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 


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DECEMBER en PLEIN AIRE

Aloha Artists, Aloha December! 
 Well, this is the last month of 2012, so lets use it with some panache. I'm sending my aloha and good vibrations for a beautiful holiday season to you all, and wow, 2013 is almost upon us!  I am looking forward to yet another year of painting outside on our beautiful island. Me ke aloha Pumehana, AM

 DECEMEBER SCHEDULE-every Thursday, 8am, bring your own stuff and paint quietly--

6-WAI'ULI BEACH PARK/Keaukaha, Hilo. Kalaniana'ole Ave to just before Richardson's Beach Park. Turn into the large parking area with 5 pavilions in a row. Views from every vantage, tide pools, wave action, across the bay views, all with a Mauna Kea backdrop; lovely Hamakua is on the horizon. Facilities, and water available.
13-HILO BAY/Canoe Landing,Hilo. Off of Kamehameha Ave. Turn into the parking area and proceed through the open gates to the canoe landing areas, we should be well distributed along the shore or by the halau. There's lots of parking, bathrooms, and water. Nice bay & town views. The canoes (wa'a wa'a) lend bright color punches, and the sheds (halau) are wonderful structures.
20-KING'S LANDING-Keaukaha, Hilo. Kalaniana'ole Ave. to the end, through the yellow gate and then along the shoreline dirt road, turn into the last entrance on the makai side. The painters will be along the shoreline there. Shady, wild and fun. Lua, no water.
27-Prince Kuhio Kalaniana'ole Beach Park- Just after "The Ponds" restaurant, makai side. A small entrance that I sometimes miss & have to turn around to :), has a sign, but for some reason, I don't see it, even tho I know where it is! Shade, picnic areas, views of boats, and shallow waters. Has a lua, & water. 
 Have a splendid Holiday Season, and I hope to see you out there!       pau.  Amy Markham 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

NOVEMBER PLEIN AIRE SCHEDULE

NOVEMBER NOTES- 
 Aloha Artists, Aloha November!  
Ah, November... a very lovely time of year. The days are starting to cool down, and are certainly getting shorter. Our painting group begins at 8am, but these days very few show up at that time. Guess it's just busy lives colliding with Thursday Paint days. I find that many artists show up mid day, or even later, and then paint till sundown. The optimum light is of course in the early hours, but the afternoon light is a close rival in beauty, and we fondly call it the "Lavender Hour". I recall past Thursday sessions when painters were out and set up at 630 am or so.  This is now a thing of the past I suppose. I usually show up around 9 am, and maybe one or two others will be there-- the morning shift. Actually it really makes no difference, whatever time works best for you is the best time to be there. November hosts two favorite community art shows. At the EHCC, The Fall Show, and at the Wai'loa, The Hawai'i Nei Show. November 2nd is also First Friday, and everything will be festive and alive; it's Downtown Hilo's annual Black and White Night too. Shops are open, revelers are in the streets dancing to live streetside music, it's a real fun night in sleepy old Hilo. There will even be a ball at the Kaikodo Bidg. I hope you stop into One Gallery to see me.
NOVEMEBER SCHEDULE-
every thursday, 8am- sunset, bring your own stuff, don't talk too much
1- WAI'ULI BEACH PARK- Hilo, Keaukaha- just before Richardson's. 5 round pavilions in a row, facilities, water, lots of views. We meet here every first Thursday of each month, just to convene and catch up. I usually use it as open studio time, bringing along paintings that need some work, and  spend most of my day painting in the gorgeous outdoor light.  Occasionally I take the time to swim a bit too..  This month some of the painters are opting to take advantage of the full moon and paint into the evening. Bring a bit of light, seeing your palette is always a challenge. Kalaniana'ole Ave. 
8- REED'S BAY- Hilo, Banyan Drive- On Banyan Drive just before "The Pond's" restaurant. Great views, pretty little scenes with sail boats and sweet overhanging trees. No Facilities other than port a pottys, so keep that in mind. Water. 
15-OLD PEOPLE'S PARK--Hilo/behind Suisan Fish Co- nice views of Hilo Bay Front & canoe halau, under old monkey pod trees. I hope Mauna Kea decides to show off. Water, no facilities. Lihiwai St to the first left after the Suisan parking lot, small park, nice big tree.
22- HILO BUS STATION- Thanksgiving paint out-- we meet down at the bottom of Haili St or somewhere like that and paint down town Hilo "clutter free". The streets are empty and things are calm. It's great. Paint first, can feast laters.    :)     Happy Thanksgiving
29-HAKALAU VALLEY- Hamakua, Hakalau- Up the coast from Hilo about 13 miles, turn makai on Old Mamalohoa Hwy, and coil down the road to the valley. We usually set up on the side where you have to drive through the stream bed. Don't be afraid to drive through, unless the water is raging. 
Great views, quiet time, and well tended. Water, no facilites but has lua.      PAU.
Rod Cameron's Euro Wkshp, gunna be a blast! 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

OCTOBER SCHEDULE en PLEIN AIRE

ALOHA ARTISTS, ALOHA OCTOBER...
So sorry this post has taken so long to become a reality--- seems it just doesn't get created 
until the last minute these days, & then I have to actually sit down & blog--- ho hum.... 
This evening Im sitting here wishing it wasn't so darn humid. The days have been voggy, dry and hot hot hot...... However, the vog fortunately seems to burn off as the day progresses.
Anyhow, Im looking forward to returning tradewinds, and a bit of evening rain.  

SCHEDULE- (start time 8am, but show up when you like, artists come and go all day)
4-WAI'ULI- pau.
11-RAIDO BAY- Hilo Bay, Keaukaha- Also known as Kuhio Bay, this spot is located just off of Kalaniana'ole Ave. From Hilo go past Hilo Harbor, turn right (makai) at the first "beach access' entrance after the Harbor Entrance.  Artists usually paint along the breakwater or to the side by the small boat harbor. Great views, a quiet day.
18-WAI'PIO VALLEY- Hamakua... look for the spectacular valley at the end of the road, just past Honokaa, and Kukuihaele. All day session.
25-BABY BEACH-Hilo, Keaukaha- Kalaniana'ole Ave to Onekahakaha Rd- turn makai & take the first left, Apapapane Rd. to Lihikai, makai turn and drive all the way to the shore... another spot of lulling beauty and good times... 
pau.   See You There!