I LOVE how this painting came out! Kahili Ginger is a beautiful plant that grows in Hawaii, but with its beauty it also has lots of power. The root that we are familiar with is very aggressive and the plant will choke its neighbors to get more space. Not the nicest of plants, but it's flowers sure are pretty. My little 'I'iwi friends are swaying back and forth with the ginger in the wind. And every so often, their beaks meet in a heart kiss:)
My Ke Aloha Series involves native Hawaiian birds creating a heart with a kiss. The 'I'iwi has become something of a mascot for Hawaiian birds with its bright colors, goofy long hook-beak and quick hummingbird-like movements. I donate a percentage of my profits from each Ke Aloha painting to aid in the conservation of Hawaii's native birds.

To learn more, check out:

Audobon Hawaii -
http://www.audubon.org/chapters/hawaii-audubon-society


American Bird Conservancy (Hawaii page) -  http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/oceansandislands/hawaii/index.html

Esta is a bulldog mix and she's adorable! As a birthday present, I made this portrait for Anita and she suggested having the surf and black sand of Pololu in the background. With Esta, I wanted to make sure all of her spots were accounted for and I almost missed the cutest spot: the freckle under her eye. Once I added her eye freckle, it all came together! I imagine she's taking a breather on the beach, a perfect moment to take a picture, and then she will be off and running! Oh what fun to be a dog!

Happy New Year!

A new year, a fresh start!

For some, January 1st is just another day in the cycle of life. Although I am aware that it is just another day, I like to see today as an opportunity to reset, prioritize what's important in life and set new goals for the future. I don't buy into the resolutions that aren't logical like "this year I'm going to work out every single day" when you haven't worked out in ten years, or "I will give up chocolate this year"... But I do believe in deciding what is most important to you and setting small goals that lead you towards that bigger goal. Baby steps that can get you on your way toward big jumps of joy.

Can't wait to get started! 2015