Fresh off my Easel

I do SO love watercolor.... but sometimes it can cause me such headaches!

Bill and I fell in love with the Vireya that grow and bloom in the Hilo Zoo. (I'll do a post soon about the zoo itself. It's a wonderful place to visit!) Having lived for many years in the Pacific Northwest, we had seen and grown rhododendrons for many years. But the brightness and colors of these tropical rhododendrons is amazing!

A friend, who grows and shares many plants gave us our first Vireya. I'm sure it won't be our last. It brings a spot of sunshiny brightness to a shaded spot near our coconut trees.

But, back to watercolor headaches....

This first picture is from my work desk. The painting was almost complete, but... I had one leaf that was totally wrong. Can you find it? Right there in the center right...

The painting sat for weeks, as I completed the surrounding areas and I debated and debated what I could do. I even set it aside to work on some mini paintings. I tried a bunch of changes to the shadows... but it was just no good. The problem was the shape of the leaf.

If this painting was acrylic or oil, I'd just paint over the spot and straighten the edge that was causing problems. But you can't do that with watercolor. With great trepidation, because the step I was about to take could totally ruin this painting and cause me to have to scrap it... I began working on removing the leaf.

I used a variety of techniques... applying water, magic eraser, more water, careful scrubbing with a special brush. As I went, I had to be very careful not to ruin the paper or it wouldn't be re-paintable.

What do you think of the final result?

I didn't scrap this painting! Though I haven't titled it or put it up for sale yet, I'm pretty happy with how it portrays the brightness and joy our tropical Vireya bring us.


 Aloha til next post!

Ho'olaule'a Monsterra

Ho'olaule'a in Hawaii is a fun festive gathering of family and friends. It can be a gathering of ohana, or even a huge community festival! There's music, and food, laugher, and fun!

Bill and I have often enjoyed going to the Ho'olaule'a at Uncle Roberts in Kalapana. This Wednesday evening gathering is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike! The Kalapana Band plays, there is dancing, a Kava bar, and FOOD! The pathway is lined with food vendors. You can find anything from pulled pork sandwiches, French crepes, Filipino Lumpia, Mochi and more!! It's always hard to decide what we will eat, but we do have some favorites. I never miss Bananarama Bakery and the delicious cakes and desserts!

AND, as a side note. If you visit Uncle Roberts in Kalapana, at the back of the parking lot you will see "House Of Fire". It is a wonderful Art Gallery featuring, not only the beautiful pottery work of the two owners, but also artwork from many local artists. I have artwork for sale in this gallery.

This painting is a part of a series I am doing titled "Ho'olaulea" because they are bright, fun and festive. Created with fluid acrylics, they feature subtle textures, fun colors (a bit of the Bohemian in me comes out) and a unique abstract feel.

This one features a Monsterra leaf - often called a swiss cheese leaf for it's unique holes and patterns. They are HUGE leaves... and even flower and fruit! However, the fruit is a bit scary to me... as it can be deadly if eaten before it's ripe. I have yet to try it, though I am tempted because it apparently tastes wonderful!

The original painting is done on a canvas panel. It is 5"x7", but we do have larger prints for sale. Watch for prints available in my Etsy Shop, but better yet, visit one of the Art Galleries where my art is for sale on Big Island Hawaii!

A hui hou

Maku'u Friend

Maku'u Friend - Original Watercolor (c) Melanie Pruitt

The green sea turtle, known as a Honu in Hawaii, is an iconic figure for the Hawaiian Islands. What a thrill it is for visitors to see them close to shore and to swim with them in the shallow waters of our reefs.

Honu are an endangered species and protected. I am often dismayed to see tourists chasing down turtles trying to touch them or feed them. For those excited to see honu, like I am, be content with keeping your distance. When swimming, just relax, the turtles will approach if they are comfortable.

I love swimming and snorkeling with turtles. They bob and glide and look so effortless in their movements. And yet, if you've ever seen them swim past you, you know how agile they are and how quickly they can move!

But, I also love to watch them from the black lava cliffs on the East side of Hawaii Island. One of my favorite spots is Maku'u point where I love to walk the lava cliffs. After walking for a bit, I will often find a spot to sit at the edge of the cliff and stare out at the ocean, quieting my heart and mind. It's the perfect spot to take time to meditate and reflect.

Maku'u Point (c) Melanie Pruitt

I enjoy the solitude, but I am never alone. There is always a honu, or two or five to enjoy! At first, they are difficult to spot. But take the time to watch and you begin seeing them surfing the waves, or popping their heads up for a big breath of air before heading down to partake in their favorite meal - limu (red seaweed) The longer I sit and watch, the more of them I see!

I titled this original watercolor, "Maku'u Friend". It takes us on an imaginary dive down into the waters with them as they gracefully navigate the ocean.

This is an original watercolor painting using a variety of texturing techniques and some wonderful granulating watercolor paints to create a bright colorful, textured, underwater scene.

Be sure to look for Maku'u Friend prints when visiting any of the Art Galleries where my art can be found. Prints are available on archival watercolor paper, as well as beautiful mounted aluminum prints, and stretched canvas giclee prints. You can also purchase prints in my Etsy Shop.



Live Aloha!

A Hui Hou

Signature Symbol

You may notice that many of the art pieces are signed with my name and this symbol...

and you may be wondering what it means! Every piece of art I create here in Hawaii will have this symbol on it.

I thought long and hard about a symbol I wanted to use in conjunction with my signature. This is a combination of two things.

First, the top part is a Koru. It's a Maori symbol fashioned after the coil of a new fern stem. I shaped mine to look like the Uluhe fern which is native and grows all over Hawaii. (I also liked that it kind of looks like a P for my last name)

I chose the Koru shape based on its meaning. It typically represents new life, a fresh start or new beginnings. But it also represents tranquility, and spirituality.

Having moved from the Pacific NW to Hawaii, I have been give a fresh new start. I left a life of being so sick, I rarely left home and often spent hours in bed. Something about Hawaii reduces the severity of my illness. I am alive again! My life has re-started!

Not only has it revived my body, the 'aina (land) brings my heart such tranquility and peace. My spiritual heart is awake and I meet Ke Akua (God) every day with anticipation at what I will taught, how I will be loved, and especially what part of His beautiful creation I will get to enjoy.

At the bottom of my Koru to complete my art symbol, you see 3 dots. These represent the parts of my God - The Father who loves me, Jesus who brings me to the Father and walks with me daily, and the Holy Spirit who reveals beauty and wisdom to me. The 3 dots also represent the three important aspects of the meaning of the Koru - new life, tranquility and spirituality.

A Hui Hou