Emilee and Kahiko Hula

I was honored and a little nervous when a friend asked me to paint a portrait of her daughter she planned to give as a Valentine's gift to her husband and daughter.

My daughter danced with Emilee in the Mokuaina dance group and I was there when she had her first couple of lessons. Emilee took to Tahitian and Hula like a fish to water.

Her mother chose the traditional Kahiko Hula style for the painting. Kahiko Hula is always accompanied with chanting and never has modern instruments such as guitar involved.

16x20 oil on canvas panel

My first Moleskin contribution - IZ

click to enlarge painting

this is watercolor

This is my first contribution to the Flying Moleskins Project. Edward Burton chose his theme to be music. When my daughter danced hula and Tahitian with the renown Na Hula 'O Moku'aina dance company for five years, I fell in love with the culture. Kumu Catherine Blakenship is a very talented teacher, singer and gifted choreographer. Her instruction for new dances always included a history and cultural lesson. This is my dedication for her work in preserving a beautiful art and culture.

Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole is a Hawaiian Icon. If you go to the Flying Moleskins Project webpage, you can listen to his rendition of the song "Over the Rainbow" which gained him National attention.

Malissa again

The only thing you may recognize is that determined look again. This is based on an old photo that I don't recall who I got it from as an emailed jpg. I was afraid I'd lose this image of a 6 or 7 year old Malissa warming up behind stage before the yearly performance with her old group Motuaina here in Bay Area, so I decided to paint it.

I loved being a part of the group for the 5 years we were there. Now she has decided she would rather concentrate on competitive soccer. I miss the family atmosphere, the dance, the culture and the costumes. It was great while it lasted.

9x12 oil on board