Back to Winter

Original Watercolor

Here we are, back to snow again.

I would rather think of the temperature in impressionistic terms. Brrr!

Mist on the Koolau Mountains

Original Watercolor
10"x14"

I finally had an opportunity to paint the mist swirling through the crags in the Koolau Mountains.

Although most travelers wish for clear, sunny skies when they come here, there is always something beautiful to see as you approach the Pali.

Michele's South Pacific Studio

Short list of "studio supplies" for painting in Hawaii:

Sunshine, tropical breezes, palms, swimming pool, beach one block away, sunscreen, hat, camera, watercolor paper, paints, travel kit with brushes, pencil, eraser, water, sponge, Starbucks coffee and blueberry scone.

Have I forgotten anything?

The Black Pearl at Ko Olina

Photos

We had brunch at the resort at Ko Olina yesterday and our son and daughter-in-law told us that the Black Pearl was moored nearby.

It's the ship from the movie series Pirates of the Caribbean. We're guessing that they will use it at the new Disney resort which is being built nearby.

Orange koi, blue sky and ripples

Photo of koi at Ala Moana Mall

I have collected references of koi over the years from the beautiful ponds at Ala Moana Mall.

The reflected blue open sky above, orange complementary color of the fish and the everchanging patterns of ripples......all these provide subject matter that I could spend a lifetime painting.

Studying the surf

Orignal Watercolor
10"x14"

The north shore of Oahu is known for its great surf.

What a great location for growing up in the fresh and warm air!

Koolau Mountains Other Side

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

We got up early one day and went as far as we could go on the "other side" of Oahu. We thought we might see whales, but were happy just to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains.

Kailua Beach Walk

Original Watercolor
10"x14"

This is one of the views on our beach walk at Kailua Bay.

Windward Palms

Original Watercolor study

from the sketchbook

Sometimes it feels rewarding to study the textures, shapes and brushstrokes needed in a different climate.

Top of Diamond Head Light

Original Watercolor

Plein Air

My  daughter-in-law and I sat on the lava wall and painted together one day.

Don't try it without a beach towel, though. Those rocks are rough!

Diamond Head Beach

"Diamond Head Beach" by Michele Cooper

Original Watercolor 10"x14"

Walk down a steep cliff from Diamond Head Lighthouse and you'll find a beautiful beach.

I used a bit of artist's license here. The people with surfboards were there but I added the boats.

Diamond Head View

Original Plein Air Watercolor

10"x14"

We spend most of our time with family in Kailua, across the Pali from Waikiki. On the tourist side, this is what most people see from the park, looking toward Diamond Head.

Ginger at the Foster Botanical Gardens

Original Watercolor (Section)

This is the part I liked from a plein air painting I did with friends in Hawaii at the Foster Botanical Gardens.

I'm looking forward to more opportunities to paint with them again this year.

Shop Fronts in Kekaulike Square

Original Watercolor
10"x14"

I painted this on New Year's day with some art friends in Hawaii a few years ago.