Like the ocean? Like Hawaii? Like flowers? Why not combine all three in a series of Hawaiian Floral Seascape paintings!? I’ve been working on just this feat, recently and really enjoying the process. It allows for the play of some bold, complimentary colors and the challenge of arranging a pleasing composition. Here is a composite of four, recently completed panels (12×12 in. oil on deep cradled birch). I haven’t run out of flowers that are suitable for this series, yet, so there may be few more forthcoming!
Hawaiian Floral Seascapes ~ Original Oil Paintings by Ronald Lee Oliver
Pua Akala (Pink Hibiscus) 12 x 12 in. oil on deep cradled panel by Ronald Lee Oliver
Another in my series of Hawaiian Floral Seascapes. Seen just about everywhere in Hawaii but like a younger daughter, the Pink Hibiscus must always be subordinate to the elder, yellow hibiscus which is the State Flower of the Islands …she is just as delicate and beautiful though.
This is in the same format as some of my other Hawaiian floral oil paintings, which are all in the 12 inch square format on 1.5 inch deep, hardwood cradled, birch panels, suitable for hanging with or without a frame. This colorful series of paintings brightens any space with a vibrant, tropical splash.
The yellow hibiscus is the State Flower of Hawaii. Some of the specimens that can be seen there are Amazing! I like to say, in a voice reminiscent of the young Forrest’s Doctor in the movie, Forrest Gump,
“They’re large as dinner plates!”
This painting captures the bold, lush petals of a giant “Pua Aloalo” against a backdrop of Blue Hawaii.
Pua Aloalo (Yellow Hibiscus) 12″ x 12″ oil on 1.5″ cradled panel
A plein air QuickDraw is an outdoor event where a group of painters, usually invited to the event by a jury selection process, all compete to produce the best painting (as opined by the event judge) in a limited amount of time…typically about two to three hours.
The above painting, Serendipity, was completed in two-and-a-half hours at the April 12, 2014 San Diego Botanic Gardens QuickDraw, which had 16 painters participating. Not all of the time was spent painting…much of it was spent talking with interested onlookers and patrons of the botanic gardens. There were three ribbons awarded, which included some cash prizes. No ribbon for Serendipity–but hey–what does a judge know about what is the best, eh? 😉
The important thing is to get a good result and judging by response from patrons and other artists at the event, this one was well received. I am honored that Serendipity was selected by jury for exhibition in the June 2014 Regional Artists Show at the Museum of the Living Artist at the San Diego Art Institute in the Prado at Balboa Park.
