My trip to Kauai Jan 2011 and Painting "Little R&R Hawaiian Style"

February 9, 2011

I recently stayed in beautiful Kauai, Hawaii January 2011.  My fiancé and I stayed 4 days in Princeville and 4 days in Kekaha.   How I love this island!  We missed a big storm that hit Kauai earlier.  The run off from the mountains causes the red soil to mix with the ocean and makes it murky.  Only on some of the beaches and it is temporary.  The waves were also slamming the first two days of our trip.  We saw whales beyond the mist and crash of waves in the distance.  The temperature averaged 78 degrees most of the time with a quick sprinkle here and there but it remained mostly dry.  Paradise!  When the ocean calmed down we were able to see so many whales with the naked eye!  They were having fun.  My last day I spent walking on Kekaha Beach and I saw a whale breach (jump out of the water) 18 times.  I couldn't believe it.  Just like the whale I painted in my recent painting (pictured below last image).  

The people in Kauai are very nice.  Everyone takes the time to talk story with you.  And I love to ask some of the transplants where did you come from originally and why did you move here (like duh).  I love their stories.  At least three different people told me they were on vacation here and decided never to return to the mainland.  They left everything behind and didn’t get back on the plane.  I admit I’m not that ballsy!  These people did admit to not having kids at the time to care for.  So that made the choice easier.  I have felt that same calling sensation or ache in my heart to stay.  And some day I will go there and stay however, with a little bit of a plan and a mixture of trust in the Aloha Spirit to guide me. 

I met a talented artist in historic Koloa town named Christian Riso he owns an art gallery and frame shop.  I enjoyed his story about the roosters.  He paints many things including this bird.  They are all over the island looking plump, healthy and colorful.  I think they are too beautiful to eat.  They are free spirits and are not afraid to fly up and try to take a sandwich out of your hand if they can!  This artist said that he will build a shrine in their honor because they have been his money making bird.  That was funny!  But people like to buy the rooster prints and paintings because it reminds them of Kauai.

Attached are a few pictures from my Kauai, Hawaii trip.  I didn't take pictures of the whales they move to fast for my slow camera to capture!

Tunnel Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Polihale Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii

Monk Seal resting and yes alive!

Monk Seal resting ALL day!

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Tunnel's Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii

Tunnel Beach BIG waves

Nene Goose Hawaiian State Bird in Kauai, Hawaii

The chickens and rooster who lived freely in the back yard of our Kekaha Beach home

Little R & R Hawaiian Style Painting

Now back to my big painting “Little R&R Hawaiian Style.”  Oh I feel like I a fibber for posting I was done with this particular painting.  I should know better!  This was a live blog challenge for me.  Whenever I do a painting, and any artist for that matter, it is important to let the painting sit for a week or more before you call it done.  I did feel like this painting was complete for the blog challenge, but every day I looked at the painting and felt there was something missing.  I was too busy to return to the painting until just now.  The painting felt flat.  It lacked intensity in color and contrast.  When the bright colors dry they sometimes get flat or darker.  I felt her flesh highlights needed more warmth.  The skirt and head lei needed more intensity as well.  I wanted a bright cheery painting with a lot of complimentary colors.  I brightened the red on her waist band and top.  The contrast of light and dark are important to get that pop and three dimensional feel.  I darkened the wet sand to make the water stand out and to not compete with the color of the skirt.  I could add something in the sand next to her.  But I don't feel like it.  So it is done.  Besides this painting can be cropped later for prints etc.

Kathy McCartney, artist at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Oh and I visited the town Hanapepe, a small quaint historic town where they love to talk story.  This town Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii is home to the characters Lilo and Stitch.  Friday night is art night and this town attracts the artist and many visitors.  This town is Kauai's big art community.

I LOVE this movie "Lilo and Stitch" it is a classic in my book.  I don't care how old I am it is one of my favorite movies still today!  I must say, it was cool to visit the town that help inspire the movie.

Aloha!

Kathy McCartney