A special commission has reached its final destination: Carried by the Trade Winds and Hula at Sunset are now installed in their new home on Kaua‘i.
These two original oil paintings were created for collector Don, who wanted to bring the color, movement, and spirit of Hawai‘i into his new island home. Carried by the Trade Winds, a 48 × 72-inch painting, captures the energy of an outrigger canoe moving across the water. Hula at Sunset, at 30 × 40 inches, brings together the warmth of a Hawaiian sunset, the shoreline, and the graceful movement of hula.
Both paintings were made with my palette-knife technique, building up layers of color and texture to give the water, sails, and light a sense of movement. They were framed in warm walnut floaters, then carefully prepared for their long journey across the ocean.
Seeing the paintings installed is the moment the whole process comes together. The full-room photo shows how Carried by the Trade Winds sits in the dining area, while the closer view gives a better look at the painting, its frame, and the small details arranged on the console. The warm wood and natural light make the painting feel right at home.
I’m grateful to Don for trusting me with these commissions and for sharing photos of the paintings in place. Creating custom artwork is a collaboration: it begins with a collector’s connection to a place or memory, then takes shape through conversations, painting, framing, and careful delivery. Seeing the finished work become part of someone’s home is one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist.
These two Hawaiian paintings are now settled in their Kaua‘i home, a beautiful close to a journey that began in the studio and crossed the Pacific.
Explore my original palette-knife paintings of the California coast and beyond, or get in touch to discuss a custom painting inspired by a place that matters to you.
