I started this painting to celebrate some exciting news: I am sending art to Waikiki this week to show in Wyland Galleries on Oahu! Very exciting!

This is an 'Akepa pair sitting on a sign with Hawaiian hibiscus and lots of color. The 'Akepa usually likes to stay higher up, but I guess today these two decided to take a tour and see the sights. Next stop Kalakaua Street!

Oh 'Akepa, how cute are you with your electric orange attire and bright sparkling eyes! I am enamored with the 'Akepa (if you can't tell). They are so full of joy, bouncing from leaf to leaf, tree to tree. It's as though these little birds are bundles of light, warming up the world one flower at a time.

My 'Akepa has settled on a pink hibiscus for a moment. I see this composition as a "welcome to the islands". The bird is a friend (new or old) that has flown over to celebrate your arrival. In Hawaii, it is always complementary to bring a gift when meeting visitors, especially a gift made of island flowers. Since he is a small bird, this big hibiscus is quite the gift! What a wonderful welcome!

The 'Amakihi is a small bird from Hawaii that are not severly endangered like most Hawaiian honeycreepers. They are most prevalent in forested areas of Hawaii and Maui, but also found on Molokai and Lanai. Unlike most honeycreepers, the 'Amakihi is seemingly tolerant of avian malaria and therefore can be seen nesting and foraging in lower canopy areas. Their plumage is usually a bit more green than I have portrayed, but I wanted that yellow punch of color. I imagine the sun is hitting their feathers at just the right angle to make the yellows pop! Love the 'Amakihi, and it looks like they love each other too.

Although the song is super obnoxious, this title fits my Leiothrix Birdette perfectly. He looks pleasantly surprised to see you! The Red-Billed Leiothrix was introduced to Hawaii back in the early 1900's. They group together during non-breeding season, but as a couple, the Leiothrix becomes territorial over his mate. These guys live on the down low, nesting close to the ground and feeding off of fruit and bugs within the lower levels of tree canopies and shrubbery.

My Leiothrix Birdette just came down to let you know that he's here and wants to bring a little sunshine and rainbows into your life. What a wonderfu littlel gentleman!

Yay 'I'iwi! These little guys are mascots of Hawaii. With their flashy red and black coat, funny hooked beaks and quirky looks, how can you not smile when one comes to visit? Although small, the 'I'iwi is an adaptive, tough bird. The 'I'iwi is one of the least vulnerable of all Hawaii nectar birds and is able to migrate from island to island, allowing the species to find suitable places to feed, rest and nest. Thats exactly what my two loves are up to here... A little R&R alone time together. With a kiss to build a dream on.

These Palila needed a song title that had lots of dizzying joy and a whirlwind of happiness. What better song than the definition of sunshine pop? I added in the "so", it's really titled "happy together" but I felt it needed the "so" in it... Makes it even more happy.

The Palila is a critically endangered bird of Hawaii. They have little masks or black lores that remind me of zorro, and their bellies have a bib of yellow over white. The Mamane flower is the Palila's food of choice. As the Mamane has declined, so has the Palila. Conservation groups are working hard to protect the Palila's remaining habitat. I just imagine the Palila making a strong comeback, so we can see them so happy together where they belong.

Yes! Another penguin crossing!!

I can see these Gentoo penguins chant/singing "I would walk five hun-dred miles, and I would walk five hun-dred more!" Gentoo penguins are so very cute with their large white patch behind their eyes and their torpedo stature. In the water, Gentoo penguins are the fastest swimmers. On land, however, the Gentoo is an awkward sight. Their tails swing side to side, making their bum-waddle more pronounced. My buddy Kris says they look like they are tap dancing, but I say they are stomping to the beat and saying, "Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles to fall down at your door! Da-da-da, (Da-da-da) Da-da-da (Da-da-da) !"

Boop Boop Bee Doop!
Once again, Kris comes to the rescue with the name of this painting! It's the mascara-like eye markings that make us go gaga for these cute little Pueo (Hawaiian Short-Eared Owls). The Pueo is an amazing bird. With those big talon claws and sharp beak, yet soft downy feathers and dem big lovely peepers, I acknowledge her strength and try to suppress my need to cuddle her up and drink hot cocoa. Look away now, or forever be in the clutches of her cuteness!

This song reminds me of my twin bro. He doesn't play piano, but he learned the notes to Lionel Richie's "Hello" and he'd play and sing very dramatically. So funny! So I had this song in my back pocket until a Birdette came along to claim it.

This little Birdette is a Japanese White-Eye. He's extra fluffy and got them big dewy eyes. Incorporate a quizzical half-tilt gaze and I'm done! TKO kto!!