The Menpachi, Squirrelfish, is one fish that looks permanently surprised. Being mostly nocturnal, they have big eyes to help them see at night. During the day you can find them tucked away in crevices and darting around in the underwater caves. I, of course, had to exaggerate the Menpachi's eye because it is the first thing I think of upon hearing its name. The Menpachi also has a spikey dorsal fin, giving him a punk rocker look when fully extended. Overall, he's probably the coolest fish in the water!

The Kihikihi, Moorish Idol, is a popular reef fish in Hawaii. They are easily identified by their striking black and white striped attire and accessories of yellow to the nose and backend. Super swift and dexterous, the Kihikihi darts along the coral reef searching for sponges that he an grab from crevices with his pointy nose. He is also one of the more curious fish and will not speed away too quickly when you come snorkeling by.

The Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, Hawaiian Triggerfish, has one of the longest names in the Hawaiian language. Translated it loosely means triggerfish with pig snout. They are known as a triggerfish due to their ability to blow water and sand out of their mouths to unearth tasty treats in the sand or within the crevices of the Hawaiian reef. The Humuhumu has become our state fish here in Hawaii, and he is easier to spot than to name. His bright colors will fade when sleeping and when the Humuhumu wishes to be submissive. Otherwise this celebrity fish flashes his colorful garb while holding court among the little fish surrounding the Hawaiian Islands.

These panoramic beachfront paintings are so fun to paint! I get to add all my favorites onto one street including some surfboards and the perfect scenic backdrop for a stroll in paradise. Start at the bakery and get your favorite malasada filled with coconut, strawberry or just plain (my favorite choice). Make sure you look ready for a fun Hawaiian day with a loud floral Aloha shirt and after a little surfing, relax at Duke's for a sunset MaiTai and the fresh catch for dinner. At day's end, settle into your plush pink bed, courtesy of Athens long-standing and iconic Royal Hawaiian. Sounds like a great day!

Orange ToL (Tree of Life) illustration full of birdies, flowers and colorful leaves😊

This is a fun diversion from my painting easel. My love of art began as a child and my first medium was drawing and coloring. So I decided to go back to my art roots and do some butcher paper illustrations in the style that is more evocative of childhood creativity. More to come:)

There's extra passion in this painting... Between the heart kissing 'I'iwi and our passionfruit and flowers, it's getting downright steamy! As part of my Ke Aloha Series, the subjects of this painting is a pair of native Hawaiian bird species kissing in the form of a heart and surrounded by the beauty and nature of Hawaii. The 'I'iwi is Hawaii's version of a hummingbird. They are not related and the 'I'iwi does not hover, but they are quick, cheery and easy to spot in their natural habitat.
For every Ke Aloha painting, I donate a percentage of the profits to help conservation efforts in Hawaii. To find out more about the conservation efforts going on in Hawaii, check out the following websites:
www.abcbirds.org/hawaii
www.restoremaunakea.org
www.kohalawatershed.org