At the beginning of the year I met Brooks, long time supporter of the conservation efforts for the native Hawaiian birds and a new fan of my work:) We started this commission from an idea he came up with a while back as he was helping to restore Mauna Kea's habitat for the Palila, a critically endangered indigenous bird.

His idea was to have an upside down Palila reaching for Mamane flowers or pods and collecting snow on his backside in the process. With Mamane shrubs scattered about, Pu'us (cinder cones) set behind the action and an edge of the mountain in the distance.

I was a little worried that not everything would it on our 9"x12" canvas, but made it all fit with lots of snow to cap it off. Our Palila pair look so very happy in the snow, with still enough to eat and a fantastic view.

Thanks Brooks! Enjoy your painting:)

I love how this little lei shack came out. I based the house on an actual house in Hawaii with bright red steps and lanai floor leading to the front door. Complete with a plumeria tree to supply sweet smelling flowers and the sound of rolling waves behind, who wouldn't feel welcome on this island paradise? Kitty is totally enjoying her sleep on the front lanai too.

A favorite treat after a hot day in the Hawaiian sun is some shave ice! There are popular shacks all over the islands featuring tropical flavors with an option of vanilla ice cream on the bottom and/or azuki beans which is a Japanese sweet bean. When I'm feeling extra indulgent, I have to get both with my three flavors shave ice. I could go for one right now: lilikoi, pineapple, strawberry for me. What you getting?