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

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