I've been reevaluating some of my artwork, as some artists often do, and "From Me To You" has always been a favorite piece of mine, however it felt lacking in something. So I put it back on my easel this week and started to rework the painting. I wanted to keep the original concept (same bird, same flower, same composition) but spruce it all up just a bit. My birdie got fatter and now sits closer to the branch. The Lehua's leaves are fuller and bright green and the Lehua itself is bushier and more explosive red. I also added a few buds for interest and changed the background color from the obvious blue choice to a refreshing light green. My goodness, little 'Anianiau! Don't you look dapper now?!

Golden Cheeked Warblers have, as their name entails, have bright yellow patches on their cheeks with little eyes masks. Although they migrate to many different place in the US, Texas is the only state where they breed. Oak and pine are their trees of choice, so naturally I had to give them a rest on a sturdy oak branch. Initially I painted this one with a pink background and less definition in the leaves. Today I revisited this composition and gave it a little perking up! Now they are ready to fly!

This commissioned painting was really fun to create! I have a client that owns a few rabbit stores in Japan where the rabbits are found good loving homes. He commissioned two paintings and this is the first. He gave me a few pictures to get the idea of the individual rabbits and he asked for them to be popping out of a brick wall. I thought it was an unusual yet cute idea, so I ran with it and here we are! The rabbits are beautifully fluffy and soft neutral colors, so paired with the ridged lines and bright red color of the bricks, they really stand out. Love how this one came out!

Kailua-Kona is known for its coffee. Today these two 'Akohekohes decided to take their own private coffee farm tour. The 'Akohekohe is only found in Maui, but this pair traveled across the way on a stay-cation. Tomorrow they may take a trip up to Kileaua. Who knows? They might stay on Hawaii island. We have lots of Koa trees for them to sleep in and Lehua blossoms loaded with nectar for them to sip... Or they could just brew some coffee:)

"RAINBOW" along with "LOVE" will be the beginning of a new series I'd like to call "Bird Is The Word". Iris from Wyland Waikiki requested this particular word, and I rolled with it. The Red-Billed Leiothrix reminds me of a rainbow, so naturally I thought of adding two of them right away. And it wouldn't be complete without an actual rainbow peeking around the corner. This word gives a whole new meaning to the saying "colorful word"!

I apologize for my tardiness in sending this one out today!

As a child, Memorial Day meant hotdogs and hamburgers, American flags and backyard parties. As an adult, Memorial Day usually includes these things, but I really appreciate the true meaning behind its celebration. This is the day we honor those who fight for our freedom, our way of life, our carefree days and our deep-sleep nights. The soldiers who risk more than we could ever repay, and do so without question. They go places and face fears that we will never truly know. And, when they sacrifice their lives so that we can live on, they do so knowing that the majority of America will never know their names. Today, we honor the many heroes that make this life possible.

God Bless our fallen heroes and all those who have sacrificed so much for us all.

Warblers are some of my favorite birds that don't exist in Hawaii. They have delicate trill-filled songs and bright, intricate plumage. The Magnolia Warbler has a beautiful blue-grey back and head with yellow throat, chest and flanks. The male has a black mask with white eyebrow and dark spots on his throat and flanks. Initially the Magnolia Warbler was discovered in a Magnolia tree, a simple connection. My Magnolia Warbler couple is having a peaceful morning on a Magnolia branch. They are very busy birds and usually only stand still long enough to sing, so this is a real treat!

I'm still on my yellow bird kick, going strong!

This little fellow looks like he is waiting for a friend's arrival. He's come prepared with flower in hand as a warm Hawaiian welcome to the island. Aloha!!

After creating my friend's Aloha sign, I had to make another for Wyland Waikiki. I noticed that I am currently on a yellow bird kick. The 'Anianiau is mostly found on Kauai, but I figured these two took a day trip to Oahu to do some sightseeing in Waikiki. Everyone needs a little vacation from home!

This painting was one of the sketches I drew while trying to entertain my husband on the plane to California a few weeks ago. When I got back to Hawaii, the owner of Genesis Galleries told me that he had a brilliant idea for a painting. He then described to a tee (no pun intended) the drawing I had created a week earlier. And no, I didn't tell him about it or show anyone the sketch except my family. Weird... So that solidified it for me. I had to make this painting pronto, and it came out great! Love the shadow of my little fat bird on the ball. Nice golf day on the ocean in Hawaii!