Hawai'ian Breeze 45" x 39"

This piece was selected for Art Maui 2103 - Read more Here 

Hawai'ian Breeze is a collection of themes on the canvas. I was captivated by some images and patterns that I found in  some great Hawaiiana books at a garage sale. Those of you who have been following my artwork for a while have seen a number of Hawaiian themed art. Most recently, Maui 44" x 88", and Mauna Hina 73" x 43" where large pieces depicting mythical stories from Maui. Feels like Yesterday 42" x 35", and Paniolo Days 44" x 30" are my interpretations of what I feel are classic historical images of life on the islands.
The image of the young girl in Hawaiian Breeze, comes from the book, On Hawaiian Folk Music by Island Heritage books. In addition, to having great dramatic photos of people the book is filled with artwork and stories from Hawaiian artist Herb Kane.

colorful traditional patterns 

hand painted frame 

 I have been exploring mixed media on smaller pieces over the last few months. In Hawa'ian Breeze, I decided to continue this exploration using a base layer of acrylic paints and then building up layers of oil pastels. The entire female figure I used only oil pastels. Using patterns that I founds from the book, Hawai'ian and Easter Island Designs. I created a faded pattern in the center of painting to add depth ornateness to the painting. I continued a similar traditional hawaiian pattern on the edges and over the edge of the frame. I wanted to make the painting feel like it was decorated with a lei. The painting itself is not pictured because it has been accepted for Art Maui 2013.