Tuesday, December 31, 2013

JANUARY 2014/ en plein aire

Aloha Artists, Aloha 2014!
January 2014--- what a way to come in-- Thunder and Lightning.. and all this rain! Spectacular and awesome, and very very wet.  I look forward to a year of new beginnings and new art; newness in general always has a fresh and unfettered vibe. That in itself is inspiring. If you haven't painted with our windward side group, Plein Air Artists of Hawaii Island, then make this your year of showing up and busting out some outside art.

SCHEDULE-  every Thursday, sunrise to sunset, or whenever you can show up.

2- WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- tried and true, this lovely lovely park, offers fabulous changing views over the Hilo Bay. Located on Kalanianaole Ave., just before  Richardson's Beach Park. Plenty parking, facilities, and covered pavilions. Every month this is where we begin.     
9-ALA HEI'AU-Puna, Paradise Park. From Hilo drive the Keaau-Pahoa By-Pass Rd. towards Pahoa turning makai onto Maku'u Rd. Follow down to the bottom, about 4 miles or so, then turn right onto
Ala Heiau Rd. Drive to the end and park, selecting a spot that doesn't block beach access roads. Unstoppable views, magical colors on the reefs, splashing waves, whale sightings, it's got it all.
16- REED'S BAY- Hilo, Banyan Drive. On the Banyan Drive looping road, you can get there from the Belt Hwy (11) from the Ken's Pancake House/Verna's Drive In intersection or from the road fronting Suisan (Lihiwai), either way it's just a short ride on the Banyan lined road.. this newly renovated park offers ocean views, loads of small anchored sail boats, and shady banyan trees.
23-MACKENZIE BEACH PARK- Puna, Red Road- From Pahoa, head east (makai) on Hwy 132 (Kapoho Road). Take the right fork as the road turns into Pahoa-Pohoiki Road, or Mango Road. Follow this narrow road for about 5 miles and you will come to a stop sign. At the stop sign, turn right onto Hwy 137 (Kapoho Kalapana Road, aka Red Road). About 2 miles down, look for the ‘MacKenzie Park’ sign and park entrance.  Beautiful sheltered cliff side park, shade trees.
30-LILIUOKALANI BEACH PARK- Hilo, Banyan Drive. From Hilo you will take Lihiwai Street, by Suisan- then turn right at the 4 way stop sign onto Banyan Drive. The park will be on your left.
Drive to the area where the tea house is, the group will meet there. Lots of bridges, and manicured Japanese style gardens, wonderful ponds and across the bay views. You can also drive in from the
Ken's pancake house entrance described in the REED'S BAY directions, passing by Reed's bay and curving around til you come to the park, either way both are easy. 
Pau. AM

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

DECEMBER en plein aire-

 Ho Ho Ho! Aloha, aloha, Artists! Well, December can be a very busy month for many-- there's open studios, wonderful shows, familial obligations, holidays, and all kinds of traffic!! As you know the first Thursday of each month begin at Wai'uli Beach Park, aka Leleiwi. Our December weather so far has been cloudy with a bit of light rain now and then-- but down at Keakaha, there has been ample sunshine, and one hardly notices the passing showers.  Hopefully you'll have some time this Thursday to drop by and create a beach side study. Schedule is posted, and Happy Holidays to you all!

SCHEDULE-  every Thursday, anytime sunrise to sunset--
5-WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- Keaukaha, Hilo. Drive along Kalaniana'ole Ave. to the beach park just before Richardson's. You'll notice a large parking area, and 5 pavilions.. this is the spot. Facilities.
12-PAPAIKOU MILL- Papaikou. From Hilo, use the Belt Hwy towards Hamakua about 7.5, turn makai at Pinky's Store on Mill Rd. Drive all the way to the very bottom, a gate will be on your right. You'll have to get out and walk thru the pedestrian gate, then open the gate for your auto. The gate is
going to "faked locked", so it will appear to be locked, but it isn't. Drive forward and park with aloha. Long views, beach trail, coastal views, plenty of green and ocean-- it's very lovely. Thank You David Terry for hosting another plein aire date for the group.  Facilities.
19-BABY BEACH- Keaukaha, HIlo. From Hilo- Kalaniana'ole Ave to Onekahakaha Rd. Turn makai, then take your first left, on Apapane Rd. The next turn is makai (right), onto Lihikai Rd. Go the bottom, you will see a yellow pipe gate. Turn in, find parking. Gorgeous gorgeous. Beach is wonderful and drastically changes with tides and large winter surf. Love it. No facilities.
26-HAKALAU BEACH PARK- Hakalau, Hamakua- From Hilo, take Belt Hwy north about 11.5 miles or so. It's just past Honomu. You will see a road "Old Mamalahoa Hwy", turn right, towards the sea. Follow the road down to the valley bottom. You have to drive thru a small part of the stream, not a good idea if it's rushing. Make your choice when you see it. Most of the time it's really not a big deal. No faciities. Lua Available. 

PAU. with aloha, Amy Markham (thanks for reading this blog!)     

Saturday, November 2, 2013

NOVEMBER 2013 en Plein Aire/Windward side

ALOHA ARTISTS!
ALOHA NOVEMBER!
 Well, I thought I was blocked out of this site! I couldn't access it for a few days, and I was stumped! I felt so bad about letting you guys down, that I started to build a new blog at another free blog site... but somehow, I was able to finally access this one.  So we're good to go! If I have any future problems and decide to move the blog, Ms. Leslie Sears will let everyone know the new address via her monthly email.  I will try to message the PAAOHI FOLLOWERS. But for now, we're here.  November is a tricky month for plein air. The weather patterns are switching to the wet-season- trade-wind stuff. We can expect on and off rain, wind, and some really beautiful days too. The waves on the North and East sides pick up, and occasionally we get snow on the mountain tops. The yin and yang of Hawai'i wet season. The last Thursday of Nov, is the 28th, Thanksgiving Day. A paint site has not been scheduled, but if you have the time in the morning, it's a great way to spend some quiet time before feasting.  We usually paint downtown at the bottom of Haili St.  The streets are wonderfully empty of everyone, and no cars! You can easily do street scenes, and architectural studies. Leslie decided to not include a Thanksgiving Paint day, but if you're up for it, it's always a fun time. Paint while the bird roasts.
Eat Later. Paint now.
   As an aside, Leslie let me know that I have (more than once!), led painters astray by writing the paint site wrongly. Ya know, close but no cigar. I am so sorry! I must not have been fully reading her directions, and making assumptions by just skimming..... or whatever, but I will do my best to make sure that doesn't happen again... I truely hope I did not mess up anyone's painting experience....  Any way, here's November's schedule---

NOVEMBER  --every Thursday, from sunrise to sunset--
7-WAI'ULI- Hilo, Keaukaha. From Hilo, Kalaniana'ole Ave to the park just before Richardson's Beach Park. Great Pavilions out of the elements, wonderful views, facilities available.
14- ALA HEIAU-  Puna, Paradise Park Subdivision- Take Maku'u Drive all the way to the very bottom, turn right. Drive to the end. Do not block the beach assess roads for the fisher-people. No facilities. Gorgeous, dramatic,  and a favorite.
21-CARLSMITH BEACH PARK- Hilo, Keaukaha. From Hilo, take Kalanianaole Ave. to Carlsmith Beach Park. It is also known as "4 Mile". Large rolling lawn and great vistas... pools of water and lovely colors in the shallows.  Facilities.
28-THANKSGIVING- Only if you want to--- Hilo.. Downtown, at the bottom of Haili St. No cars, no people, just little Hilo all quiet and waiting to be painted...... :) Happy Thanksgiving!

THANKS LESLIE!
pau.. (for now.. will post the rest when I know it-)     AM

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

OCTOBER en plein aire

Aloha Artists, Aloha October!!  As I sit and write, a pretty little windward squall has moved across Hilo Bay, and is softly spattering rain on my rooftop and garden. I miss rain when we have gorgeous sunshine for weeks on end. A sunny day is lovely, but there's nothing like a rainy day to soothe all the stress and hustle of everyday life... it all just seems to wash away.  
 Every First Thursday of each month we meet at Wai'uli Beach Park in Keaukaha. If I haven't posted the schedule by then, you'll always know where we'll start the month. Located along the shoreline just outside of Hilo proper, it was once known as Lele'iwi Beach Park. The local community noticed that Lele'iwi was not the traditional name, but one chosen by the county parks dep't. So a few years ago, the community rallied together to get the name Wai'uli reinstated. (An area known as Lele'iwi is actually located around the bend towards King's Landing, which has it's own misnomer challenges.)
 This month's schedule gives us some locations outside of Hilo... which is always both a challenge and a refreshing change. It is early enough in the month to hook up with other painters to arrange a carpool if you'd like. It's fun to do, and I find I always stay longer if I'm carpooling. I think it's a camaraderie thing.

OCTOBER SCHEDULE- Every Thursday, from Sunrise to Sunset, and in between too
3- Wai'uli (pau already)
10-KAMA'ILI/OPIHIKAO- We were there in Sept, but not everyone could make it, so we'll do again.. and cuz it's so gorgeous!! From the top of Opikikao Rd. drive to the bottom (approx. 4 miles), it'll end at The Red Road. Turn Left, towards Kapoho. The location is about a 1/4 mile down the road, ocean side, just past the road by-pass.  You'll notice a large open area, forever ocean, loads of old trees, and painters tucked along the cliffs. Besides spectacular ocean and landscape views, the road itself it's a wonderful composition, winding along the coast dotted with coconut and mango trees. No facilities.
17-BAYFRONT CANOE LANDING- On Hilo Bay. Located off the section of old hwy section on Bay Front, now blocked for Park users only. Great town views, inspiring colorful canoes, halau, coconut trees growing on the beach and a pretty black sand shoreline. Facilities, parking. 
24-NEWSECTION OF SADDLE RD.-No specific location is given, if an update is sent out, I'll add it. So far, all that I know is that it'll be midway along the "newest" section, known as Daniel Inoye Hwy. Roomy shoulders, and long sweeping views. And it's the new section, we need to get to know it. See you there-- where ever it ends up being.. You'll know when you're there because you'll see the painters bundled up against the wind, their easels weighted down with rocks. No facilities.
31- (Happy Halloween!) WAI'LOA RIVER MOUTH/BOAT LANDING-another "redo". Just across the Hwy from Suisan, we'll be at the small boat harbor. From the Hwy, turn onto Manono St, and then into the small boat harbor parking lot. It's behind the old Iron Works building. I usually set up under a large old monkey pod tree in the back, behind a shed along the river.  The heat can be brutal in the parking lot, so bring an umbrella or a hat, if that's where you're planning on setting up. Facilities available.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

SEPTEMBER en PLEIN AIRE

Aloha Artists, Aloha September!
 Things calm down at the seashore once September gets into it's flow, and we're on a roll.
The children are back in school, and that means more room for artists to hang on the shoreline, brush in hand, easel before us. So seize the day, capture the moment, smell the coffee, drink the wine, paint me a picture--         :)

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE- every Thursday, sunrise to sunset or whatever you got-- 

5- WAI'ULI BEACH PARK-Hilo, Keaukaha.  From Hilo, take Kalaniana'ole Ave almost
to Richardson's Beach Park. Wai'uli is just Hilo side of Richardson's, and used to be called Leleiwi. Lrg. parking area, facilities, pavilions, and beautiful views. Where we catch up
with each other, every first Thursday of each month. 

12-HILO BAY BREAKWATER/Radio Bay- Hilo,Keaukaha- From Hilo drive Kalaniana'ole Ave.to just past the Gas Co. Take the makai side dirt road marked "beach access".. it is just before the large white aquaculture tents. Follow that road down, it's not too bumpy. I do it in my rather low sedan easily. The painters just grab the shade to the left or right, or most often go to the canoe landing site to the left. You'll see it. Calm lagoon, bustling waves, across the bay views-- and shipping vessels.Shade.  No facilities. Lua available. 

19-REEDS BAY- Hilo, Off of Banyan Drive towards The Pond's restaurant. Reeds Bay was recently renovated from a simple roadside cove, to a really lovely beach park with lua 
and picnic areas. Pretty views of sailboats and little hide-aways. Shade. Facilities & lua.

26 -WAI'LOA BOAT LANDING- Hilo, Wailoa River mouth-- from Hilo take Kamehameha Ave over the Suisan Bridge and take the first right turn, Manono St. You will see the small boats on the right side, turn into the parking area. Restrooms and water. Very Hot, bring an umbrella. 
pau. Hope to see you out there!

Monday, July 29, 2013

AUGUST en plein aire

Aloha Artists, Aloha August!
 A beautiful new month of possibilities and promise of gorgeous weather for outside painting...... what a lovely time of year!  August offers long days of strong sunshine and light trade winds. Daylight lingers longer, granting us a bit more painting bliss....... Lavender hour-- so nice.
However, it is hurricane season-- so there's always that in the mix too.  Wind, rain, humidity. Most schools begin session in the first and second weeks of August, so we can also expect to have some room to move at the seashore. Always a good thing.
 First Friday is going to be a busy one this month in downtown Hilo. EHCC, Wailoa Art Center, and One Gallery will all be hosting art centered events-- introducing new works, and a chance to mix with artists, collectors, and merriment-- 

SCHEDULE- every Thursday. Show up when you can, sunrise to sunset. 
1- WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- Hilo, Keaukaha- Kalaniana'ole Rd to Wai'uli (just before Richardson's). Large parking area, facilities, pavilions-- lovely lovely views.
8-PAPA'IKOU VALLEY- Private property/Hilo- Makai property, beach access/Fellow Artist David Terry is the caretaker of this property. We always have a great day at private locations, Thank you David and Francesca for your aloha!   Facilities available. From Hilo take Hwy. 19 to Pinky's Store. Turn makai on Mill Road. Follow this small little road down to the bottom. There's a main gate on the right hand side,  you will have to unlatch it from the inside. After you drive through the gate, please re-latch it. Drive forward and grab a parking slot. There used to be an old sugar mill there, so it's an interesting location, with old structures, a small river, a beach and a beautiful little valley.
15- KING'S LANDING- "Pumaile", Keaukaha, Hilo- Kalaniana'ole Rd to the very bottom, just past Richardson's Beach Park. An open gate (yellow) marks the entrance. Drive to the end the road, taking the section along the shoreline. We'll be located under the shade trees and along the shore.
22-OPIHIKA'O- Lower Puna- From the Pahoa-Kalapana Hwy, turn left onto Kama'ili Rd. (Opihikao)- Drive with caution to the bottom (4.5miles). Turn left at the bottom stop sign-- onto the "Red Road". About 1/4 mile down you will notice a by pass built around "the old road"... We'll be in this area, along the shore. Fabulous tree lined shore line.. beautiful Red Road views...
25-Paradise Park Sea cliffs- Puna- From Hilo, take the Kea'au-Pahoa Rd to Makuu Drive, turn makai.  Follow this road to the bottom, and turn right at Beach Rd. Drive the the "end" of this road (where it's fallen into the sea). Park with others in mind...
    ....PAU :)     AM

Saturday, June 29, 2013

JULY en Plein Aire Schedule & Notes

JULY-
 Aloha Artists, Aloha July!
  Things are heating up-- July is upon us. There's some great things happening in Hilo in July. First Friday is really gearing up, and that entire weekend is looking fun.  Summer celebrations are always the best, -- long, languid and positive. To enhance our painting experience, lavender hours are extended too! Paint on!
PAAOHI meets every Thursday, artists show up in the morning, and others appear in the afternoon. Some artists stay all day-- so if that's you, bring your lunch and make it a day. 

JULY SCHEDULE- every Thursday, all day-- bring your own stuff, and paint quietly :)

4-WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- Hilo, Keaukaha. From Hilo, Kalaniana'ole Ave to the park just before Richardson's Beach. Large parking areas, 5 Pavilions in a row. Tidal Pools and Mauna Kea views.
Facilities available.
11-ALA HEI'AU-Puna,  Hawaiian Paradise Park- From the Keau'u-Pahoa Hwy, turn onto Maku'u Drive and follow it to the bottom- Turn right onto Ala Heiau Road. Follow this road a short distance to the end, please park with aloha, small entries allow fishermen in. Fantastic Views, beautiful reefs, crashing surf, amazing clouds. No facilites.
18- KEOKEA POINT aka "BABY BEACH"- Keaukaha, Hilo. From Kalaniana'ole Road, turn onto Onekahakaha Rd, then make the first left turn onto Apapapane Road. You will then turn right onto Lihikai Road. Follow to the end, go inside the gates. Small beach, nice action. Some shady spots and some long views. No facilities.
25-HAKALAU VALLEY BEACH PARK- Hakalau, Hamakua. From Hilo take the Hamakua Hwy north.  Just past Honomu on the makai side, you'll see Old Mamalahoa Hwy, turn Makai, or toward the sea. Take that road along and follow it down into the valley. At the bottom you'll have a choice to drive across a small stream (to get to the park), or you can just drive straight and paint from the riverside without crossing. Up to you. Most of the painters are on side that you'd have to cross over the river to get to. Both sides have great views.  Pounding surf or quiet waves, up valley views, and some mellow river action. Amazing road trestles.    Facilities available, but only lua for the potty....better than nothing :)

au Pau.  

Saturday, June 1, 2013

JUNE en Plein AIre

Aloha Artists, aloha June!
 June is a interesting month when you consider the weather. It's the beginning of hurricane season, and is considered "summer" by many.  June can present some long lovely days-- and, on the other hand, can pack some serious storm action. So it's a mixed bag. The beginning of each month is started at Wai'uli Beach Park in Keaukaha. Start time is 8am, at every site, every Thursday, artists come and go all day. If you show up to a site, and no one is there, set up and get started-- be the leader. Most likely you won't be solo for long. If you are uncomfortable setting up by yourself, you can otherwise amuse your self by swimming, walking around checking out the location-- or you can sit in your car.  I usually walk around check out the spot, see where I wanna paint, set up. Sometimes I'll go for a swim or clean my palette. Everytime is different. It's good to have a few phone numbers of the other painters. I call around see when the others are planning on showing up.

JUNE/SCHEDULE- every thursday sunrise to sunset and somewhere in between
 

6-  WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- Hilo. Just before Richardson's, makai side. Great views, nice shade- swimming, honu and facilities.
13- ALA HEIAU- Puna, Last month's session at this locale was a rain out, so we're trying it again. It is a big favorite of the group's.. In Hawaiian Paradise Park, Puna. Drive to the end of Maku'u Road. Turn right, follow Ala Heiau rd to the end, and park. Do not block the dirt road entrance, the fishermen use that shoreline access. It is well worth the drive and is always a wonderful day.
20-WAIPIO VALLEY- Hamakua Coast line, Kukuihaeli- Artists are meeting at the top at 10am if you wanna catch a ride.. otherwise you're hoofing it 1 mile straight down.. & a little bit further to the beach area. A wonderful hike..
27-WAIAKEA FISHING AREA- Hilo. Kilauea St. Just behind the old purple building & behind Cruising coffee... a view of Wailoa Pond.. & some other stuff..
Pau.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

MAY en Plein Aire

Aloha Artists, Aloha May!
The month of May will hopefully bring us some lovely painting weather-- we'll see! So far, today is May 1st, and it is a beautiful day--so we're off to a great start.  Keep in mind that every first Thursday of each month the location is always Wai'uli Beach Park. Located in Keaukaha, it is about 10 minutes or so from Hilo town. It always provides a beautiful view, but these days I usually use that day to
tweek paintings from other sessions. Once in a while I begin a new one there, and I'm about due to get that together. It's a nice day to visit with other artists, and catch up on everyone's artistic adventures of the month.
Anyhow, here's the schedule. It is put together by artist Leslie Sears-

MAY-every Thursday, from morning til evening, show up when you can.
2-WAI'ULI- Keaukaha, Hilo. Kalaniana'ole Ave to just before Richardson's Beach Park. Makai side,
pavilions, facilities, views forever. Nice swimming too.
9- ALA HEIAU- Puna, Hawaiian Paradise Park- From the Keaau-Pahoa Hwy, turn makai on Makuu Ave. Go all the way to the bottom of the road, and turn right. Drive to the end of the road. Dramatic and shady. Lots of wave action, lots of cliffs and tide pools. One of our favorite spots.
16-SMALL BOAT HARBOR- Hilo. From Hilo, just after you pass over the Suisan Bridge the small boat harbor is on the right. Turn on Manono St and then take your first right into the harbor. It gets hot, so bring an umbrella or grab a tree.
23-ONOMEA LOOK OUT- Paipaikou. About 5 miles out of Hilo on the Hamakua. Take the
Old Mamalahoa Hwy turn off aka "Scenic Route". Drive down about 3 or so miles. You'll see a dramatic bay with wonderful long views. There's road side parking. No facilities. Can walk to a beach down a semi steep trail, but it's not so bad. Worth it too-- great small beach with a stream.
30-"RADIO BAY"- Keaukaha. Also known a Kuhio Bay. Kalaniana'ole Ave to just after the gas company, but before the aquaculture place. A small road "Beach Access" on the makai side, will take you there. We usually set up on the right side. This is where the Hilo Bay Break water begins, a very interesting place. Shade trees and nice views. Boats and sailing canoes are sometimes docked there.
pau.  Amy Markham

Monday, April 1, 2013

APRIL EN PLEIN AIRE

ALOHA APRIL ,  ALOHA ARTISTS!   We welcome April with ideas of fresh spring days and fragrant blooms. We've learned that April showers bring May flowers....but I'm wishing for typical trade wind weather..  you know, rain at night, crystal blue days, spectacular sunsets and spunky ocean action.  I think the flowers will bloom just fine with the trades doing their thing. So far I've been seeing a whole lotta vog, which is a by product of Kona Winds. I don't dig it so much.  Every month the schedule is conceived by Leslie Sears. I publish it here on the blog. Leslie has also set up a Plein Air Artist Exhibition in January 2014. Email her with your questions or for entry info.
leslie@lesismore.us

APRIL SCHEDULE- thursday- all day, show up when you can.
4- WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- just before Richardson's beach park, facilities, views, and pavilions
11-KEOKEA POINT -Keaukaha, aka "Baby Beach" From Hilo, Kalaniana'ole Ave to Onekahakaha Rd. turn makai, make the first left turn, onto Apapane Rd. About one block down, turn makai onto Lihikai Rd. At the bottom of the road, drive through the yellow gates to the parking area.
18-HAWAI'IAN BEACHES- Puna. From Hilo take the Volcano hwy. to the Kea'au-Pahoa by-pass, until you see Kahakai Blvd. it is just after the Pahoa turn off. Turn makai and drive to the stop sign. Turn Left on to Kahakai (again) and go all the way to the ocean. There's a small park on the left. After paint day a pau hana gathering is planned at artist Gil's house which is nearby. Bring something to share if can.
25-"THE ISLES" Hilo. From downtown Hilo, go over the Suisan Bridge. Take the first left, Lihiwai Rd. Go past Suisan Fish Market, and just past Nihon Restaurant there's a small parking area, turn left into that lot. We usually set up on the grassy area behind Nihon. Nice views of the bay and it's shore.
         pau.          xxAM

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

MARCH en Plein Aire

MARCH-
Aloha Artists, Aloha March! We experienced quite a few blustery and rainy paint days last month! It was hard to get into "the zone" as a hard rain blew and the occasional glance at the horizon provided little chance of blue.  Last month's session at Diane's Gallery Toulouce was wonderful and fun. It was mostly clear and the whales welcomed us with their leaps and spouts. I painted a few papaya trees behind the gallery, a lovely garden of tropical plenty. The hanging jade vines were beginning to bloom, and I have it in my mind to return to try and get them on canvas too. This month's sessions are mostly scheduled to be at park pavilions, with one journey up to Saddle Road. Hopefully the flowers and hillsides will be a bloom.

MARCH SCHEDULE-   every thursday- 8am to sunset


7- WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- Keaukaha, Hilo- Kalaniana'ole Ave to just before Richardson's beach park. Wai'uli is the small park with the large parking area, 5 pavilions in a row. Facilities available.

14- ONEKAHAKAHA BEACH PARK- Keaukaha, Hilo, Kalaniana'ole Ave. to Onekahakaha Road. Turn left, drive down to the pavilions located straight ahead. If the painters aren't there, they may be to the other side of the beach area. Facilities available.

21- WAI'LOA BEACH PARK- Hilo, mauka on Manono St.to Pi'ilani St., turn right, go past Manono Mart, and head into the park. We should be to the right, near the large pavilion. Facilities available.

28-KILOHANA- Saddle Rd.- Saddle Rd. to Kilohana Hunter Station (43.5 miles from Hilo), turn mauka, go past Hunters station, painters will be about 1/2 mile up. No need 4 w/d. If gate is locked the alternate location is just across the rd. (the "other mauka") at the Girl Scout Camp, it's a bit farther up the road. Saddle boasts beauty in abundance, the drama of the mountains, and the quiet of old Hawai'i.   It's a fulfilling day.  
pau.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

en plein aire/February

Aloha Artists, Aloha February! Well, the fair February is upon us, and weather wise we can look forward to some variable conditions. It's the time of year to expect a bit of action from the North Pacific. In Hawai'i these conditions translate to chilly temps and pushy pressure systems, which can  halt our trade winds. No trade winds mean that windward Big Island can experience a mixed bag of vog, chilly winds, big rain, weird drought, and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa could get snow. Another issue of note, for the Plein Air Artists of Hawaii Island, is that our group has been evolving from strong early morning sessions, to more of an after noon flow. It's really is up to you, but if you're looking forward to working with others, try the afternoon. If you're a self starter, and like solitude, then the morning may be your time. The peace and the gentle ways of the early day are really worth the effort, but the camaraderie of the group may be what your after. The mornings atmospheric colors are hard to beat, and in my experience, the only other time of day that presents similar conditions is the much loved "lavender hour" (just before sunset).  Another option is to do an all day gig. A most splendid way to spend a day, immersed "en plein aire. As a plein air artist, you should be able to set up and paint solo, but if the group is what your after, then make it a point to get to know the other outdoors artists, and set a time to meet. 
p.s. Gerald Murai shoud be back soon.... :)
 pau. AM
 FEBRUARY SCHEDULE- every thursday a new location
7- WAI'ULI- Keaukaha, Hilo "Lele'iwi"- Kalaniana'ole Ave. to the park just before Richardson's. 5 pavilions in a row, lg. parking area, facilities. Forever Views. Our place to begin each month.
14-ISSAC HALE BEACH PARK-Lower Puna, Pohoiki, Pahoa area, Take Hwy 132 from Pahoa, heading toward Kapoho. Just after Lava Tree park, upon exiting the tree tunnel, the road forks, keep to the right, heading towards Pohoiki.  Drive with caution, this is a winding road with the occasional giant Mango tree in the center of the road. There's also the "surfer factor", which means you need to watch out for them bombing the road back into town. Anyhow at the bottom (ocean), turn to your left and look for the painters tucked into the trees. Life guard stand, Pavilions, and lovely ocean views. A great escape from the norm. Facilities.
21-KEOKEA POINT, "baby beach", Keaukaha, Hilo- Kalaniana'ole Ave., to Keokea Loop Rd. Turn left (makai), take the first right turn, Apapane Rd. then your first left, Lihikai Rd. drive to the end, and turn into the parking area. Sweet tide pools, occasional point waves, and nice bay views. Shade trees, small beaches you can walk to. No facilities. Bring your own water.
28-GALLERY TOULOUCE- Onomea, Scenic Route, Hamakua district. From Hilo, take the Hamakua Hwy, & turn makai on Mamalahoa Hwy (aka-Onomea Scenic Route) About 2 miles down on the ocean side, you'll see a charming old bldg, Gallery Toulouce. Run by Diane Renchler, it's always a fun day. Fabulous views and whales. Sweet gardens, interesting old plantation structures, surrounded by giant trees, and sweeping views. Diane is a great hostess, and sometimes spins some great tunes, or joins us. Facilities.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

JANUARY/2013/en plein aire

Aloha Artists, Aloha 2013!
 Welcome to the future~ It feels so exciting and fresh! And it's been uber great to have the rains back, everything was so dry and voggy, the rain cleanses the island. The "down side" to rainy days is how difficult it becomes to paint outside. It'd be nice to go down to the red road and paint again sometime, love the views and the consistent sun shine. When it's raining in town, or even upper Puna, it's usually clear in the Kalapana and Kapoho zones. It's more south, so it catches a whole other curve of atmospheric action. Anyhow,
here's the schedule that Ms. Leslie Sears developed to ring in the New Year. See you out there!

 JANUARY SCHEDULE- start at 8am, bring your own stuff, no one hardly ever shows up at 8, so don't panic. No idle talking around artists who are working....it's an all day adventure, so show up when you can

3-WAI'ULI BEACH PARK-Keaukaha,Kalaniana'ole Ave, Pavilions just before Richardson's
10-ALA HEI'AU-Paradise Park/Lower Puna/Maku'u Ave to the bottom, turn right & we're on the cliffs under the trees
17-PARADISE PARK PALI-Paradise Park/Lower Puna/Paradise Drive to the near bottom, turn right onto Beach Rd, till it stops. Artists under trees.
24-KING'S LANDING-Keaukaha, Kalaniana'ole Ave to the very end, through the yellow gates, drive to the end of the dirt road, we'll be under the trees oceanside.
31-BAYFRONT CANOE LANDING-Hilo Bay, Canoe Halau Area-   lots of color pops and long views of town & the Hamakua     
pau. AM