn't seen Maui during the summer but now it's very clear and can be seen from north Kona. 

Below is my most recent work, from Manini Beach, looking into the homes on the bay. They sit at the base of Pali Kapu o Keoua, a hill dominating the bay. I have a lot of colorful and loose brushstrokes, especially in the lava rock and water. Click on the image for a larger view. 

  

Two new landscapes

I have been doing my normal Friday plein air outdoor works lately, mainly 8x10. I find that size easy to carry yet large enough to make for a nice paintings in the mornings we spend at various locations. The top one is the Keauhou Canoe Club building as I faced away from the bay for a change. 

This 8x10 is from the beach just south of Manini Beach, facing south. Nice surf and a sunny morning. I did some "color bombs" in the foliage with lots of small brush strokes. Might need a tiny touchup before completely done.  

Three recent landscapes

A couple of panoramic scenes to match some frames I had. Top picture is 4x10 inches and painted over another similar scene that never worked for me. This is Energy Lab Beach, and a fellow painter under her umbrella in the center. 

This scene is the Captain Cook monument across the bay with kayakers, a snorkel boat, and the tiny pointed white monument. This is  6x12.
  

An  8x10 scene from Energy Lab Beach, a scene I have about 4-5 versions of over the years. This one is maybe more colorful than the prior ones.

Blue Sea Artisans Gallery In Kona

Hung 13 works today at Blue Sea Artisans Gallery in Keauhou shopping center in Kona. Tomorrow I work my first half day shift as it is a co-op gallery with a dozen members. 

I'm posing in front of one of my "walls" of paintings. Also below is my studio while framing and preparing. The last two show almost a dozen of the 13 works there. I also have a rack of 17 unframed works for customers to peruse. Should be fun. The paintings were straightened up a little after the photos of the walls.